Expert Learning, Behavior & Social Emotional Evaluation​s in the North Bay Area

Worried About Your Child’s Learning or Behavior? We Can Help.

Comprehensive evaluations and expert guidance for dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, and other developmental and learning challenges, so your child can thrive at school and at home.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

You know your child. And you can tell they experience the world a little differently.

When children are misunderstood, their potential remains locked away, impacting their confidence, sense of belonging, and future.
You might notice:
  • They mix up sounds in words, struggle to spell, or avoid reading altogether
    Following multi-step directions is a daily challenge
    Certain sounds, textures, or changes in routine lead to meltdowns
    They get “stuck” on a topic or activity and have trouble shifting gears
    They’re smart and curious, but reading and writing feel like a battle
    Teachers say they’re “not trying” or “disruptive,” but you know there’s more to the story
The sooner you get clarity about what’s really going on, the sooner you can take action.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Transform Confusion into Clarity

Find out what’s going on with your child and get guidance on the best way to support them.
Move forward with:
Expert recommendations for immediate and effective support
Compassionate help navigating the education system
Guidance to strengthen learning, behavior, and confidence

We Understand the Journey You're On

With over 5,000 children served collectively, our team brings expertise in learning, developmental, and emotional challenges, plus a heartfelt commitment to helping children thrive.

FIND OUT MORE
Annalise Puentes
Co-Owner, Licensed Educational Psychologist, ABSNP
Bethany Deniz
Co-Owner, Licensed Educational Psychologist, ABSNP
Stephanie Dow-Romero
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Cara Vidano
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Kassie Parnow
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, BCBA
Brianna Semple
Administrative Assistant

3 Simple Steps to Understanding Your Child’s Needs

STEP 1

Free Consultation

Schedule a time to chat with us about your concerns, and we’ll determine the right path forward.

STEP 2

Personalized Evaluation

We’ll conduct a thorough, individualized evaluation to uncover your child’s unique strengths and challenges.

STEP 3

Confident Next Steps

Receive expert recommendations and a clear action plan so you can support your child with confidence.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

EmpowerED Services

Psychoeducational Evaluations

If you’re wondering why your child is struggling with learning, focus, or emotional or behavioral challenges, our comprehensive evaluation uncovers how your child learns and where they may need support. We assess for Autism, ADHD, and learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. You’ll get clear answers and a plan to help them thrive.

Learn More
Read More

School Neuropsychological Evaluations

Bethany and Annalise are trained to conduct School Neuropsychological Evaluations, which provide a deeper, more detailed look at how your child’s brain processes information. Because of this training, both our Psychoeducational Evaluations and School Neuropsychological Evaluations are comprehensive and based on an understanding of neuropsychological functioning.

Learn More
Read More

Executive Functioning Coaching

If your child has a hard time with organization, planning, or staying focused, they’re not alone. We offer one-on-one coaching to build practical skills that will support their academic and personal success for years to come.

Learn More
Read More

Behavior Support & Coaching

We work with you to create plans to address behaviors wherever you need them most. This could be a parenting approach, home strategies, or a school support plan—especially helpful for families navigating ADHD, autism, or anxiety.

Learn More
Read More

IQ Testing for Private Schools

Need an IQ test for private school admissions or placement? We make the process smooth and supportive, with assessments that meet school requirements and put your child at ease.

Learn More
Read More

IEP Consulting & School Meeting Support

If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s school evaluation or what to do next, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through the results, explain your options, and support you at school meetings if needed, making sure you feel confident, informed, and heard every step of the way.

Learn More
Read More

Dyslexia Evaluations

If your child struggles to sound out words, avoids reading, or has trouble spelling, a dyslexia evaluation can help uncover the reason behind those challenges. When dyslexia is identified early, the right support can lead to meaningful progress.

Learn More
Read More

IEEs: Independent Educational Evaluations

If a school-based evaluation didn’t tell the full story, you have the right to request an IEE. We provide comprehensive, student-centered evaluations that offer a clear, unbiased understanding of your child’s needs.

Learn More
Read More

The Right Support Makes All the Difference

“They have gifted me and my child a more positive relationship and experience with schooling, homework and life-long learning.”
“My daughter's evaluation was so thorough and was able to identify a rare form of dyslexia, which was able to change our relationship and progress with reading. It had been a struggle since kindergarten and now for the first time, she is reading at grade level (in 5th grade).”
“Professional, ethical, on time, compassionate, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend EmpowerED!!”

