Psychological

Evaluation

Psychological

Evaluation

Comprehensive evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults in michigan to Gain clarity, insight, and a path forward

At Mala Child & Family Institute, our psychological evaluations are more than diagnostic tools — they are collaborative, trauma-informed, and affirming processes that help individuals and families better understand strengths, challenges, and next steps for care. Whether you're seeking clarity about attention issues, learning struggles, emotional challenges, or identity-related experiences, we’re here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

We proudly evaluate clients at our Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills clinics with virtual evaluations available for clients across Michigan.

Three interconnected circles symbolizing trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive psychological evaluations at Mala Child & Family Institute in Michigan

Why Choose Mala for Your Evaluation?

  • Multidisciplinary care under one roof
    Our psychologists work closely with in-house psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatric providers to offer comprehensive follow-up care when needed.

  • Local Experts You Can Trust
    Our licensed psychologists specialize in working with children, teens, and adults throughout Metro Detroit and across Michigan.

  • Neurodiversity-affirming and culturally sensitive
    We don’t pathologize difference—we honor it. Our evaluations seek to uncover your unique profile to better support your lived experience.

  • Deep expertise in complex and co-occurring needs
    From trauma to autism, ADHD to mood disorders, learning disabilities to giftedness, we are trained to assess nuanced and intersecting concerns.

  • Clear reports and collaborative feedback
    You’ll walk away with not only answers, but also a clear plan, supportive referrals, and an affirming narrative you can share with schools or care providers.

Psychological Evaluation in Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, and Plymouth Michigan - Mala Child & Family Institute - student wearing jean jacket and holding books

What We Evaluate

Evaluations don’t always end in a diagnosis. 

Sometimes, an individual has a lack of executive functioning skills, or developmental issues that could be resolved without a diagnosis. Evaluation helps us determine that and gives you the peace of mind that you know exactly what is going on and how to best care for yourself or your child.

Serving children (5+), teens, and adults

    • ADHD

    • Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)

    • Twice Exceptionality (2E)

    • Anxiety Disorders (i.e. OCD and GAD)

    • Depressive Disorders (i.e. MDD)

    • Trauma (PTSD, Complex PTSD)

    • Parent-Child Attachment

    • Personality Disorders

    • Cognitive strengths and difficulties (intelligence/IQ)

    • Academic skills and learning

    • Executive functioning (memory, attention, organization, etc.)

    • Social-emotional skills and behavioral concerns

    • Adaptive and functional skills

    • Fine motor abilities

    • School placement

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    • Adult Forensic Evaluations

    • Government Job Evaluations

    • Traumatic Brain Injury

    • Comprehensive Neurological Exams

    • Dementia

    • Custody Evaluations

Meet our Director of Assessment

I’m truly honored that you’re considering Mala Child & Family Institute for your psychological evaluation needs. At Mala, we know that taking the first step to seek mental health support, whether for yourself or your child, is both brave and deeply meaningful. You deserve care that not only informs but also affirms and empowers.

As the Director of our Psychological Evaluation Program, my commitment is to provide assessments tailored to your unique story. Every mind is different, and so is every evaluation we conduct. We take time to understand the whole person, not just symptoms, so we can uncover meaningful insights that lead to effective support, school accommodations, or therapeutic guidance.

You’ll find that our evaluations are more than checklists and tests. They are collaborative, respectful, and designed to give you or your child clarity, validation, and a personalized plan forward. Whether you’re exploring ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, learning challenges, or giftedness, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.

Welcome to a place where understanding begins and healing takes root.

