LD/ADHD Assessment
Especially among academically talented students, it is not uncommon for learning disabilities (LD) or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to remain undetected until one attends college. Vanderbilt attracts excellent students who are most often diversely talented and gifted. For such students, a learning disability or ADHD may not be manifested until they confront the increase in academic challenges that the University presents.
If you are interested in being tested for LD or ADHD, the process is to call (322-2571) and ask to arrange an LD/ADHD screening. You will then need to come to the PCC and pick up a packet to be filled out prior to your scheduled screening. After you have scheduled a screening, we will meet with you for approximately two hours during which time you will be given some screening measures and we will ask detailed questions about your past learning history. The next step is that a licensed psychologist reviews the information obtained. We will then contact you and make a recommendation that we either believe that you should or should not be formally tested. We will also make other recommendations as appropriate. The charge for the initial screening is $20.
If you elect to pursue a recommendation of further testing, the next step is to return, arrange payment, and undergo testing. The cost can either be applied to your student account, or you can pay at the time of testing. We require at least half of the fee to begin testing (the other half can be paid when you come in for your testing results). We also evaluate need for students who cannot pay the fee and help to secure financial aid for assessment. Thus, please do not let the fee prevent you from contacting us.
Depending upon the test results, we will help facilitate the reporting of the results, if you so wish and sign a release, with the Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services Department (EAD), which is the disability services office at Vanderbilt, and help to arrange appropriate interventions. The EAD arranges for academic accommodations, if appropriate, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
All work completed at the Psychological and Counseling Center is confidential, and we do not release any information without your explicit written direction. Work completed here will not be registered on your family’s medical insurance, as it is a part of your student services. To cover the cost of the fee, however, you may wish to submit information regarding your services for testing to your insurance company. Although we find these to be rare exceptions, some policies will cover the cost of the testing.
Other Psychological Assessment
The Psychological and Counseling Center also conducts psychological to ascertain mental health diagnoses and assessment related to disciplinary action with Residential Life. Psychological assessment at the Psychological and Counseling Center is tailored specifically to the presenting situation and cannot be fully detailed in explanation, given the heterogeneity of services offered. Please contact us for information related to specific questions regarding other psychological assessment services.