Preparing for a Virtual Clinical Assessment in Georgia

If you have been asked to complete a clinical assessment, you may have a service name and a deadline without much explanation of what comes next. Preparation starts with understanding the request. You do not need to guess which appointment to book or send every document you have before we have spoken.

I provide private virtual clinical assessments in Georgia. Here are the practical details to work through before your appointment.

Start with the referral request

Find the name of the assessment that was requested and who requested it. If you received written instructions, keep them available when you contact me. Useful details include the type of assessment, any stated requirements, the intended recipient of a report, and the deadline you were given.

If the wording is unclear, say so. For example, “I was told to get an assessment, but I am not sure which kind” gives us a useful starting point. The goal is to clarify the request before you spend time and money on an appointment that may not fit it.

If your referral specifically requests a substance abuse assessment, visit the Substance Abuse Assessments in Georgia page for service information and common questions.

Discuss the deadline before scheduling

There are two dates to think about: the appointment date and the date a report is needed. Most assessments take approximately one hour, and reports are typically completed within 7–10 business days. Those are general timelines to discuss in relation to your specific assessment.

Tell me about a deadline when you first get in touch. If you need a report sooner, ask whether expedited completion is available before booking. An appointment taking place before your deadline does not, by itself, mean the report will be ready by that date.

Ask about records before sending them

Different referrals can raise different questions about paperwork. Ask whether any records, written instructions, or other materials are needed for your assessment and how to provide them. You do not need to decide on your own which documents might be relevant.

If someone else holds information related to the referral, mention that during the initial discussion. We can clarify what needs to happen next. If you are a professional making a referral, the Professional Referrals page provides a starting point for contacting me.

Make a practical plan for the virtual appointment

Before the appointment, confirm how you will join, which device you plan to use, and whom to contact if you have trouble connecting. Let me know if you have questions about participating virtually so they can be addressed before the scheduled time.

Choose a place where you can speak comfortably and limit interruptions. Check that your device is charged and allow yourself a little time to get settled. Keep any instructions you have received nearby, along with the questions you want to ask.

Confirm the fee and report arrangements

My assessments are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. Ask about the fee for the assessment being requested and review the Fees & FAQ page before booking. Therapy insurance coverage should not be taken to mean that an assessment is covered.

If a report needs to go to an attorney, court, agency, or another authorized recipient, discuss that arrangement in advance. Reports may be shared with a signed Release of Information. Have the intended recipient’s details available and ask what is needed to arrange delivery.

You can begin with a question

The most useful preparation is knowing what you were asked to complete and what remains unclear. A short list of those questions is enough to begin the conversation. Contact me about an assessment to discuss the referral, timing, and next steps.