Frequently Asked Questions

You don't have to. That's exactly what the free consultation is for — we talk through what you're seeing and match it to the right evaluation, or tell you if another path fits better.

Yes. It costs nothing and carries no obligation to book. The right starting point matters more to us than filling a calendar.

Contact our office by phone, email, or online to schedule an intake consultation. We'll guide you through gathering records, completing questionnaires, and setting up the first appointment.

Wait times vary depending on the type of service. We do our best to schedule families as quickly as possible. If you'd like to know our current availability, please contact us directly.

Send any past evaluations, school reports, IEPs/504 plans, or medical records for review before the first session. Don't worry if you don't have everything — send what you can, and we'll guide you through the rest. If you're scheduling for your child, talk about it in age-friendly ways: younger kids can be told they'll do “brain games” like puzzles and matching, then play with toys at the end. Older kids can be told the activities help us understand how they learn and solve problems, which can make school easier.

We provide services for individuals across the lifespan: developmental assessments, autism and ADHD diagnostic testing, and psychoeducational assessments that look at learning and school needs. We also run small group programs, like Unstuck and On Target®, that help kids build flexibility, problem-solving, and social skills.

A developmental assessment gives a big-picture look at your child's strengths and areas where they might need extra support. We look at language, thinking skills, social skills, and motor development, so families understand how their child is growing and what would help at home or school.

A psychoeducational assessment focuses on how your child learns — academic skills, memory, attention, and problem-solving — and can guide school planning. A diagnostic assessment determines whether your child meets criteria for conditions such as autism or ADHD. Sometimes these overlap, and we'll talk with you about which is the best fit.

It varies by type. Most evaluations involve multiple appointments — testing sessions, school observations, parent interviews, and a feedback session. The full process can take several weeks up to a couple of months from start to finish.

A diagnostic report documents your child's needs and includes specific recommendations. Families use it to support requests for a 504 Plan or an IEP. The school makes the final eligibility decision, and the report gives them the clinical information to work from.

Not as young as most parents assume. We evaluate children as early as 15 months when there are concerns about development. Earlier answers mean earlier support — which is when it helps most.

No. Learning differences like dyslexia and dyscalculia show up in bright, capable children whose reading, math, or language skills don't match their overall ability. The evaluation maps that gap precisely so the right kind of help can follow.

Both. Our work centers on children and teens, but Dr. Brinkley also evaluates adults — many of whom come in after years of wondering whether something like ADHD or autism explains lifelong patterns.

We use gold-standard, research-backed tools, including the ADOS-2, alongside a developmental history, direct observation, and rating scales from home and school. The exact battery is scaled to your child's age and the specific question we're answering.

A fun, hands-on 10–12 week group program that helps kids ages 8–11 learn to be flexible, handle changes, and stay on track with goals. It's especially helpful for children who get “stuck” or frustrated when things don't go as planned.

No. Many kids in the group have an autism, ADHD, or executive-function profile, but a diagnosis isn't required. The group is for any child who struggles with flexibility, getting started, or connecting with peers.

Because social and behavioral challenges rarely exist in isolation. Self-regulation, sensory load, and language all shape whether a child can connect or function easily in daily life. Running a group as a team means we can address the skill underneath the struggle, not just the surface behavior.

PCIT is designed for young children, roughly 2 to 7 years old, who struggle with tantrums, impulsivity, trouble following directions, or big emotions. If your child is older or you're not sure it's the right fit, the free consultation is the place to figure out the best path.

Most families complete PCIT in roughly 12 to 20 weekly sessions, but it's mastery-based rather than fixed. You move forward as the skills click and graduate once they're solid and home feels genuinely different.

No. PCIT helps with disruptive behavior whether or not there's a formal diagnosis. If a diagnosis would be useful for school or other services, we can talk through assessment separately at your consultation.

We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. We provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Every plan is different. Contact your insurance provider and ask about coverage for out-of-network psychological testing or therapy. Be sure to ask whether you need pre-authorization for assessments or services.

Our rates vary depending on the type of assessment or program. Because every child's needs are unique, we go over costs in detail during your initial consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

Our office is near Willow Lawn Shopping Center at 5006 Monument Avenue (Suite B), Richmond, VA 23230. Families come to us from across RVA and the surrounding counties — Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover. Some assessments include observations at your child's school or another comfortable setting. If you're unsure whether we can help based on where you live, reach out and we'll talk through options, including telehealth.

Yes. Parts of our services, such as parent consultations and feedback sessions, can be done through secure telehealth. In-person visits are usually best for testing, but we'll work with you to make a plan that's convenient and effective for your family.

Yes. Kids do best when the adults in their lives work as a team. With your permission, we coordinate with the people who know your child best — teachers, pediatricians, and other therapists — to build a complete picture and share results and recommendations.

Yes. Free off-street parking is available in the private lot surrounding our office in the Monument Corporate Center.