FAQs

Getting Started

Do I need a referral for testing?

No. You do not need a referral to schedule an evaluation. If you suspect a learning disorder or other condition, or if your child is struggling and you want to understand why, you can reach out to us directly. We’re here to help you get clear answers and the right support.

Do you offer evaluations in person or virtually?

All of our evaluations are conducted in person to ensure accuracy, comfort, and the highest quality of results.

Where are you located in the North Bay Area?

We’re located in Sebastopol, California, and serve families throughout the entire North Bay Area.

How soon can we schedule an evaluation?

We do our best to keep wait times short. Please contact us directly to find out our current availability and schedule your child’s evaluation.

Do you see adults or college students?


Yes, we see adults who are students. Our practice focuses on educational psychology, so we can do assessments for college students and adult students.

Assessment Services

How is dyslexia diagnosed in children?

Dyslexia is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation that looks at how your child reads, writes, spells, and processes language. We use standardized tests, observations, and input from parents and teachers to understand your child’s learning profile. The goal is to determine whether your child shows signs of dyslexia and to identify the best ways to support their success at school and at home.

Can ADHD be diagnosed by an educational psychologist?

Yes. Educational psychologists can assess for ADHD as part of a comprehensive evaluation. We look at attention, focus, impulsivity, and executive functioning, using standardized tools, observations, and input from parents and teachers. If your child shows signs of ADHD, we provide clear findings and recommendations to support them at home and in school.

Do you do IQ testing?


Yes, we offer IQ testing for children to determine whether they are gifted or have a high IQ. We use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-5) or the Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive (WJ-V), which are two of the most widely used and researched IQ tests.

How long does testing take?

It depends on the child and scope of testing, but testing typically takes between 3 to 5 sessions, with each session lasting about 2-3 hours including breaks. Some children need shorter or longer sessions depending on their age, attention span, and energy level.

How long until we get the results?


Typically, within about two to three weeks after the final testing session.

Insurance & Payment

Do you take insurance?

Psychoeducational evaluations and learning-focused support services are not typically covered by insurance across the field. This is because insurance companies classify these services as educational rather than medical in nature, regardless of which provider you see. For this reason, we do not bill insurance directly and operate as an out-of-network provider. However, we can provide a detailed Superbill with diagnostic and procedure codes after services are completed, which you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Some plans offer partial reimbursement for certain diagnoses—particularly ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, or anxiety—though learning disability evaluations alone typically are not reimbursed. Coverage varies widely by plan, and reimbursement is never guaranteed, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about out-of-network benefits.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?


Many families use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to pay for evaluations and related services. Eligibility depends on your specific plan, so we recommend confirming with your benefits administrator.

Do you offer payment plans?


Yes. We offer a standard 3-payment structure for assessments to help make services more accessible for families.

Do you accept CareCredit?


Yes. We accept CareCredit, which offers extended payment plans at no interest for up to 24 months for eligible families. ​​Help fit the care you want or need into your budget with the CareCredit health, wellness and beauty credit card. It offers flexible financing options that allow you to pay over time.*

· Promotional financing options available
· See if you prequalify with no impact to your credit score
· Instant credit decisions
· No annual fee

Learn More about CareCredit

What payment methods do you accept?


We accept major credit and debit cards, CareCredit, and other standard payment methods. Payment details and timelines are reviewed clearly during scheduling, so there are no surprises.

Working With Schools

Can you help with navigating the public school system?

Yes. We offer parent consultation and IEP support services at $200 per hour. We can attend IEP meetings with you, review school documents, observe in classrooms, and help you advocate for appropriate accommodations and services.

Can you attend IEP meetings with us?


Yes. We include one school-based meeting as part of our comprehensive assessment package. If additional meetings are needed, we offer consultation services to attend meetings and provide ongoing support.

Get in Touch

To schedule your free consultation or learn more about the ways we can help, please fill out the form below or give us a call/text at (707) 735-0290.

We're here to help!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

There’s a Way Forward

It can feel overwhelming when your child is struggling and answers are hard to find. That’s why we’re here: to listen, evaluate, and show you the path forward.

Based in Sebastopol and serving Sonoma, Marin, and surrounding counties, we specialize in supporting families just like yours. Whether you're navigating school challenges, behavioral concerns, or learning or developmental differences like Autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, you don’t have to do it alone.