Dr. Katz provides comprehensive and targeted psychoeducational evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Katz will uncover your child's profile of strengths and weaknesses, provide any relevant diagnoses, and generate recommendations to help inform decisions for treatment or school supports.

An evaluation may include assessing:

• Cognitive Skills — reasoning, memory, and processing abilities

• Academic Achievement — reading, writing, and math skills

• Social-Emotional, Behavioral, and Adaptive Skills — emotional functioning, behavior, and daily living skills

• Memory and Processing Skills — additional cognitive processes beyond core academic and reasoning measures

Dr. Katz has worked with individuals from infancy through young adulthood who present an extensive range of complex academic, behavioral, emotional, and medical concerns, including:

• ADHD

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Developmental Delay

• Intellectual Impairment

• Tourette's Syndrome

• Mood Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Giftedness and Twice Exceptional (2e) Students

• The full range of learning disabilities, including dyslexia

Perhaps your child has already been diagnosed with a disability (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety) or has already qualified for and receives special education supports and services through an IEP or a 504 plan. Dr. Katz will work closely with your child's school team to collaborate on strategies to support student success. Her background as a school psychologist provides unique insight into how children function in the school setting, enabling her to collaborate with teachers and other school-based professionals to create specific academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions that boost performance and help children build healthy, strong relationships at school.

For Families, Dr. Katz Can:

• Help you navigate the educational system and understand your child's rights and options

• Support placement considerations to ensure your child is in the right setting

• Develop a customized set of accommodations to suit your child's needs

• Serve as an advocate for your child during IEP/504 plan meetings

• Consult with teaching staff to help them implement effective classroom strategies

For School Teams, Dr. Katz Can:

• Provide customized trainings to help staff understand child differences and effectively manage classroom behaviors

• Create in-service trainings tailored to teachers' specific concerns

• Offer ongoing coaching check-ins for individualized, continued support

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive educational assessment conducted by a qualified professional outside the school district, offering an objective perspective on a student's learning profile. IEEs can help clarify eligibility for special education services and provide data that strengthens IEP planning.

When Can Parents Request an IEE?

Under federal and California special education law, parents have the right to request an IEE if they disagree with a school district's assessment — for example, if the evaluation concluded their child doesn't qualify for services, missed important areas, or doesn't match what parents observe at home. Once requested, the district must either agree to fund the evaluation or initiate due process to defend its own assessment.

Types of Assessments Included

Depending on a student's needs, an IEE may include:

• Cognitive Assessment — how a child processes information, including memory, processing speed, and reasoning

• Academic Achievement Testing — reading, writing, and math skills to identify learning gaps

• Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment — emotional functioning, anxiety, behavior patterns, and regulation

• Executive Functioning and Attention Measures — organization, working memory, and attention skills

• Adaptive Functioning Assessment — everyday skills such as independence, communication, and daily living

Together, these assessments create a comprehensive picture of how a child learns and what support they may need.

Not Sure If an IEE Is the Right Next Step?

Every child's situation is different. If you're considering an Independent Educational Evaluation in California, a consultation can help you understand whether an IEE makes sense and how to move forward. During the consultation, we'll review your child's current evaluations, discuss your concerns, and talk through your options — including whether requesting an IEE at public expense may be appropriate.