Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluations for children and adolescents ages 2 to 18.

• Developmental evaluations (Autism, Intellectual Disability)
• ADHD evaluations
• Cognitive evaluations
• Psychological evaluations
• Psycho-educational evaluations 
• Neuropsychological evaluations
• Other types of evaluations/assessments are considered upon request.

Educational support and guidance for children receiving Section 504 or Special Education services.

Adult ADHD and/or Autism evaluations are also available.

Psychological consultation services.

**Dr. Arduengo is not providing any therapy or counseling services at this time. 

Evaluations are typically divided into three separate appointments: 

1. Initial Consultation/Parent intake – This meeting is usually an hour, and it can be done in-person or via telehealth (virtual). Intake paperwork is sent to you prior to this first appointment. You will complete the required paperwork using the secure client portal before your first meeting. One of the forms you will complete is a developmental history form, which will be the main focus of this first meeting. In this meeting, Dr. Arduengo will get additional developmental and background information about you/your child. You will have a chance to share your concerns and ask additional questions. Dr. Arduengo will also discuss what to expect on testing day and how to prepare yourself/your child. 
2. Direct testing – This appointment is when Dr. Arduengo will spend time with you/your child and conduct the evaluation. You will have an idea of what to expect and how long the testing will be at the end of your first intake appointment. The length of this appointment depends on your concerns, the age of the person being evaluated, and what information you are seeking.
3. Feedback/results – The meeting is usually an hour, and it can also be done in-person or virtually via telehealth. At this meeting, you will get a copy of the evaluation report. Payment for the full cost of the evaluation is required before you receive a copy of the evaluation report. 

No, PEARS, PLLC does not accept insurance at this time. All services are considered out-of-network services. We do not submit insurance claims, and Dr. Arduengo does not complete prior authorization paperwork. An itemized superbill, however, can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider to determine what out-of-network benefits you might be eligible for. While Dr. Arduengo can provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit for reimbursement to your insurance company, she does not guarantee that services will be covered. Please confirm all mental health benefits with your insurance company. 

Dr. Arduengo does not accept insurance in an effort to provide the best possible care for you or your child’s needs. Insurance companies often place certain restrictions on what they cover, and they often require updated information on progress and treatment goals. Dr. Arduengo strives to keep this information confidential, and working independently of insurance providers means that Dr. Arduengo is truly able to spend her time and attention on you and your family’s needs.

Cash, check, and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts may be used as well.

All services are customized to meet your needs, and fees are determined based on the services requested. Prior to your first appointment, you will be given an estimate for the total cost for the services you are requesting. You will know the estimated total cost before you begin. If additional concerns arise during the evaluation or consultation process, you will be given an updated estimate of new costs, and you can decide how to move forward. There will not be any surprises or unexpected fees! 

Evaluation fees are $190/hr. The cost of a full evaluation typically ranges from $1330 to $2850 with most evaluations around the $1710 to $2090 range. Evaluation costs include your three appointments, face-to-face testing, scoring, interpretation, and report writing. Because Dr. Arduengo does not accept insurance, her rates are lower than other similar providers in the area. Evaluations with other providers often start around $1800 and can cost up to $3000 or $4000. 

Educational and psychological consultation services are also $190/hour with one hour minimum billed. Consultation fees are billed hourly since Dr. Arduengo does not often know how much time will need to be invested.

Clients are responsible for payment of fees at the time services are rendered. 

Under the “No Surprises Act” as of January 1, 2022, medical facilities are required to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) to patients not planning to use insurance. Prior to the start of any services, you will get a GFE. This GFE shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. For more information go to: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

Yes! Dr. Arduengo is able to provide school-related services. Your child’s school would need to grant approval and obtain your consent for any services completed in the school setting (e.g., school observations, attendance in 504/ARD meetings). Certain services can be completed at school while others are completed in the PEARS, PLLC office (e.g., interviews, direct assessment).

Yes! Dr. Arduengo is licensed and trained in working with children who have unique and special needs. Services include helping you understand your child’s unique needs, the paperwork that schools may provide/require, and what supports may be available for your child within the school setting. 

Access to Your Healthcare Records
Consumers have the right to request copies of their health care records. We are required to retain your records for 7 years (or 5 years after a former child client has turned 18). To request your records, submit a written request by emailing info@pearspllc.com. In your request, please include your full name, date of birth, and a description of the record requested. Administrative charges may apply. Requests will be processed in accordance with Texas law.

Contact the Council
If you have questions, concerns, or need additional information regarding licensure or consumer rights, you may contact the Council.

Council contact information: https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/

Investigations/complaints 24-hour, toll-free system:  800-821-3205

File a Consumer Complaint
Consumers may file a complaint with the Office of the Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division if they believe their rights have been violated.

To file a complaint: visit the Office of the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection and follow the instructions provided on the website.