Getting Started with Individual Therapy or Psychological Testing in NY & NJ
If you’re considering therapy or psychological testing with Aspire but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you. Whether you’re just gathering information or you’re ready to make a change, we’ll walk you through how our process works and help you feel confident about your next step.
Your First Step (No Matter What You Choose)
Everyone starts with a Virtual New Client Intake (30 minutes – $175) with one of our Clinical Directors.
During this visit, we’ll:
Listen to what’s been going on and what you’re hoping will change
Talk through whether individual therapy, psychological testing, or both make the most sense
Outline a clear, personalized plan for moving forward
Not sure where to start? Choose the path that fits you:
Psychotherapy
Begin individual, couples/partners therapy, performance coaching, biofeedback or Parent Management Training (PMT)
Psychological Testing
Get a diagnosis and/or secure accommodations for school, work and test taking.
I’m not sure what I need yet
Start here and we will help you identify the best treatment plan based on your goals.
Is Aspire Psychotherapy a Good Fit for You?
Many people find us when they’re overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to name what they’re feeling. Others arrive with a clear question—“Is this ADHD?” “Could this be autism?” “Does my child need accommodations?” Wherever you are in that process, you don’t have to untangle it alone.
Therapy Services
We commonly support adults, teens, and children with:
Anxiety and panic, including from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches
Stress, burnout, and major life transitions
Exposure therapy for phobias and anxiety
Identity, gender, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care
Perfectionism, performance anxiety, and fear of failure
Biofeedback for nervous system regulation and focus
Psychological & Neuropsychological Testing
We provide comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological testing for children, teens, and adults, including:
ADHD and executive functioning evaluations (including adult ADHD)
Autism evaluations
Psychoeducational and learning disability evaluations
IQ testing, giftedness, and Twice-Exceptional (2E) assessments
Emotional and behavioral testing
Diagnostic clarification for complex presentations
Documentation for school, standardized testing, and workplace accommodations
Our goal is simple: clear answers, a prompt turnaround, and practical recommendations you can use at school, at work, and in everyday life.
Learn more about psychological testing
If you don’t see your exact concern listed, that’s okay. Many people come in with a mix of questions or don’t quite have the words yet. We’ll help you sort it out.
Individual Therapy: What to Expect When You Start
Individual therapy is a good fit if you’re looking for ongoing support, practical tools, and a trusted relationship to help you feel and function better day to day.
You might be a good fit for therapy if:
You’re dealing with anxiety, worry, or panic
You feel burned out, overwhelmed, or stuck in unhelpful patterns
You’re navigating identity, gender, sexuality, or relationship changes
You’re struggling with perfectionism, performance anxiety, or fear of failure
You want a consistent space to process grief, trauma, or major life transitions
If you primarily need a formal diagnosis or documentation (for ADHD, autism, learning differences, or accommodations), psychological testing may be your better starting point. You can jump to testing to learn more.
Step 1: Virtual New Client Intake (30 Minutes – $175)
Your first step—whether you’re leaning toward therapy, testing, or you’re not sure—is a 30-minute virtual intake with one of our Clinical Directors, Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. or Brie Scolaro, LCSW.
During this appointment, we will:
Get to know what’s been going on in your life lately
Clarify what you’d like to be different (even if your goals feel fuzzy or “all over the place”)
Talk through your preferences around therapist identity, specialty, schedule, and format (in-person vs. virtual)
Discuss fees and what level of provider might be the best fit for your needs and budget
By the end of this intake, you’ll know your recommended next step, including a therapist match from our team if therapy is the right fit.
We know how important the therapist–client relationship is. While we don’t offer consultations directly with your matched therapist before your first session, we encourage you to give the match a try. If it doesn’t feel right, just let us know—our Directors will gladly revisit your intake and recommend someone who’s a better fit.
If you later decide to move forward with psychological testing instead, this same intake can be used to launch that process.
Step 2: Begin Therapy with Your Matched Provider
Once you’re matched, you and your therapist will typically meet weekly (or at another agreed-upon frequency).
In your first few sessions, you can expect to:
Share more about your history and what brought you in
Collaboratively set goals for your work together
Start learning tools and strategies tailored to your specific concerns
Many of our clinicians use measurement-based care where it makes sense—brief check-ins or questionnaires—to help track progress and make sure therapy stays aligned with your goals.
