The (K)now Clinic

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Psychoeducational & Independent Educational Evaluations*

These comprehensive evaluations are designed to meet all of the federal and state guidelines for diagnosing educational disabilities and determining appropriate accommodations, modifications, and services available under special education regulations and the educational application of Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Educational disabilities that I evaluate include:

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• Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) in Reading, Math, or Writing

• Emotional & Behavioral Disabilities (called SED in CA)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

• Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDD)

• Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders

• Traumatic Brain Injuries

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These assessments all include up to 2 hours of report feedback and intervention planning, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 eligibility meeting participation with your school or college/university disability services office. ​

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* If you disagree with the school district's evaluation results, eligibility, or services (you do not have to give a reason), then you may request an independent second opinion at public expense (Independent Educational Evaluation)

**  Check with your public school district of residence, in writing, (even if your child attends private, religious, or home school) as they are required to provide evaluations at public expense if there is a suspected educationally-related disability/condition.

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Diagnostic & Treatment-Focused Psychological Evaluations

Dr. Gustman provides psychological diagnostic evaluations with an emphasis on diagnostic clarity (differential diagnosis) and individualized, evidence-based accommodation and treatment recommendations. Commonly evaluated psychiatric conditions include:

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• Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) & Acute Stress Disorders

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)

• Depressive Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

• Oppositional Defiant & Conduct Disorders

• Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)

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Evaluations include some combination of: direct assessment of skills and abilities, interviews, symptom rating scales, assessment of impairment of major life functions, 

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Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Assessments & Letters

I provide assessments and brief clinical services for individuals who are wanting to consider if an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an appropriate accommodation as part of their mental health treatment plan.* An ESA is not a stand-alone treatment for any mental health condition, and is not meant to substitute for therapies, medications, or other interventions that treat the symptoms or root cause of the condition.

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Throughout the assessment and service process, I am simultaneously balancing the care and welfare of the client, the dog, and the general public. I only provide ESA assessments and letters for individuals who are wanting a dog as their ESA; I do not currently provide ESA assessments for any other type of animal. 

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I provide ESA letters for only one dog, and in addition to current state regulations I require: proof of current vaccinations from a veterinarian or animal shelter/rescue, proof the dog is spayed/neutered, and at least 6 months old (ideally 12 months old, or older).

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As part of the assessment process, I will be working with you and your dog to practice skills and strategies to get the most benefit from your ESA dog.  

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* Paying for an ESA Assessment, as with any other assessment, comes with no guarantee that the provider will determine that an ESA is a medically necessary accommodation for your mental health condition. 

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