Assessment Services

College is an inherently stressful time of life, full of transitions and new challenges. College places immense demands on concentration, memory, and perseverance. Where else are you expected to learn, memorize, and apply such a large amount of new knowledge in such a short period of time?

SHAC is committed to providing thoughtful, comprehensive psychological testing services that help you examine your current academic difficulties in the context of your whole self, taking into account both your strengths and weaknesses. We offer a range of support including consultation, referrals, workshops, brief interventions, and high quality, low-cost assessments. Students may be eligible to access other campus resources, such as learning accommodations, through the Disability Resource Center.

Important Assessment Update - Spring ‘25 

We are currently at capacity for testing services for Winter ’25 and Spring '25. We will open for new referrals when the Summer term begins.

Please send a message to Assessment in the SHAC Patient Portal if you are interested in a learning disorder evaluation or community referrals for ADHD testing.

Learning Disorder and ADHD Assessment 

SHAC provides formal diagnostic assessment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Specific Learning Disorder (LD) for students enrolled in 5 or more credits who have access to SHAC. There is a $625 flat fee for a formal assessment. For PSU students with PacificSource insurance plans, the cost is covered 100%.

Evaluation Process

1. Contact SHAC for an assessment referral. This can be done by calling our front desk at (503-725-2800) or sending a message to our Assessment inbox from the SHAC Patient Portal. 
   1. Once referred, students will be sent an initial assessment referral screener to complete.
2. Complete an Assessment Consultation appointment with a member of the SHAC Assessment Team
   1. Formal testing may or may not be indicated based on the outcome of the consultation appointment.
3.  If formal testing is recommended, the student will be contacted via the portal to complete self-report and informant-report questionnaires (must be completed and returned before a testing appointment is scheduled).
4. Once questionnaires are received, the student will be scheduled for a series of appointments to complete a clinical interview and any recommended psychological assessment tests and measures based on presenting concerns.
5. At the conclusion of testing, the student will be scheduled for a feedback appointment to discuss findings of the evaluation and appropriate next steps.

Why is the evaluation process so extensive?

Psychological testing uses a standardized approach to provide an in-depth understanding of an individual’s mental health and is usually completed to provide clarification around a specific diagnosis. There is not one specific test that can determine whether or not an individual has ADHD or a learning disorder. Instead, the diagnosis is made from multiple sources including rating scales, personal history, information from friends and/or family, and other tests that measure academic achievement, learning and memory, attention, and emotional health.

Does SHAC offer testing for ASD? 

SHAC does not currently offer testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorders. If you are seeking evaluation for ASD, there are several local options for neuropsychological assessment. Please send a message to our Assessment inbox from the SHAC Patient Portal requesting referrals.
 

What supports are available to me right now?

1. SHAC offers a Navigating Life with ADHD workshop series. This 3-part workshop series is suitable for folks who have or suspect a diagnosis of ADHD and have experienced difficulties in their relationships and personal well-being as a result of attention/concentration struggles.
2. Work with Academic Coaching to create measurable plans to meet academic goals. Goals may address school/life balance, active learning and studying strategies, organization, communication skills, how to access resources, and more. Coaches can also serve as an accountability partner for students throughout their studies. 
3. Consult with the Disability Resource Center if you have questions about accommodations

4. Check out our resources below to learn more about self-supports for ADHD and learning disorders.

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ADHD Medication Management

As a campus-based health center, SHAC providers are cautious about prescribing controlled substances including stimulant medications. SHAC psychiatrists decide on a case-by-case basis if students will be prescribed medication. At SHAC, a recent and thorough ADHD evaluation is required prior to accessing medication. Students prescribed ADHD medications at SHAC are typically expected to also participate in therapy.

I already know I have ADHD, I just need a new prescription. What do I do? 

If you want to transfer your existing ADHD medication management to SHAC, documentation from a recent formal psychological evaluation is required. To begin this process, please send a message to our Assessment inbox from the SHAC Patient Portal. From there, you will be required to:

1. Submit a release of information
2. Provide documentation of a previous ADHD evaluation
   1. For treatment for ADHD, SHAC requires documentation of an ADHD evaluation provided by a licensed professional. Existing prescriptions are not considered adequate documentation to continue medication management at SHAC. Valid documentation must reasonably include a combination of the following:
      1. Neuropsychological or psychoeducational assessment
      2. A diagnostic interview
      3. Use of objective measures such as cognitive or intelligence tests
      4. Self-report and/or collateral information for symptoms of ADHD
      5. Evidence of alternative diagnoses being ruled out
      6. A specific diagnosis as per the DSM 5-TR/ICD-10
   2. Once submitted, the documentation will be reviewed by Assessment services and Psychiatry services
      1. If documentation is approved, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with one of our psychiatrists
      2. If documentation is not approved, we will contact you to review your options 

If you do not have a prior diagnosis of ADHD:

• Contact Assessment to inquire about testing at SHAC 
• Contact providers in the community to inquire about testing services (please send a message to our Assessment inbox from the SHAC Patient Portal for referrals)

ADHD/LD Resources