Therapy Fees & Insurance
Virtual New Client Intake (30 min): $175
Ongoing individual and couples/partners therapy: Ranges depending on the clinician’s level (Social Worker, Psychologist, Clinical Director)
We are out-of-network with insurance. We can provide a superbill if you’d like to pursue out-of-network reimbursement and can guide you on how to check your benefits.
All clients keep a payment method on file. New patient paperwork (including payment details) typically takes about five minutes to complete online.
Ready to Start Therapy?
If you’re looking for consistent support and practical tools to manage what you’re going through, individual therapy is likely your best next step.
What clients say about therapy at Aspire
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.”
— Past Client
“In a world where getting quality mental health services is extremely difficult, the folks at Aspire stand out as gems—the treatment works.”
— OCD Therapy Client
Psychological Testing & Evaluations: How It Works
Psychological and neuropsychological testing is a structured, in-depth process that uses interviews, standardized tests, and rating scales to understand how a person thinks, learns, feels, and functions day-to-day.
Testing can help:
Clarify whether symptoms reflect ADHD, autism, a learning disability, anxiety, mood issues, or a combination
Identify cognitive strengths and giftedness, as well as areas of struggle
Provide the documentation needed for school supports, standardized exams, and workplace accommodations
End the “Is it just me?” worry and replace it with a clear, evidence-based picture and a concrete plan
Rather than relying on guesses, you walk away with a comprehensive, user-friendly report that explains what’s going well, where there are challenges, and exactly what to do next.
When Testing Might Be the Right Step
Testing may be a good fit if:
You (or your child) are struggling with focus, organization, or follow-through and wondering if it’s ADHD
You’re noticing long-standing social, communication, or sensory differences and wondering about autism
You have a sense of being gifted or 2E—very bright in some areas, yet unexpectedly stuck in others
You’re hitting repeated walls at school or work despite putting in effort
You have old testing and aren’t sure if it still applies or needs to be updated
You need formal documentation for IEP or 504 plans, private school admissions, college/grad school, or exams like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, Bar, or professional licensure tests
If your main goal is ongoing support, coping tools, and space to process your life, individual therapy may be the better starting point.
Why Choose Aspire for Psychological & Neuropsychological Testing?
When you invest in a psychological evaluation, you deserve expertise, clarity, and personal attention. Aspire is a boutique practice, not a high-volume clinic, which means:
Director-led evaluations
All testing services are led by Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced training in psychological and neuropsychological assessment for children, teens, and adults. She oversees every evaluation—from intake to feedback—so your questions are actually answered and your report meets the requirements of schools, testing boards, and employers.Tailored assessments, not one-size-fits-all batteries
Every evaluation is customized to your referral questions—whether you’re seeking ADHD testing, an autism evaluation, gifted/IQ testing, a psychoeducational evaluation, or diagnostic clarification for a complex presentation.Fast, predictable turnaround
We avoid months-long waitlists. Most clients complete the process—from intake to feedback—in about 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity and scheduling. Some gifted or school-entry evaluations may be completed in 1–2 days of testing.Clear, practical reports
Reports are written in plain language, designed to be used in:IEP or 504 meetings
Private and specialized school admissions
Gifted/advanced program applications
Requests for standardized test or workplace accommodations
Whole-person, affirming care
We are LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent affirming. We look beyond labels, centering your lived experience and overall well-being and highlighting strengths, while still providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.High standards for gifted & 2E testing
For gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2E) assessments, we follow current professional guidelines and integrate best practices (such as those used by organizations like the Davidson Institute) to ensure results are accurate and truly useful.
Step 1: Virtual New Client Intake Focused on Testing (30 Min – $175)
Your testing process begins with the same Virtual New Client Intake, scheduled specifically with Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D.
In this visit, you will:
Share your main concerns, questions, and goals for testing
Review relevant history (school, work, medical, previous evaluations)
Clarify what kind of information, diagnosis, or documentation you’re hoping to walk away with
By the end of this appointment, Dr. Scolaro will recommend:
That no testing is needed right now, or
A targeted/brief evaluation, or
A comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological evaluation
For children and teens under 18, this first appointment is usually for at least one parent or guardian only. Your child does not need to be present for the intake.
Step 2: In-Person Testing Sessions
Next, we schedule 1–3 in-person testing sessions, usually 3–5 hours each, using gold-standard measures tailored to your age, needs, and goals.
