Updated October 1, 2026.
Choosing an evaluation starts with the question you want answered. You may be trying to understand a persistent difficulty, make sense of conflicting explanations, or decide what information would help you plan next steps. Explain that goal to the clinician before agreeing to testing.
Ask about relevant experience
Ask who will conduct the evaluation, interpret the information, explain the findings, and write the report. Ask about experience with your particular question and age group. A professional title alone does not tell you whether a clinician is the right fit for the work you need.
For context, California's psychologist licensure pathway requires 3,000 total hours of supervised professional experience, including at least 1,500 postdoctoral hours. These are licensure requirements, not a measure of an individual clinician's experience with your specific concern. California Board of Psychology.
Ask what the evaluation will address
Describe the decisions you hope to make with the findings. Ask the clinician to explain the proposed scope, why that approach fits your question, and which questions it may leave unanswered. Tell the clinician about previous evaluations and ask how to share relevant records through the clinical intake process.
Ask what you will receive
Before proceeding, clarify the total fee, what it includes, and how feedback and written findings will be provided. Ask how recommendations will relate to your original question. If someone else requested the evaluation, share that organization's documentation requirements before the scope is settled.
Ask how findings can inform next steps
An evaluation is a way to gather and interpret information. Ask what the findings could help clarify and what other input might still be needed. Treatment decisions belong in a discussion with the professionals responsible for your care.
To explore BonPsy's approach, visit Evaluation Services and How It Works. For practical questions about process, fees, or fit, ask about an evaluation.
