Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

Someone said that could be a couple of thousand dollars, and insurance won't pay. Outside evaluation for the CSE.

Why would I do that as opposed to input to the CSE from her psychiatrist that she has seen for two years, (and also her psychologist)

What would be the advantage? What would he/she do different that my own?

Re: Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

Only speaking from what I see in my professional life and that is also working with adults, not kids....several of my pts see someone privately because there is less wait time, they give more attention and it's not a "clinic mentality".

Many of my pts who only have Medicaid also are seen by residents, who change every few months.

With a complicated diagnosis, this makes it more challenging to deal with symptoms and meds.

Not saying that you can't get decent treatment if you can't pay out of pocket, but this is just what I have observed.

I also think most neuropsych evals which are done by psychologists....have to be medically justified for insurance to cover which is why so many people just pay out of pocket.

They also take time to complete as well.

We do them onsite where I work.

Re: Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

They are talking about a full psychiatric evaluation to help you with placement in the schools. The most important aspect of this evaluation is the actual "report" . The evaluator, if they can be available for a CSE meeting via phone or in person would also help you tremendously. My advice would be to select a psychiatrist, and a neuro psychologist that is very well recommended with the advocates/attorneys. Do not go with one the school recommends as it can be very bias towards the school.


When you deal with a CSE you are essentially trying to negotiate. The more 'proof' you bring to the table of what's best for your child, the harder it is for the CSE to ignore.

It's very similar to a lawsuit, the "expert" opinions can weigh heavily or not at all if they are "weak".

I have read different neuro psych reports and trust me there is a huge difference.

You may be able to use your private psychiatrist for the independent evaluation. I believe he has to be "approved".

Message edited 10/14/2014 11:14:53 AM.

Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

It might be worth it if you are looking for services that the school district doesn't want to give you. My DS had an updated evaluation done by the school psychologist. The person who completed the evals had a Master's degree and works for the district. In our case, it was fine because they gave my son what I thought he needed. If I thought he needed more than what they offered, I would have gone the private route and had an MD or PhD with a lot more experience run a more comprehensive battery of tests. I think there are also some tests that may score adaptive skills higher or lower than others. An outside evaluator has no vested interest in what services the district offers, they are offering their expert opinion on the child's abilites and needs. They may end up telling you the same thing the district does.

ETA: you didn't mention the disability in your OP, but I have seen a difference in professionals who are well versed in autism vs. those who are not. For me, if I have someone who really understands autism, they better understand what my child's needs are. That may or may not be relevant with your child's providers, but worth thinking about.

Message edited 10/14/2014 1:08:39 PM.

Re: Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

My bad...when I read this I somehow missed the part about CSE. My opinion still stands for the other part though.

Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

General anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (making friends), and some mental OCD tendancies.

Re: Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

I always tell my family to take the free evaluation first. At least in my school district the person they are recommending are from the same list we would use to go privately. When you get the report back, if you do not agree with the recommendations, then go privately to see if you get a different opinion. Not all evaulators are going to side with the school district. We just did a complete psych eval for my DD at the request of the district because they did not want to let me do the placement I wanted for her. Our evaluation came back 100% in my favor and against the district. We placed her how I wanted and she is doing wonderfully. So I always believe in taking what they give you and then follow up privately if you need too.

The district was insisting she was not autistic and was just behavioral with no related therapies (her therapists did not agree). Our evaluation came back with autism, pragmatic language deficit and high anxiety. They increased my services based on the report.

Re: Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

Yes, I agree Karen. Always get the school to do their evaluation but if you have a choice for an independent evaluation at the public's expense, don't necessarily go with the "expert" the school is recommending.. Do your own research first and find one that is known to advocate for the children vs the schools. You don't have to go off a small list.

I think there is confusion between "private" and "independent".

Also the OP wanted to know why she needed another eval outside the one that her private physician already did. Some physicians do not know how to address schools effectively. The strength of their reports can make all the difference. How 'anxiety" ties into the entire picture (the regulation of neurotransmitters and learning) is huge. I hate the word "behavioral" and schools love it lol Sadly schools do not base a lot of their decision making on 'neuroscience'.

Why hire on outside psychiatrist for outside evaluation?

Exactly sapphire. You put it much better than I tried : ).