These sessions may assess:
Cognitive ability and IQ
Attention, executive functioning, and processing speed
Learning and academic skills (reading, writing, math)
Memory and language
Social communication and autism-related features
Emotional and behavioral functioning
Common measures used may include:
WISC-V, WPPSI-IV, Stanford-Binet
WIAT-4 and other academic tests
D-KEFS, CPT and other executive function/attention measures
ADOS-2 and related tools for autism evaluations
We build in breaks and adjust pacing for focus, sensory needs, and fatigue. For toddlers and young children, we use developmentally appropriate tools, observation, and caregiver interviews.
Where does testing happen?
The Virtual New Client Intake and feedback session take place via secure video.
Testing days are usually in-person at our:
Upper East Side office in Manhattan
Stone Ridge office in the Hudson Valley
Step 3: Detailed Report & Feedback Session
After testing, Dr. Scolaro:
Scores and interprets your results
Integrates them with your history and current concerns
Prepares a clear, comprehensive written report
You’ll then have a feedback session (virtual or in-person) to:
Walk through the results and any diagnoses in plain language
Understand both strengths and challenges
Ask questions and make sense of what this means for everyday life
Plan next steps for:
Therapy or coaching
Speech pathology, occupational therapy and/or other specialized recommendations
Medication consultation (when appropriate)
School supports (IEP/504)
Standardized test or workplace accommodations
Most clients complete the entire process in about 2–4 weeks from intake to feedback, depending on complexity and scheduling.
Types of Evaluations We Commonly Provide
ADHD & Executive Function Testing
Clarifies whether focus, organization, and follow-through struggles are best explained by ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or something else. Helps guide therapy, coaching, medication decisions, and accommodations.Psychoeducational & Learning Disability Evaluations
Identifies the root causes of difficulties in reading, writing, or math—such as dyslexia, processing weaknesses, or attentional factors—and provides recommendations you can share with schools, tutors, and learning specialists.Autism & Developmental Evaluations
Uses tools like the ADOS-2, developmental history, and rating scales to assess social communication, flexibility, sensory processing, and behavior. Helps clarify whether autism spectrum disorder is present and what supports will help.Giftedness, IQ & 2E Testing
Measures cognitive strengths using validated instruments (e.g., WISC-V, Stanford-Binet) and identifies Twice-Exceptional (2E) profiles where high ability co-exists with ADHD, autism, or learning differences.Accommodations for School & Standardized Exams
Evaluations tailored to meet documentation requirements for accommodations on exams like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, Bar, professional licensure exams, and for college/graduate school and workplace settings.Diagnostic Clarification for Treatment Planning
Helps sort out overlapping symptoms (e.g., anxiety vs. ADHD vs. mood vs. trauma) so your treatment plan can be targeted, coordinated, and effective.
Testing Fees & Insurance
Virtual New Client Intake (30 min, with Dr. Scolaro): $175
Psychological and neuropsychological testing: individually quoted based on:
The type of evaluation (ADHD, autism, psychoeducational, gifted/2E, accommodations, diagnostic clarification)
The purpose of the evaluation (diagnostic clarity or scores only vs. accommodations for school or work)
The number and length of testing sessions
Scoring, interpretation, and report-writing time
We are out-of-network and do not bill insurance directly. Many clients use:
Out-of-network benefits (with a detailed superbill)
HSA/FSA funds to help cover evaluation costs
We can provide the CPT codes and documentation you need to check your benefits ahead of time.
Ready for Answers?
This isn’t just about getting a diagnosis. Psychological testing is about truly understanding yourself or your child, validating what you’ve been noticing, ending the uncertainty, and unlocking the right supports at school, work, and home.
A note from Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D.
“My goal in every evaluation is that you leave with more than a label. I want you to walk away with language that makes sense of your experience, a plan for what to do next, and a report you actually feel comfortable sharing with schools, testing boards, or other providers.”
— Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D.
$175 · 30 minutes · Virtual
Used to review your concerns, discuss the best testing plan, and outline next steps.For kids and teens under 18, the intake is for at least one parent/guardian; your child does not need to be present.
Not Sure If You Need Therapy, Testing, or Both?
A lot of people aren’t sure where to start. You might be thinking:
“Is this really ADHD, or just stress?”
“Do I need a full evaluation, or should I try therapy first?”
“Is my child struggling enough to justify testing?”
You don’t have to solve this puzzle alone.
Quick Ways to Decide
Therapy may be your best first step if:
You want regular support and coping tools
You’re not sure a formal diagnosis or written report is necessary right now
You’re focused on managing anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship issues, or performance concerns
→ Learn how we start individual therapy
Testing may be your best first step if:
You’re specifically asking, “Do I (or my child) have ADHD, autism, a learning disability, or 2E?”
