Referrals to Allen Psychology come from pediatricians, psychiatrists, schools, therapists, attorneys, and families themselves. Whatever the source, the goal of every referral is the same: to determine whether a neuropsychological evaluation, therapy, or a combination of the two will best answer the question at hand, and to move a family or client toward that answer without unnecessary delay.
A referral is not a single, one-size-fits-all event. A pediatrician referring a patient with suspected ADHD is often looking for diagnostic clarity to guide a treatment decision; a school referring a struggling student may be looking for data to support an eligibility determination; an attorney referring a client may need documentation for a legal proceeding. Because these referral questions differ, the intake conversation is used to understand exactly what is being asked before an evaluation plan is finalized, so that the resulting testing and report are matched to the actual question instead of a generic evaluation template.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Unexplained academic struggles in a child who appears capable and is working hard
- Concerns about attention, impulsivity, or behavior affecting school or home
- Suspected learning disability, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia
- Questions about whether autism spectrum disorder is present and how it is affecting functioning
- Developmental delays or uneven skill development in young children
- Rising anxiety, school avoidance, or emotional and behavioral changes
- IEP eligibility, 504 planning, or accommodation decisions
- Diagnostic clarity when a prior evaluation reached unclear or conflicting conclusions
What to Include in a Referral
- A brief description of the presenting concern and how long it has been observed
- Any prior evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, or relevant medical records, if available
- Contact information for the family or client, and preferred method of contact
- Any specific question the referring provider would like the evaluation to address
How the Referral Process Works
- A referring provider or family contacts the practice by email; a brief intake conversation follows
- With written authorization, relevant records, such as school reports, prior evaluations, and medical history, are requested and reviewed in advance
- Allen determines whether evaluation, therapy, or a combined approach best fits the referral question
- Referring providers receive a written report or summary, with appropriate consent, and are welcome to discuss findings directly
Once a referral or inquiry is received, a member of the team responds within one business day to schedule a brief intake conversation. This conversation focuses on understanding the concern well enough to recommend a starting point, whether that is a full evaluation, a course of therapy, or an initial consultation to clarify what is needed. Referring professionals can expect to be kept informed throughout, with written authorization from the family, and are always welcome to discuss a case directly with Dr. Allen rather than relying solely on a written report.
Every family who reaches out is looking for the same thing: a clearer understanding of what is happening, and a sense of what to do next.
Korrie Allen, PsyD, ABSNP
Allen Psychology
