Dr. DenBoer has specialized training in conducting psychological evaluations for families pursing international adoption. With understanding and awareness that adoption can be a difficult and emotional process, Dr. DenBoer’s evaluations are conducted with care and compassion. We believe that adoption provides an incredible opportunity to give a loving home to a child in need. While this evaluation may feel like another hurdle on your journey to expand your family, know that we share the same goal of wanting to find a safe place for a child. Pre-adoption psychological evaluations are often a requirement for international adoptions, with a goal of screening parents to ensure that they are ready to take on the challenges of parenting for the first time or to add another member to their family. If mental health concerns are present in the family, the evaluation can help ensure that these concerns are addressed early and that parents have the support that they need to be successful.
- While each host country has its own requirements for what the evaluation should include, the general process remains the same and consists of:
- A clinical interview between Dr. DenBoer and the parent(s), both together and separately
- A standardized assessment/”test” of personality and/or psychopathology completed by each prospective parent
- Unfortunately, insurance does not pay for pre-adoption psychological evaluations, as the assessment is not directly related to a medical/health condition. Evaluations are priced at Dr. DenBoer’s flat hourly self-pay testing rate. The total number of hours is based on the host country requirements.
- Dr. DenBoer is available to conduct these evaluations in-person at our Southwest Florida office, as well as virtually via telehealth across 41 other states (if your host country allows.)