How does the diagnostic process work for my family and child?

The initial consultation is over secure video based telehealth. This allows me to get to know your child’s history, strengths and your concerns. This allows us an opportunity to talk without your child present the entire time, but I can also observe and interact with your child as well. Prior to the intake interview you will fill out consent forms and complete questionnaires about your child. I believe in a collaborative approach so we may include information provided by your child’s teacher and health care providers. At the end of the intake assessment, I will be able to give you a plan for the assessment. In some cases, you may not be sure that an assessment is necessary. If, in my clinical opinion, an assessment is not necessary I will let you know and we can decide on follow up plans. If we make a collaborative decision to put assessment on hold and you decide that you do want an assessment later, we can usually have a brief reduced cost call prior to testing, so that I can be updated on your child’s challenges and progress.

If we decide that a diagnostic assessment is warrented then I will be able to give you a time estimate for the assessment. Most assessments can be completed in 90 minutes to 2.5 hours for young children and within 4 hours for older children. We can also talk about how to prepare your individual child for the assessment day.

Once the assessment is complete, we will follow up either in person or on video, so that I can go over the test results. In some cases, I can give you some results on the day of the evaluation, but at times, it is necessary for me to carefully score the assessment before formulating a diagnostic conclusion. We can decide if any follow up will be necessary at that point.

How do Consultation sessions work?

Most consultation visits are provided via telehealth. Under some circumstances we may agree that an in office observation or even an in home consultation would be helpful.

Can Dr. Kay see children from out of state?

Yes - Dr. Kay is licensed in Massachusetts, so if you live in another state we can do an intake call to gather basic information, but testing and consultation must occur in Massachusetts. In many cases, the entire evaluation could be completed in one day if the family is not able to travel to Massachusetts on multiple occasions.

How do we pay for assessments?

At this time, The Kay Center only accepts private pay.  Insurance is not accepted, but families can ask for a comprehensive bill with relevant codes to present to their insurance company for reimbursement. Some insurance companies may reimburse a portion of the cost, but there is no guarantee that this will happen. The Kay Center does not enter in to single case agreements or accept payments from insurance at this time.

Payments are made prior to appointments by either a secure link or by check.

What is the cost of Assessment?

Initial Assessment

$500

Diagnostic Evaluations for Children age 3 and under

$2500

Diagnostic Evaluations for Children age 4-10

$3000

Dr. Kay does not typically see children over  age 10, but may make exceptions under certain circumstances such as suspicion of intellectual disability, intellectual disability and autism, or severe learning problems. At times, assessments of siblings of children wtih autism may be appropriate for children out of the typcial age range. Cost of these assessments can be discussed and may vary based on need.

Consultation on Sleep, Toileting, Feeding or behavior problems

$275 per hour 

Consultation for ABA Program Review or IEP program review

Initial consultation fee of $400.00. 

Dr. Kay will then be able to provide a good faith estimate regarding the amount of time the program review will take.  Subsequent hours billed at $250.00 per hour.

Cognitive Assessment for Typically Developing or Gifted Children

An initial visit may or not be needed prior to this type of assessment

$1200.

Fees for other services can be discussed by phone and a written estimate provided.

 What are some limits on Dr. Kay’s service?

Medications. Dr. Kay does not prescribe medications but can recommend that your provider consider medications or that you consult with a psychiatrist after a diagnositic evaluation. For young children, Dr. Kay tends to recommend behavioral and therapeuric approaches first.

Forensic Evaluations : Evaluations related to parental fitness or involvement in custody disputes are not a service provided by Dr. Kay or the Kay Center. If parents are separated or divorced both parents should provide signed consent for the assessment unless a court order specifies otherwise. Parents should inform Dr. Kay if two consent forms are required when scheduling initial appointments.

Dr. Kay may diagnose anxiety or another mood disorder in a child, but she does not provide direct therapeutic services for these conditions.   In certain cases, she can provide direct teaching or therapeutic intervention for children with autism, but this service is on a case by case basis. Dr. Kay may recommend ABA therapy, but she does not have staff to provide intensive daily services that some children require. But, she gladly makes referrals other providers for these services.