strengths-based & neurodiversity affirming evaluations

a collaborative and non-pathologizing approach to ADHD and Autism assessment
offered virtually for Marylanders ages 13+
with courtney hart, lcsw-c, adhd-ccsp

For those interested in formal diagnosis, evaluations can support self-understanding and provide insight into your strengths and support needs, to:

  • Help you understand more about yourself and your experiences

  • Inform your decisions related to school, career, and personal growth

  • Give you language to advocate for necessary accommodations

  • Support improved relationships and authentic connections

  • Improve your approach to routines and responsibilities

  • Connect you to community resources and support networks

Note: Although PDA is not formally recognized as a diagnosis in the United States, I can help you explore whether the PDA profile of Autism might match with you or your loved ones’ experiences.

Working Together

My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, centering and validating your experiences. This process rejects traditional medical models and uses a lens that helps me understand you as a whole person including what makes you “you” and how systems intersect with your experiences rather than just focusing on things like “functioning” or “disordered” ways of being.

In alignment with this model, I am committed to learning and growing in my understanding of the oppression experienced by neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ folx. When we work together, you’re the expert on yourself. I’m just here to try to help you make sense of your experiences and see if they align with the formal criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association.

Rates & Insurance

I am not in-network with any insurance companies.

This gives you more control over your privacy and allows me to prioritize an affirming evaluation rather than insurance-dictated requirements. You'll pay me directly for the evaluation; your insurance may reimburse you depending on your plan's out-of-network benefits, although based on my licensure (LCSW-C), it is unlikely to cover the entire cost, if any.

I use an equitable pricing model for evaluations.

To make evaluations more accessible while still sustaining my practice as a solo, neurodivergent, licensed mental health provider and small business owner in the DMV, I use a mutual aid system where rather than paying one standard rate, clients self-select into one of three tiers.

  • Equitable rates are an opportunity for those with financial privilege to contribute to mutual aid and are set above the standard rate for services provided.

  • Sustainable rates are the standard rates for service, reflecting the cost of living and operating a business in the DMV area.

  • Accessible rates are for those who need to access mutual aid, set below the standard rate to lessen financial barriers.

For more information on equitable pay scales, check out "Embracing an Equitable Sliding Scale" by Britt Hawthorne or review the detailed information by Rachel Boggan on their “Equitable Pricing Model.”

Evaluation Rates

Evaluation is a large investment of time and energy for the both of us. My rates reflect the average time spent meeting together, gathering information, analyzing results, and preparing the written report. This typically takes me 10-12 hours for a comprehensive evaluation for an adult (15-18 for minors); focused evaluations typically take between 6-10 hours (8-12 for minors).

**Please note, to reflect the difference in time spent on evaluations for minors, the fee for an evaluation is higher, noted in parenthesis below.

Clients are encouraged to consider their own financial situation and refer to the green bottle pricing graphic by Alexis Cunningfolk prior to self-selecting their rate.

Comprehensive Evaluation for ADHD and Autism

  • Equitable Rate: $1200 ($1500)

  • Standard Rate: $1000 ($1300)

  • Accessible Rate: $800 ($1000)

Focused Evaluation on ADHD or Autism

  • Equitable Rate: $1050 ($1250)

  • Standard Rate: $850 ($1050)

  • Accessible Rate: $650 ($850)

A $100 deposit is required within one week of scheduling to reserve your appointment and will be applied to your balance. You may split the balance into up to three payments. However, it must be fully paid before beginning your feedback session.

What to Expect

Evaluation with me uses structured interviews and formal tools to explore your experiences and brain style and measure alignment with formal DSM-TR-5 criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism.

My evaluation process typically looks like:

  1. After you fill out the interest form, I reach out within a week to schedule a 15-20 complimentary call.

  2. On the call, we discuss details and confirm if we’re a mutual fit to work together.

  3. If we’re a good match, we schedule your evaluation sessions and I send you some paperwork.

  4. You complete the paperwork at least one week before we meet.

  5. We meet together for 2-4 sessions for your evaluation.
    *These are 1-2 hrs each, and for minors at least one of them is a parent-only session.

  6. I get additional information (with your permission) from those who know you best or provide services to you.

  7. I write a formal report that we will review together during a feedback session, about 2-3 weeks after our sessions.

  8. After our final meeting, I make any updates needed to your report and send it to you within 1 week.

From our first session together to the final report being shared, the evaluation process can take 4-8 weeks.

Evaluation Limitations

Diagnostic evaluations are not psychological testing nor do they evaluate for learning differences, take measures of intelligence, or use any other doctoral-level specific measures.

If you have been recommended this type of comprehensive assessment, I am happy to provide you with referrals to neurodiversity affirming psychologists. Please email me directly at courtney@healinghartwellness.com for them.

It’s important to know that some education, medical, and support programs require diagnoses from doctoral providers.

I am an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker and in Maryland which means that I am able to make a diagnoses from the DSM-V-TR so long as I have the training and experience. To gain this competency, I have participated in specialized training and continue to engage in consultation and continued professional development related to ADHD and Autism evaluations.

However, you may need to provide diagnoses from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or other doctoral-level provider for certain formal requirements, including the Autism Waiver program in Maryland and for some educational institutions.

If you are seeking evaluation for a specific reason, I highly recommend that you seek specific answers related to your needs prior to scheduling with me. If I can be of assistance, I am happy to try to help; please reach out.

The limitations mentioned above do not diminish the validity of your evaluation with me but are the reality in the current healthcare landscape.

Our healthcare system is entrenched in the medicalization and pathologizing of neurodiversity. The effort to navigate this system and get the support you need is exhausting, time consuming, and expensive. Because of this, it is important to me you make as informed decisions as possible. If you are unsure if this evaluation type will meet your needs, feel free to reach out to talk more.