If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, the easiest way to do so is through my online scheduler. If you have a specific question or prefer to reach out by email first, you’re welcome to contact me below.
Get in Touch
442-202-4940
Phone
1241 Carlsbad Village Drive #208
Carlsbad, CA 92008
location
dr.macarthur@carlsbadassessment.com
Conveniently located off the freeway and close to downtown carlsbad
1241 Carlsbad village drive, suite 208
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Where are you located?
Frequently Asked Questions
you might be wondering about
I use a warm, strengths-based approach in a sensory-friendly office so children feel safe and supported. With years of experience in neuropsychological and psychological assessment, I provide accurate answers and faster turnaround times than many clinics. As a clinical psychologist, I evaluate the whole child—including learning, attention, emotional, and developmental needs—and can provide medical diagnoses that guide support beyond school. While school psychologists focus on educational access, my role is to offer a deeper, clinically informed understanding of your child’s profile across home, school, and community.
The fee for assessment services is $250 per hour, with most evaluations requiring 8–20 hours, depending on your child’s age and the areas assessed. A personalized estimate is provided during the free 15-minute consultation.
For scheduling, 50% is due at the parent interview and 50% at the feedback session.
I do not accept insurance directly. All evaluations are private-pay, but I can provide a detailed superbill that you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. I can provide you with projected billing codes if you would like to see what your insurance might cover.
It’s important to know that many insurance plans only cover brief or highly specific types of testing, or they require a diagnosis to authorize payment. This often limits the time and depth needed for a truly comprehensive evaluation. By working outside of insurance, I’m able to provide the thorough, individualized assessment your child deserves.
You’re always welcome to check with your insurance company to see what out-of-network benefits your plan includes. I’m happy to guide you on what to ask.
Your child will spend time doing different activities—puzzles, problem-solving tasks, language activities, drawings, answering questions, and talking about feelings—with breaks offered throughout the day. Some tasks will feel easy and others more challenging, but there is no passing or failing. The goal is simply to understand how your child thinks, learns, and manages emotions, all in a sensory-friendly, supportive environment.
To prepare, help your child get good sleep, pack snacks and lunch, and dress comfortably. You can describe the day as “a chance to try different activities” rather than a test. Simple, collaborative language can help, such as:
“We’re going to learn more about how your brain works — what feels easy, what feels a little tricky, and what might help things feel better.”
I work with children and teens ages 2–18. My practice focuses exclusively on comprehensive evaluations, including neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and psychological assessments. I do not offer custody evaluations. Although I have years of experience providing therapy, I no longer offer ongoing treatment so I can dedicate my time to thorough, high-quality assessments.
As part of the evaluation process, I offer guidance on next steps and can share suggestions for local therapists and specialists who may be a good fit for your child’s needs. I also help families understand how results can inform school accommodations and support communication with teachers or the IEP/504 team. My role is to help you understand what’s going on and feel confident about how to move forward at home, in the community, and at school.
All testing with your child is completed in person to ensure accuracy and high-quality results. The parent interview and feedback session can be held either in person or via telehealth, depending on your preference and what works best for your family’s schedule.