Clinical Psychologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst
(PSY19306) (1-09-5585)
323-577-4121
Common Queries
Do you take insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider. We provide a detailed superbill after your evaluation that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many families receive partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits. We recommend calling your insurance provider before your evaluation to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits.
How long is the process and your waitlist?
From your initial request to receiving your final report, most evaluations take three to six weeks. This includes scheduling, testing sessions, report writing, and the feedback appointment. We will give you a more specific timeline during your consultation.
Waitlists vary anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. Sometimes there are cancelations, making the waitlist much shorter.
What if I want to cancel or reschedule the appointment?
Things happen; Sometimes you have to reschedule or cancel our appointment time. No problem. Just be sure to cancel at least 48 hours before our scheduled appointment via email or phone call. That way, there will be no charge.
If you decide to reschedule your appointment time with less than a 48-hour notice, there will be a $50 rebooking fee.
If you decide to cancel your appointment with less than a 48-hour notice, and do not wish to proceed further in the assessment process, part of your initial deposit (between $50-100, depending on the amount of pre-assessment work completed) will be charged.
When are payments due?
Payments are broken down into 3 parts:
20% is due upon booking your assessment
Another 50% is due at your first assessment session
The last 30% is due when your report is ready to be released
Payments can be made via cash, check or credit card.
How do I prepare my child for the assessment?
Be honest and age-appropriate. You might say something like: "We are going to meet with someone who asks questions and does some activities to help us understand how your brain works best." Avoid calling it a "test" if that causes anxiety. Make sure your child is well-rested and has eaten before each session.
Do you offer all-remote assessments?
Yes. Depending on the age of the person & the type of assessment needed, we may be able to complete the entire assessment remotely. Please contact me for more details.
Who does the assessment?
All assessments are completed by Dr. Ava personally. Interns or psych assistants may observe from time to time, however, the actual assessment is performed only by Dr. Ava.
What's included in the final report?
Our goal is to make the report useful for you: to answer the questions you had at the beginning of our time together, and to you provide you some suggestions or recommendations to help guide your next steps. The report also includes test information, standardized test scores, and conclusions diagnostic information. Most reports are about 5-7 pages, with the exception of the Continued Disability Evaluations, which are typically longer; and IQ-only assessments, which are typically 2 pages.
What if I don't agree with your final conclusion?
We encourage open dialogue. If something in the report does not feel right, please bring it up during the feedback session or reach out afterward. We take your perspective seriously and are happy to discuss our reasoning, clarify any conclusions, or note areas of uncertainty in the report.
Do you attend IEP meetings?
Typically no. We are not legal advocates or educational lawyers. Your money is better spent hiring one to assist you and advocate on your behalf at such meetings.
What about legal hearings?
Should we be needed in legal matters, there will be a separate fee of $400 per hour, billed at 15 minute increments. Should a court appearance be necessary, a daily fee (based on an 8-hour day) is billed, with fees collected prior to the court date.
We do not conduct child custody evaluations or provide such recommendations as it is out of the scope of my work with you.
Where is your office located?
Post-Covid, we have adapted to provide a flexible and collaborative environments by sharing multiple office spaces with fellow psychologists in the West Los Angeles area. Depending on your appointment time, you may visit one of five different offices, conveniently located within the 90024 and 90025 codes. We look forward to working together in a setting that best suits your needs.
Why aren't there any reviews about you on YELP?
While we do not actively seek or respond to reviews due to the confidential nature of our work, we appreciate that many of our clients come through referrals from former clients. If you have any concerns or complaints, please reach out directly to the Board of Psychology at www.psychology.ca.gov or via email at bopmail@dca.ca.gov, or call 1-866-503-322. Your feedback is important to us.
What's the best way to reach you?
Email is usually the quickest dravatesting@gmail.com or you can fill out the contact form on the home page. You can also call or leave messages at (323) 577-4127.