HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Two Brook Lane outpatient offices are now offering psychological testing of young people.

“Brook Lane is responding to a regional need for psychological testing of children and adolescents,” said Emmet Burke, Ph.D., J.D., a Brook Lane psychologist. “Testing has required travel, and waiting lists are typically a year or longer.”

Testing is available at the Brook Lane Cumberland Outpatient office on West Industrial Boulevard in Cumberland, Md., and the Brook Lane Thrive Outpatient office in North Village off Longmeadow Road near Maugans Avenue north of Hagerstown.

The testing is administered by a licensed clinical psychologist to assess for:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Intellectual deficits
• Various mood, anxiety and behavioral concerns

Psychological testing uses standardized assessments to evaluate a person’s behavior and provide a deeper, comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

“Assessment for autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, depression or anxiety is the first step to effective treatment for children and teens,” Dr. Burke said.

Brook Lane uses a three-step process for psychological testing. First, the psychologist will meet with the child and their parent/caregiver for a clinical interview to gather background information and presenting symptoms. This appointment lasts for approximately one hour.

If the psychologist determines that testing is necessary, a second appointment is scheduled for the testing, during which standardized assessments are administered. If insurance requires pre-authorization, this will be submitted after the first appointment and testing will be scheduled once approval is obtained. This appointment can last for two to three hours. As part of the testing process, parents and teachers will also be asked to complete standardized questionnaires to obtain more information about the child’s behavior across settings.

The final step is a one-hour appointment to discuss the testing results and recommendations. The psychologist provides a comprehensive report detailing the results and diagnosis to be shared with other professionals and providers.

Those with concerns about their child’s daily functioning and the possibility of autism or ADHD might consider psychological testing at Brook Lane.

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Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best healthcare, health services and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.