Warmly,

Psychological Assessment director at Mala Child & Family Institute - Katie Sawchuk

Katie Sawchuk PsyD, LP

Director of Psychological Evaluations

Three circles representing a holistic psychological evaluation approach at Mala Child & Family Institute in Plymouth, Ann Arbor, and Farmington Hills, Michigan

Do you or your child struggle with any of the following…

  • Becoming easily stressed, anxious, or angry or having difficulty calming down

  • Problem solving, learning from mistakes, or thinking flexibly

  • Building or maintaining healthy relationships

  • Controlling impulses, taking accountability for actions, or being truthful

  • Starting or finishing tasks, transitioning from one activity to another, or perfectionism

  • Remembering information, needing lots of repetition to learn, or only learning under very specific circumstances

  • Having consideration for other’s emotions and perspectives or showing empathy towards others

  • Following rules around safety, health, community, and shared family values

Do you think there might be a bigger explanation than ‘not trying hard enough’? 

This is your place to start.

What to expect from the evaluation process:

Step 1: Intake

Intake is a 1-2 hour virtual appointment to get background information. If you are getting an evaluation for your child, this will often include you both. We schedule this a few weeks in advance, since sometimes, during the intake, we find that evaluation is not needed. 

Dots aligned on a vertical line to illustrate a timeline of the psychological evaluation process at Mala Child & Family Institute in Detroit, MI.

Step 2: In-Person Evaluation

All in evaluations for children and teens are 4-6 hours long and must be done in person. Brief evaluations for adults can be done virtually, ranging from 2-4 hours. We will give breaks throughout the day, so it is important for you or your child to come well rested and to bring water, lunch, and snacks.

Step 3: Forms for In-depth Data Collection

The person being evaluated, spouse, parents, and sometimes a teacher (in the case of school-age children) fill out self-report forms for data collection. We may also observe the person being evaluated at school, if applicable. 

Step 4: Integrate Data and Report Writing

We will compile our data, test results, and professional conclusions into a report. This process will take about 1 month.  

Step 5: Feedback Session

In this 1- hour session, your clinician will go over any findings and diagnosis, along with their recommendations for how to move forward. We can schedule additional session if you need additional sessions to better understand the results and receive more guidance.

Get an Evaluation at Mala.

Review next steps and complete a New Client Intake form by tapping the button below. 

Brief Virtual Mental Health Evaluations for Adults

Adult participating in an online ADHD evaluation with a therapist via secure telehealth platform in Michigan

get the clarity you need From the Comfort of Home

At Mala Child & Family Institute, we recognize that getting help should be simple, accessible, and stigma-free. That’s why we now offer brief virtual mental health evaluations for adults seeking clarity around symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Whether you're exploring a diagnosis for the first time or need documentation to support your care plan, our telehealth diagnostic services are designed with your time, privacy, and convenience in mind.

Who This Is For

  • Adults (18+) in Michigan seeking an initial mental health screening

  • Those wondering, “Do I have ADHD?” or “Could this be OCD or PTSD?”

  • Individuals needing documentation for therapy, workplace, or academic accommodations

  • Clients who prefer virtual appointments and efficient timelines

Why Choose Mala for an Evaluation?

  • Your well-being is our top priority. Our clinicians take the time to understand your unique circumstances, concerns, and goals to tailor the evaluation to your specific needs.

  • Our team comprises highly trained and experienced professionals with a deep understanding of mental health. We bring a wealth of knowledge to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of your evaluation.

  • We foster a non-judgmental and welcoming space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Your experiences are met with empathy, respect, and a commitment to your privacy.

  • Your input is invaluable. We believe in a collaborative approach, involving you in the evaluation process and ensuring that you feel informed and engaged every step of the way.

  • Our evaluations go beyond surface symptoms, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of your mental health. This approach allows us to develop comprehensive recommendations for your care.

Cost & Insurance

During your intake session, we will discuss the specific tests you or your child needs and the overall cost to perform those tests. You can also call ahead to get an estimate. For private-pay clients, evaluations typically range between $2000-$4000.

Mala is an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield for psychological evaluation. If you use a different insurance provider, we will provide you with a statement of services for reimbursement. It’s important to understand your insurance coverage before we start the evaluation process. Contacting your insurance provider to learn what your benefits cover is the best way to begin.

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