Why do parents seek out Psychoeducational Testing on a private basis?

When a parent schedules their child's Psychoeducational Testing privately they are in charge of timing - the time of year and age when their child is tested, the time of day or day of the week. When a child is tested privately, the parent has ownership of test results and may decide if and when to share test results with their child's school. Other times parents may wish to obtain a second opinion after a child has been tested by their school or another community provider.

What does Psychoeducational Testing involve?

A comprehensive Psychoeducational Testing consists of one-to-one testing in the office with Dr. Chiesa. Testing is broken up into time-limited sessions , lasting from part of a day and up to 6 separate days depending on the reason for the testing referral and a child’s needs. After testing, Dr. Chiesa will prepare a written report, including a detailed child history, school records review, test results, and customized recommendations. The report findings and recommendations are reviewed with parents.

What are the fees for Psychoeducational Testing?

A comprehensive Psychoeducational Testing involves the administration, scoring, and interpretation of a variety of tests. It also requires preparing a written report that includes a review of past history, summarizes test results, provides a clinical impression of a medical diagnosis or educational eligibility (based on the purpose for the assessment), and outlines recommendations for home, school, and community services. Dr. Chiesa selects tests based on the question we are trying to answer. For example, does the child have a learning disability? If test results do not suggest a learning disability, then what are the reasons the child is struggling at school?

The cost for a full assessment is determined by the total number of hours required for Dr. Chiesa to complete the full assessment process, from testing time with your child, to results review session with you. After a phone consultation, Dr. Chiesa may prepare a written proposal of the testing process which includes proposed tests and cost.

Dr. Chiesa offers rates comparable to those in the Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Chiesa does not accept any insurance plans. Upon request, Dr. Chiesa will provide an invoice which parents may submit to their insurance company or to their Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provider. Payment may be made by cash or check made out to "Carella & Associates." Another payment option is to use Venmo (venmo.com) or Zelle (www.zellepay.com). Please notify Dr. Chiesa in advance to make arrangments if using one of these P2P (peer-to-peer) payment options. We recommend confirming with your bank or credit union that there are no additional fees if using Venmo or Zelle.

What are the ages of the children Dr. Chiesa works with in her office?

Dr. Chiesa works with children ages 5 to 17. For children younger than 5, please consult with Dr. Chiesa to discuss the referral question and testing needs.

What if my child is extremely shy or anxious?

For young, shy and/or anxious children, Dr. Chiesa offers a “meet & greet” session free of charge a few days before the scheduled testing appointment. During this 15 minute session, the child is invited to meet “Dr. C,” see her office, and chat casually. Young children are encouraged to bring a favorite toy, book, or school work samples they are particularly proud of to show Dr. Chiesa.

What if I am not sure if my child needs Psychoeducational Testing?

Dr. Chiesa is available for phone consultations free of charge to discuss each child’s particular case and decide with parents if a comprehensive Psychoeducational Testing is indicated.

Dr. Chiesa also offers a Parent-Only Consultation session if parents are undecided if a full Psychoeducational Testing is indicated for their child. Parents are asked to complete a background history packet, and bring in dated work samples and school records. During the parent consultation, this information is reviewed and analyzed with the parents and specific targeted recommendations tailored to the child are offered. Parents are provided with summary notes to take with them after the meeting.

What other services does Dr. Chiesa offer?

Consultations with school staff about a student
School observations
Attend school meetings with parents
Presentations to schools, educational training programs, community providers working with children on topics of interest

Where is the office located?

The office is located at 5500 9th Street/MLK Street North. This is a 2 story medical building with copper roof. There is a large white sign that reads "PHC" facing MLK. The building is right next to a Walgreens and across the street from a gas station. Off street parking is available on the side and back of the building.

What are Dr. Chiesa’s office hours?

Dr. Chiesa is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the school year, and Monday through Friday during the summer. Time availability varies from week to week, ranging from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information on days and times she is available, please call (727) 510-3352.

Is the office open given the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, the office is open for in-person testing. Dr. Chiesa is fully vaccinated and continues to follow a COVID-19 safety protocol in the office to ensure your child's safety. In-person testing is offered after a telephone consultation with Dr. Chiesa to determine if there are any medical contraindications or other risk factors for in-person testing. For details on the safety practices (informed by the CDC guidelines) that we are using in the office, please refer to the COVID-19 tab on this website or call our office.

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