Referral and Initial Consult

Abstract

The first step in the comprehensive evaluation process is that a family member, friend, or clinician identifies a concern and makes a referral. Then, an initial consult is conducted which is an interview with the family to identify concerns, gather background information, and determine the type of evaluation that is needed. Depending on the concerns identified during the initial consult, the clinician determines if the evaluation will be brief, comprehensive, psychological, neuropsychological, academic, or forensic. Included in this chapter is a comprehensive set of questions that might be asked and domains that should be addressed during the initial consultation. The next step is to complete paperwork such as the intake packet, disclosures, and informed consent. This chapter provides sample intake packet questions for this purpose. From this initial consult, the clinician begins framing a picture of the client’s testing needs, potential diagnostic considerations, and a list of areas to assess. Testing priorities are identified and a preliminary assessment plan is laid out. This chapter includes a sample checklist of the tests that might be utilized for individuals of various ages. Next, testing is scheduled and the clinician prepares the client by providing a timeline for the day of testing. Finally, the clinician sets up for a successful testing session by reviewing the intake packet, and additional information provided, pulling protocols, and assembling the members of the assessment team.

On the following page is a graphic depicting the entire assessment process which will begin in this chapter with the referral and initial consult (Chap. 5), proceed to testing day including taking observations and managing behaviors (Chap. 6), and then complete the assessment, including the dynamic selection of tests and priorities based on the client’s presentation (Chap. 7). The next section (Chaps. 8–12) will review the data analysis process for evaluating the information collected during a diagnostic assessment. The differential diagnosis process will be covered next (Chaps. 13 and 14). Finally, the recommendations and report will be discussed (Chap. 15).