You need documentation for school, standardized tests, or workplace accommodations
You’ve tried therapy or medication before, but something still doesn’t quite add up
→ Learn how psychological testing works
Still Unsure? Talk With a Director
Your Virtual New Client Intake can simply focus on figuring out what makes the most sense. In one 30-minute visit, we’ll talk through your concerns, answer questions, and recommend whether therapy, testing, or a combination is likely to be most helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You don’t have to know ahead of time. Many people come to us unsure, and that’s okay. Your Virtual New Client Intake with a Clinical Director is designed to help clarify whether therapy, testing, or both is the best next step.
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We are not in-network with insurance. However, we provide detailed superbills so you can pursue possible out-of-network reimbursement. We’re happy to provide the relevant CPT service codes to check. All clients are required to keep a payment method on file.
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Virtual New Client Intake (30 minutes, virtual): $175
Ongoing individual and couples/partners therapy: Ranges depending on your therapist’s level.
Psychological testing: costs vary based on the type and complexity of your evaluation (ADHD, autism, psychoeducational, gifted/2E, accommodations, or diagnostic clarification). After your intake with Dr. Scolaro, you’ll receive a clear written estimate before any testing begins.
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Most comprehensive evaluations involve 2–3 in-person testing sessions (about 3–5 hours each) plus a separate feedback appointment and time for scoring and report-writing. At your intake, we outline a clear timeline so you know what to expect. Most clients complete the process within 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity and scheduling.
We provide assessments for toddlers, children, teens, and adults, and can begin as young as age 2 for developmental and behavioral concerns. For children under 2, we often focus on parent guidance and early support instead of formal testing.
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Yes. Our reports are written to meet documentation requirements for:
School supports (IEP/504)
College and graduate programs
Standardized exams such as the SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, MCAT, Bar, and other licensure exams
Workplace accommodations
We regularly help clients secure supports like extended time, breaks, separate testing rooms, permission to move or stand, and additional scrap paper. During your intake, we review the specific requirements of your school, university, or testing board so the evaluation is designed with that in mind.
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Not always. Many clients come to us with evaluations from a few years ago. During your Virtual New Client Intake, we can review your existing reports, talk about what has changed, and recommend either a focused update or a comprehensive re-evaluation, depending on what you need now.
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Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, and more. We also provide LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, performance coaching, trauma-informed care, and biofeedback to support emotional regulation and focus.
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Yes. Many clinicians at Aspire specialize in therapy and testing for children and adolescents, and we often involve families in the process. In-person therapy for kids and teens is available at both our NYC and Stone Ridge locations, with virtual sessions as appropriate.
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We provide services across New York and New Jersey, with:
In-person and hybrid options on the Upper East Side in Manhattan
In-person and hybrid options in Stone Ridge in the Hudson Valley
Telehealth available statewide in NY, NJ and DE
Ready to Move Toward a More Fulfilling Life?
Whether you’re exploring therapy, considering a psychological evaluation, or simply gathering information, the most important step is starting the conversation. From there, we’ll help you figure out the rest.
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
— Past Client
Meet Our Clinical Directors
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. (she/her), Clinical Director
Dr. Scolaro is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of Aspire Psychotherapy. She specializes in psychological and neuropsychological testing across the lifespan, with particular expertise in ADHD, autism, giftedness and 2E, learning differences, and diagnostic clarification for complex presentations. She also provides therapy for anxiety, OCD, and neurodivergent clients using CBT, ERP, and psychodynamic approaches, as well as couples therapy and Parent Management Training (PMT) to support families. As Clinical Director, she meets with new patients to clarify goals, recommend the right level of care, and personally oversee the testing process from intake through feedback.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them), Co-Director
Brie is a nonbinary clinical social worker and Co-Director of Aspire. They specialize in action-focused, behavioral therapies for perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure, executive function challenges, and ADHD. Brie has extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients through anxiety, life transitions, and sexuality or gender/gender identity-related stress. They also offer biofeedback for emotional regulation and sports psychology/performance coaching for athletes and high performers. Brie is dedicated to creating a judgment-free environment where clients can show up as they are and work toward meaningful change.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety free life without using medication.”
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life”
Office Locations in NYC and the Hudson Valley
We offer telehealth and hybrid therapy sessions at two locations in New York State. Reach out today to schedule your intake appointment and start seeing your therapist remotely or in-person.
Upper East Side Office - Manhattan
312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028
Hudson Valley Office - Stone Ridge
Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
