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Common QuestionsFrequently asked questions
Answers about our psychological services in Cary, NC, serving families across North Carolina, from evaluations and homeschool testing to the NC Opportunity Grant and ESA+ renewal process.
General
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that examines cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning. It helps identify strengths, areas for growth, and provides recommendations for support and intervention.
How long does an evaluation take?
Most evaluations involve 2 to 4 hours of one-on-one testing, sometimes split across two visits. You receive a comprehensive written report and a feedback session within about 3 to 4 weeks.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate on a private pay basis and do not bill insurance. This allows me to keep my fees significantly lower than most practices, making evaluations and therapy more accessible and affordable for families across North Carolina. You'll also benefit from greater privacy, more flexible scheduling, and no need for insurance authorization or diagnosis requirements. Current fees are listed on our Fees page. Payment is due at the time of service. HSA funds usually work as reimbursement: you pay at your visit, then submit your receipt to be paid back (eligibility depends on your plan). I am on the official NCSEAA provider list, so ESA+ families can pay through ClassWallet or pay at the visit and request reimbursement (ESA+ covers testing and therapy related to a student's academic progress). If you have out-of-network benefits, I can also provide a superbill to submit to your insurer; reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Evaluations
What conditions do you assess for?
We assess for a wide range of conditions including ADHD, anxiety, specific learning disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders, and behavioral issues, as well as intellectual giftedness (academically gifted testing). Evaluations are available for children through adulthood, and we tailor each one to the individual's specific concerns.
What happens after the evaluation?
After the evaluation, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and specific recommendations. We also schedule a feedback session to review the results and answer any questions you may have.
Can evaluations be used for school accommodations?
Yes. Our evaluations can be used to support accommodation requests at every educational level, from K-12 (for 504 plans or IEPs) to college and beyond. This includes applications for accommodations on standardized and college entrance exams such as College Board exams (SAT, PSAT, AP), the ACT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT, as well as for dual-enrollment and other post-secondary programs. We provide thorough documentation and, when needed, can participate in school or academic meetings to help advocate for your accommodations.
Homeschool Testing
What is required for NC homeschool testing?
North Carolina requires homeschool students to complete annual standardized testing in four core areas: reading, spelling, English grammar, and mathematics. This requirement begins the year your child turns seven and continues through graduation. The testing serves as a progress check and helps you meet state requirements. There's no minimum score your child needs to achieve. The state simply wants to ensure students are being assessed regularly. You'll need to keep test results on file for at least one year in case the Division of Non-Public Education requests them. I administer the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Test, which is widely recognized and fully meets North Carolina's requirements. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive testing environment where your child can perform their best without unnecessary stress. Many families find it helpful to have an experienced professional handle the annual testing, allowing them to focus on teaching while ensuring all state requirements are properly met.
How is homeschool testing different from regular evaluations?
Homeschool testing focuses on academic achievement and progress, ensuring compliance with state requirements. Full psychological evaluations are more comprehensive and look at cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors as well.
Services & Support
Do you provide ongoing counseling?
Yes, we offer individual counseling services to address social, emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns. Sessions are tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.
What is parent advocacy?
Parent advocacy involves supporting families in navigating the education system, including attending IEP and 504 plan meetings, helping you understand your rights, and ensuring your child receives appropriate support and services.
Can you work with private schools?
Absolutely. We provide psycho-educational evaluations specifically for private and Montessori schools, with recommendations tailored to the independent school environment.
Therapy & Counseling
Do you offer therapy and counseling?
Yes. Rebecca provides therapy for children, teens, and young adults through age 22 (through college) for anxiety, school stress, self-confidence, attention-related struggles, friendships, starting college, and adjusting to a new diagnosis. Sessions are 50 minutes, in person in Cary, with secure video available in North Carolina.
Do I need an evaluation before starting therapy?
No. An evaluation is never required to begin therapy. If you have already completed one with Anchor EEC, therapy can build directly on those results.
Is Anchor EEC a crisis service?
No. Anchor EEC provides scheduled outpatient care. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
Fees & Payment
How much does a psychological evaluation cost?
Fees depend on the type of evaluation and are shared at your consultation. Every evaluation fee covers the intake, all testing, scoring, the written report, and a feedback session, and you will know the exact cost before testing begins.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
Under the federal No Surprises Act, clients who are not using insurance have the right to a written estimate of expected charges before non-emergency services begin. Anchor EEC provides one before your first appointment.
NC Opportunity Grant & ESA+
Is Anchor EEC an approved NCSEAA provider? Can I pay with ClassWallet?
Yes. Anchor EEC is on the official NCSEAA provider list and accepts ClassWallet payments, so ESA+ families can pay for eligible testing and therapy through ClassWallet. Annual homeschool achievement testing is $135 per student ($120 for each additional sibling), and ESA+ continuing eligibility documentation is $420.
What is the NC Opportunity Grant?
The NC Opportunity Grant helps eligible North Carolina families pay for private school tuition. It's designed to give parents more choice in their child's education.
What is the ESA+ (Education Student Accounts Plus) program?
ESA+ provides additional financial support for students with disabilities. It can cover tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other approved educational services or materials.
Who manages these programs?
Both programs are administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).
How often do families need to renew ESA+ eligibility?
Families must renew every three years by submitting updated documentation showing that their child continues to meet eligibility criteria.
Who can complete the required Documentation of Continuing Eligibility form?
Only a licensed Psychologist with a school psychology focus or a Psychiatrist can sign the NCSEAA verification form.
Can your practice complete the ESA+ renewal documentation?
Yes. Our practice specializes in school psychology evaluations that meet NCSEAA's requirements for the Documentation of Continuing Eligibility.
What does your evaluation include?
We provide updated testing, review previous records, and prepare the official NCSEAA form. We also meet with families to explain results and answer questions.
How do I start the process?
Contact our office to schedule a consultation. We'll review what records you need, confirm eligibility requirements, and walk you through each step of the renewal process.
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk it through. Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.