Why Are Psychological Assessments So Expensive?

A Clinical Psychologist’s Perspective - Dr. Brian Burgoyne, PsyD, LP

One question a clinical psychologist is often asked:

“Why do psychological evaluations cost so much?”

It’s a fair question. Many people assume the fee reflects only the hours spent in a testing appointment. In reality, a comprehensive psychological assessment involves a substantial amount of professional work that occurs both during and outside the appointment.

Below is a general overview of what goes into a psychological evaluation, particularly when individuals are considering private-pay services.

Psychological Testing Materials Are Expensive

Psychologists use standardized assessment instruments that are developed and validated through extensive research. These tools are not simple questionnaires; they are professionally developed measures requiring specialized materials and scoring systems.

Private practices must purchase official testing kits, scoring platforms, and regularly updated materials directly from publishers. Maintaining current instruments is essential to ensure assessments remain accurate, standardized, and ethically administered.

Much of the Work Happens Outside the Appointment

Testing appointments are only one part of the evaluation process.

For every hour spent face-to-face with a client, psychologists typically spend additional time:

• Reviewing background and developmental information

• Scoring assessment results

• Integrating data across interviews and records

• Interpreting findings

• Writing a comprehensive clinical report

These reports are often used by schools, medical providers, and workplaces when making decisions about supports or accommodations, so accuracy and clarity are critical.

Assessment Requires Specialized Training

Licensed clinical psychologists complete doctoral-level education and years of supervised clinical training, much of which focuses on assessment and diagnosis.

Administering tests is only one piece of the puzzle. The greater expertise lies in accurately interpreting results, understanding how symptoms overlap across conditions, and responsibly communicating findings and recommendations.

Evaluations Support Long-Term Decision Making

A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify diagnostic questions and is used to inform:

• Treatment planning

• Educational supports

• Workplace accommodations

• Medical or therapeutic decision-making

Ideally, the information gained remains clinically useful long after the office evaluation.

Cost and Access Matter

We also recognize that cost can be a barrier, particularly when evaluations are private pay or not fully covered by insurance due to high deductibles.

At Minding My Own Psychological Assessments, we strive to remain as cost-conscious as possible and offer service options that allow individuals to begin with the level of assessment most appropriate for their needs.

In some cases, focused screenings or other services may be appropriate prior to pursuing a comprehensive evaluation.

Final Thoughts

Much of the assessment process happens behind the scenes, which can make the cost difficult to understand at first glance. We hope this overview helps clarify what goes into a comprehensive psychological evaluation.

If you are considering an evaluation and would like to explore available options, our team is happy to discuss services and help determine appropriate next steps.

Minding My Own Psychological Assessments, PLLC

Psychological evaluation services for children, adolescents, and adults in Colorado.

Contact us to learn more about available services and scheduling options.