Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluation Services

Get Your California Adoption Assessment Quickly

Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluation: Clear Process to Final Report

Our pre-adoption psychological evaluation meets all adoption agency and international country qualifications. We ensure your assessment is completed timely, with a clear process leading to a comprehensive final report.

  • Licensed psychologists deliver evaluations that satisfy strict requirements for domestic and international adoptions.
  • Timely turnaround: Receive your report in 4 weeks, keeping your adoption process on track.
  • Clear steps: From initial consultation to detailed feedback, every stage is straightforward and supportive.
  • Final report includes qualifications verification, results, and recommendations tailored to your family.

Here Counseling can give you a hassle-free pre-adoption psychological evaluation in California

Qualified Pre-Adoption Psych Evals with Fast, Reliable Reports

We specialize in adoption psychological assessments that qualify for your agency’s needs so you can quickly take this important step in building your family.

Others aren’t responsive. It can be frustrating to call a psychologist and not get a response for weeks. We pride ourselves in scheduling your first appointment within a week. This means you get your assessment done quickly.

Others don’t provide helpful results. Other providers tend to give a 1-3 page report, giving you minimal information on your personality and family dynamics. We believe a psychological assessment is an opportunity to reflect on your goals and create deeper health in your family. Our report gives you invaluable feedback about your personality tendencies so you can grow in your awareness and build healthy patterns in your life.

Others place you on a waiting list. It’s frustrating to be booked for a first appointment weeks down the road, or to wait for your report to be generated while the rest of your adoption process is ready to go. We average 4 weeks from the first interview appointment to handing you your final report. This means your adoption process is that much smoother.

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Connor McClenahan
DIRECTOR, HERE COUNSELING

1. Initial Interview

The initial interview is a 2-hour consultation. where you discuss your adoption motivations, personal history, family dynamics, and goals. We’ll listen to your unique context and select appropriate tests that meet your adopting country’s qualifications. This step ensures timely progress toward your final report.

2. Psychological Testing

The 3 hour testing session includes standardized measures like the MMPI-3 to evaluate personality and emotional functioning, ensuring compliance with adoption qualifications. Additional measures are included based on your needs and country requirements. We’ll analyze your results promptly to keep your adoption process moving forward without delays.

3. Feedback & Report

You’ll get a comprehensive report usually within 4 weeks, including test results, strengths, any concerns, and tailored recommendations for your adoption success, fully meeting agency qualifications. We’ll review the report and answer questions. This final deliverable is clear, detailed, and ready for submission to your adoption agency.

What to Expect in Your Pre-Adoption Psychological Assessment

We'll understand your goals and context

Your pre-adoption psychological evaluation begins with an initial consultation and interview to ensure we meet your adoption qualifications from the start. This 2-hour session, available virtually or in-person in Pasadena or Los Angeles, allows you to discuss your journey and goals.

What Happens in the Interview

We conduct the interview jointly and separately if you’re adopting as a couple, exploring your mental health, medical, employment, educational, and social history. Specific adoption questions cover why you chose this path, your family vision, parenting style learned from experience or classes, and understanding of the child’s potential stressors.

This step tailors the evaluation to your needs and country requirements, providing a clear timeline for the process and ensuring timely progress to your final report.

Why It’s Essential

The interview builds context for interpreting test results accurately. It confirms our assessment qualifies for your agency, with no surprises in the process.

Feel free to ask questions; we create a warm, empathetic space to make this straightforward.

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We'll give qualified assessments

The testing session is a key part of your adoption psychological assessment, lasting about 3 hours to gather data that meets strict adoption standards. We use standardized measures to evaluate your emotional readiness and parenting capacity.

The MMPI-3 and Core Testing

The MMPI-3 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3) is a standard true/false questionnaire assessing personality traits and mental health concerns. It includes various questions, some seemingly unrelated, to provide a comprehensive view interpreted by your psychologist.

No studying or preparation is needed; just answer honestly based on your experiences to avoid anxiety and ensure accurate results for your qualifying report.

