Psychological and Education Testing

Provided by Michael P. Boyle, PhD

How Can We Help You?

Academic Characteristics and Learning Disabilities Determinations

Many students experience difficulties with the learning process. Often questions arise about the learning style of a student, and the possibility that he or she may be experiencing a learning disability. In such cases thorough psycho-educational assessments offer a great deal of value, both in terms of treatment and planning.

Of note, although evaluations are sometimes provided by public school systems, families often turn to private psychologists for greater specificity, greater clarity, increased depth, increased privacy and to accelerate the process (public school systems may take up to 120 days to complete an evaluation). As a state certified school psychologist, Dr. Boyle is certified to provide these evaluations.

Because special education eligibility determinations require both psychological and academic achievement testing, typically, they require between ten and fifteen hours of time. This time includes assessment sessions, a developmental/social history, time to score and interpret test results and a family feedback conference. Appointments are scheduled over the course of several days with the entire process taking approximately three weeks.

Psychotherapy Treatment Planning

Psychotherapy is often enhanced through the process of psychological evaluation. The psychological assessment process can help answer tricky diagnostic issues and assist in defining meaningful, and achievable goals and objectives.

Forensic Evaluation

Often, psychological evaluations are requested by the courts. Resolving parental rights questions, and answering questions about competence to stand trial are two examples of psychological evaluations used in forensic settings. As an experienced psychological diagnostician, Dr. Boyle is able to provide assessments along with expert testimony in court.

Michael P. Boyle, PhD obtained his graduate degree from New York University and his undergraduate degree from St. Peter's College. While at NYU, Dr. Boyle interned with the Devereux Foundation in Philadelphia. Of note, Dr. Boyle is trained in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. At CMHS Dr. Boyle is unique in that he provides psychological and psycho-diagnostic testing including psycho-educational evaluations for the identification of developmental and learning disabilities. Personality assessments for treatment, vocational and forensic purposes are also provided. Dr. Boyle has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in general, and more specifically children with learning and/or developmental disabilities. Also, he played a principal role in the development and implementation of a program utilizing applied behavioral analysis principles on behalf of autistic students in a public school setting.

As part of a highly regarded, multidisciplinary mental health practice, Dr. Boyle provides prompt and flexible scheduling for individuals in need of psychological testing. Reports are to be completed approximately ten days following the last test session.

Psychological evaluation is useful for answering questions in a number of areas. These areas include special education eligibility, psychotherapy treatment planning, diagnostic and forensic matters. Also, psychological evaluations are often part of vocational rehabilitation and employment assessments.

Dr. Boyle is pleased to offer a full spectrum of tests including but not limited to:

 

Tests of Cognitive Abilities

  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition
  • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition
  • Woodcock Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities, 3rd Edition

Test of Academic Achievement

  • Woodcock Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement, 3rd Edition
    Forms A + B
  • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 2nd Edition

Behavior and ADHD-Specific Rating Scales

  • Connors Rating Scales (Various Forms)
  • Behavior Assessments System for Children, 2nd Edition (Various Forms)
  • Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (Various Forms)

Objective Personality Inventories

  • Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory
  • Millon Multi-axial Clinical Inventory
  • Millon Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventory
  • Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory