Providing high-quality psychological and psychoeducational assessment services for:

ADHD
Autism
Learning Disabilities
Intellectual Disabilities
Behavioral disorders
Anxiety and mood disorders
IQ testing for private school admissions

College and/or standardized testing accommodations

Serving the Philadelphia area.

Dr. Elise Vela, PsyD

Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist
Pennsylvania Certified School Psychologist

WORK WITH ME

Children

Assessment services for ages 5+ to provide developmentally informed school-based + treatment-based recommendations.
Adolescents

Assessment services + treatment and school-based recommendations for adolescents and young adults who may be having difficulty navigating the academic challenges and/or social pressures of a sometimes tumultuous developmental period.
Adults

Assessment services for adults seeking a deeper self-understanding and guidance on how to navigate challenges they may be experiencing that are impacting their success at work, at home, or in their relationships.

about

Dr. Elise Vela has spent a decade working in Philadelphia schools with students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Throughout that time, she has also provided private assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults. She is committed to continued training and growth to keep up with evolving research and gold-standard assessment practices.

Dr. Vela earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University’s Graduate Institute for Clinical Psychology in May 2016. In addition to clinical training, she has had extensive training in research-based assessment practices.

Philadelphia psychoeducational and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults.

why assessment services are helpful

For children, assessments can be particularly helpful as research proves that critical factors for success are:

Early detection and intervention
Accurate assessments
Reevaluations conducted as necessary during different developmental periods
Individually-tailored support and recommendations

Individuals are multifaceted and every person has their own unique strengths, vulnerabilities, and challenges. Diagnostic work is intricate; determining the roots of a person’s symptoms and difficulties can be a delicate and complex process. A comprehensive psychological evaluation allows skilled clinicians to get a deeper look into a person’s neurological and social/emotional functioning, thus providing a much more detailed and comprehensive view of their presenting strengths and challenges.

Psychoeducational testing is used to identify learning styles and potential barriers to academic success such as a learning disability, dyslexia, ADHD, and language and communication disorders. These evaluations are used to help secure necessary accommodations such as 504 plans, individualized education programs (IEP), standardized testing accommodations (e.g., ACT, SAT, etc.), and college accommodations.

I strongly believe in the power of knowledge. Accurate assessments typically provide people with relief and empowerment as they leave the process with answers, a deeper self-understanding, and clear next steps. I pair research-based assessment tools, modern science, and keen clinical judgment to analyze data and form diagnostic conclusions. Lastly, I bring a sense of compassion and an open mind to each assessment. I consider each individual as a part of a system, acknowledging their personal history, relationships, personality traits, and hopes for their future.

what to expect

The assessment process will begin with a thorough and virtual clinical interview. This is used to gather information about your history, listen to your concerns, and take the time to get to know you. An assessment battery will then be created and tailored to fit your individual needs and concerns.

A developmental history form will be sent to you to complete along with other relevant forms (e.g., release of records, testing consent, etc.).

Testing is done in person and may take one to three sessions (lasting from one to four hours) depending on the client’s age and the type of evaluation being conducted. Relevant social/emotional and behavior rating scales will be completed electronically. These are self-report forms and/or observer forms completed by persons with helpful insight into your or your child’s functioning (e.g., parents, teachers, etc.).

With your permission, relevant parties such as schools, psychiatrists, and therapists are contacted. This ensures that a thorough picture is formed about functioning across several different areas of life.

The data is then analyzed and a thorough written report (typically 25-45 pages) is created. This process usually takes four to eight weeks.

A 60-minute virtual feedback session is conducted to review the results and diagnostic impressions. Any questions will be answered at this time. Recommendations for treatment, school, and next steps will be discussed in detail.

When relevant, I will have an additional feedback session and/or meeting with the school team to discuss my report and advocate for the student. I will work to ensure that they are receiving appropriate support (e.g., 504 plan, IEP, counseling, etc.) in the school setting that is designed to meet their individual needs.

contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation.

I do not accept insurance but will provide you with a super bill and work with you to help you navigate your insurance policy’s potential reimbursement options.