WHAT SERVICES DOES PEARS, PLLC PROVIDE?

​Evaluations for children and adolescents ages 2 to 18. (Adults and other ages considered upon request.)

• 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.

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

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Psychological consultation services

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

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WHAT IS THE EVALUATION PROCESS?

Evaluations are typically divided into three separate appointments: 

 

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 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 your child.  

 

Direct testing - This appointment is when Dr. Arduengo will spend time with 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 in-take appointment. The length of this appointment depends on your concerns, the age of the child, and what information you are seeking. 

 

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. 

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DOES PEARS, PLLC ACCEPT INSURANCE?

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 and 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. 

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WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES PEARS, PLLC ACCEPT?

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

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HOW MUCH ARE YOUR SERVICES?

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 $175/hr. The cost of a full evaluation typically ranges from $1400 to $2500 with most evaluations around the $1575-$1800 range. Evaluation costs include each appointment, 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. 

 

Educational and psychological consultation services are also $175/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. 

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CAN PEARS, PLLC PROVIDE SCHOOL-RELATED SERVICES?

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).

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MY CHILD RECEIVES 504 SERVICES OR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOL. CAN PEARS, PLLC HELP ME?

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.