Will my health insurance cover your services?
While most of our clients pay "out of pocket" for our services, many are able to obtain reimbursement from their insurance carrier. You will need to clarify the specifics of your healthcare plan to determine the extent of your coverage.
Does Powell & Wagner provide therapy?
Powell & Wagner does not provide conventional, weekly counseling or psychotherapy sessions for clients. Our strength is in our ability to independently evaluate clients' needs and recommend an effective course of action. Powell & Wagner's services may serve as the backbone to a long-term plan of treatment. We can, however, make referrals based on the outcome of our evaluations - ranging from tutors, school support staff/programs, therapists/counselors, outplacement coaching and other support services.
Do you screen for ADHD? Do you promote medicating children?
Each year we work with dozens of cases involving ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Most of these clients fall into the range of mild to moderate range of ADHD severity. We believe that no single test, interview or procedure is sufficient to provide a firm diagnosis of ADHD. We have found that an accurate, careful diagnostic evaluation is better than the hasty prescription of medication before knowing all the facts.
In our experience, medication may be useful in the treatment of many psychological/neuropsychological disorders, but should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other services when appropriate. The most effective approach to treating ADHD in children usually includes family therapy, behavioral therapy, tutorial assistance and other alternative treatments, along with medication. We make every attempt to help our ADHD families construct the strongest possible network of support, based on an accurate diagnosis.
How can you help me choose a private school for my child?
We believe the first step in making this important and sometimes difficult decision is to accurately understand the needs, abilities and interests of the child. Powell & Wagner follows careful testing and evaluation procedures to measure each child's functioning in a variety of areas. Based on objective profile data and our skilled psychologist's assessment, we are able to recommend appropriate school placement choices. We are particularly familiar with private schools in New England that cover a wide range of student needs, from the gifted to the student with special needs.
Are test results confidential?
We abide by the guidelines for confidentiality provided by the American Psychological Association. Our work is always confidential, unless we have a client's explicit permission to share our findings. When it is appropriate to do so, we are happy to use our evaluation results as a basis to consult with a school, employer or other organization. The only exception could relate to an employer or school that contracts with Powell & Wagner to test individuals or in life-threatening situations.
Do you have a vested interest to recommend certain private schools or colleges?
No. Our vested interest is in supporting each client on an individual basis. We recommend school placement based on the needs, abilities and interests of the student. We have no fiduciary ties to specific schools that would affect our recommendation.
Can I get references from other clients?
Due to confidentiality concerns, we never release a client's name for references or any other reason. We are pleased to say that nearly every one of our clients provides positive feedback about our services. Many wish they had come sooner -- and many, many recommend our services to friends and relatives when the need arises.
If I live outside Massachusetts, can I utilize your services?
Yes. Although the majority of our clients are located in the New England area, at Powell & Wagner we see clients who are literally from all over the world. Within the last several years we have evaluated individuals from China, Taiwan, many European countries, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, South America and from every region of the United States. With special arrangements, we are often able to evaluate clients when English is their second language
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Powell & Wagner Associates
875 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 84
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-494-1650
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