Additional Measures

Depending on your country’s requirements, we may include the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) or other tools for deeper insights into coping and relationships. All testing is confidential and can be virtual or in-person.

This ensures the evaluation fully qualifies, with results analyzed quickly for your timely final report.

Honesty is on your side

Many people try to appear “put together” in their assessment, and that can create issues for the assessment process. Adoptive parents can try to present well because they’re worried a spike in the results could cost them their adoption.

However appearing “put together” is, ironically, what will make it more difficult to get a clear result, and can delay the process. You want your assessor to know your strengths and weaknesses. If there’s a concerning aspect of your mental health or personal history, you are not automatically disqualified in the assessment report. It’s much more likely that your honesty will help the assessor create customized suggestions and recommendations for you to address the issue.

If there’s any outright concerns you have, it’s best to address these with your assessor in the initial interview so you can create a plan together for success.

You'll get a comprehensive report

The culmination of your pre-adoption psych eval is a detailed report delivered within 4 weeks, ensuring timeliness for your adoption timeline. It verifies qualifications and provides everything your agency needs.

What’s Included in the Report

The report summarizes test results, your strengths, any identified concerns, and personalized recommendations for parenting support, such as counseling or classes. It meets the specific requirements of your adopting country, including documentation of mental health status and readiness.

Feedback Session

A follow-up appointment reviews the report, discusses findings, and answers questions. This ensures you understand the results and feel prepared for adoption.

The clear process from testing to this final step guarantees a reliable, qualified assessment without delays.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Adoption Psych Evals

Virtual Adoption Psych Assessment Options

Your adoption psychological evaluation can be virtual or in-person. We offer flexible options for California residents.

Check Agency Rules

Some countries require in-person elements for pre-adoption psych evals. Confirm with your adoption agency.

Hybrid sessions are available if needed. We make the process convenient and stress-free.

Why Choose Us?

Our psychologists specialize in adoption assessments. We offer competitive pricing to ease financial stress.

Virtual evaluations suit busy schedules. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs.

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Duration of Adoption Psych Assessment

The pre-adoption psych eval takes 4 weeks total. It includes a 2-hour interview and 3-hour testing session.

Session Breakdown

The interview covers your history and adoption goals. It’s conversational and supportive.

Testing involves questionnaires like the MMPI-3. Sessions can be split for convenience.

Feedback Timeline

We compile a detailed report within 4 weeks. A follow-up session explains results and next steps.

Virtual or in-person options ensure flexibility. Be well-rested for accurate test results.

Pricing for Pre-Adoption Psych Eval in Pasadena

The cost of the pre-adoption psychological assessment is $2500 per couple or family. This covers the full process, including consultation, testing, report, and feedback.

Your payment will be split into 2 installments of $1250: one payment due before the initial interview, and the remaining balance due before you receive your report.

Budgeting Tips

Insurance typically doesn’t cover adoption psych evals. Plan ahead to manage costs.

The fee ensures a qualified, timely evaluation meeting all country requirements. We provide a detailed quote upfront.

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Mental Health in Pre-Adoption Assessment

Past mental health issues don’t disqualify you. We focus on your current stability and coping.

Why Honesty Matters

Openness about past challenges shows self-awareness. It helps us tailor support for you.

Evaluators assess how you manage issues today. This ensures a nurturing home for your child.

Supportive Approach

We provide resources to strengthen your readiness. The evaluation promotes growth, not judgment.

Be honest about treatments or coping strategies. This maximizes the assessment’s benefits.

Prepare for Your Adoption Psych Assessment

Preparation ensures a smooth pre-adoption psych eval. Reflect on your motivations and history.

Key Preparation Tips

  • Gather all adoption psychological evaluation requirements from the country of origin of the child
  • Reflect on why you’re adopting and your family vision.
  • Gather medical records for context.
  • Discuss parenting styles with your partner or a friend.
  • Practice self-reflection on fears or stress management.

Practical Steps

Bring ID, agency forms, and questions to your session. Check country requirements for tests or notarization.

Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Approach the adoption eval as a supportive conversation.

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