Questions?

FEES & INSURANCE

What are your fees?

We charge $695 for an ADHD or Autism evaluation and $795 for a combined assessment of ADHD and Autism. We accept credit cards. We do not accept insurance or Medicaid. More on our fees.

If you want an evaluation with Dr. Sachs, his fees are higher. They are $995 for an ADHD or Autism evaluation and $995 for a combined assessment of ADHD and Autism. Dr. Sachs also charges $350 for individual therapy or coaching.

How do I reschedule an appointment?

You can reschedule your appointment by clicking on “reschedule” inside the original email you received when you booked your appointment. Check spam or trash for the email if you can’t find it easily. You can search your email folders by the doctor’s name, Sachs Center, or Calendly.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your evaluation, please do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment cannot be refunded. Canceling on short notice means we can’t offer the slot to someone else.

For cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance, a $25.00 service charge will be deducted from your refund to cover credit card processing fees. Thank you for understanding.

Do you take insurance? Medicaid or Medicare?

The Sachs Center does not take insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, but we will provide you with an invoice with the appropriate insurance codes to seek reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.  More on insurance.

Do you offer short free consultations before the evaluation?

Unfortunately, we do not offer free consultations for our 2-hour evaluations. /su_spoiler]

Do you offer a pre-authorization letter for insurance companies?

Yes, here it is on this page. https://www.sachscenter.com/preauthorization /su_spoiler]

Do you offer a payment plan?

Unfortunately, we do not.

What are the CPT codes you use most often?

The CPT code for our 2-hour evaluation is 90791 and 99417.

What are the diagnostic codes for ADHD and Autism?

The diagnostic code for ADHD is F90.2 and the code for Autism is F84.0.

What are the insurance codes you use for your two-hour diagnostic testing evaluation?

These are the CPT insurance codes we use on our invoices for our two-hour diagnostic testing evaluation: 90791-95, 96136-95, 96146-95, 96130-95

What are the insurance codes you use for neuropsychological testing?

These are the CPT insurance codes we use on our invoices for our neuropsychological testing: 90791, 96132, 96133, 96133, 96137, 96136

Do you offer a sliding scale?

We do not offer a sliding scale.

What are some workplace accommodations you recommend?

Workplace accommodations for ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism can vary depending on individual needs, but they generally aim to create an environment that helps individuals manage their symptoms and work more effectively. Here are some common accommodations:

For ADHD:
1. Flexible Work Schedule: Allowing flexible hours or remote work can help manage time and reduce stress.
2. Breaks: Scheduled breaks throughout the day to help maintain focus and energy.
3. Task Management Tools: Use apps or tools for task management and organization.
4. Written Instructions: Providing written rather than verbal instructions to help with memory and comprehension.
5. Private Workspace: A quiet, distraction-free workspace to help maintain focus.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones: To reduce auditory distractions.
7. Clear Deadlines and Priorities: Clear and concise communication about deadlines and task priorities.

For Autism:
1. Structured Routine: A predictable and structured schedule to reduce anxiety.
2. Quiet Workspace: A workspace with minimal sensory distractions (noise, light, etc.).
3. Clear Communication: Use clear, direct language and avoid idioms or metaphors.
4. Social Skills Training: Providing training to help with social interactions and communication.
5. Sensory Accommodations: To minimize sensory overload, adjust lighting, noise levels, and workspace layout.
6. Flexible Work Environment: Allowing flexibility in work hours and locations.
7. Assistive Technology: Use of software or devices that can aid communication and task management.
8. Job Coaching: Access to a job coach or mentor who can provide guidance and support.

These accommodations can help create an inclusive and supportive work environment for individuals with ADHD and autism, enabling them to perform at their best.

GENERAL

Where are you located?

The Sachs Center is a virtual clinic that utilizes Zoom and Google Meet.

What is your availability?

Our availability is generally one to two weeks. If you or someone you know might benefit from a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. You can book a time that suits you through our website here:  👉 www.sachscenter.com/book

What ages do you evaluate?

We evaluate children ages 5-17 and adults.

Do you offer in person?

The Sachs Center is a virtual telehealth clinic that utilizes Zoom or Google Meet.

Do you offer appointments if someone cancels?

No. If it is open on the calendar, then you can book it.

When do you get the documents to fill out before the evaluation?

You will receive the documents to fill out for your evaluation 24 hours after booking the appointment.

What is unique about the Sachs Center?

We are specialists in the testing and treatment of neurodiverse challenges. Specifically, ADHD and Autism. Since this is all we treat, we understand the nuances that other doctors may miss or misunderstand. We also provide a holistic approach to treatment, not seeing you or your loved one just as a label or diagnosis, but as an individual with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Do you have child psychologists?

All our psychologists are trained to see children, teens, and adults.

Can I request a female psychologist?

Sure. Just contact our office directly. 

Do you prescribe medicine?

No. We do not, but we can make a referral to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner we recommend to our clients.

Do you offer Neurofeedback?

We do not offer Neurofeedback anymore at the Sachs Center. We found that it was time-consuming and expensive for our clients and the results were not as dramatic as we would like to see for our clients.

On average, what is the number of women to men that are diagnosed at the Sachs Center?

About 70% of patients at the Sachs Center are women. In the last few years, more women have been seeking treatment at the Sachs Center (this reflects trends found in the general population).

Are you experienced in diagnosing black women or people of color with Autism?

All psychologists at the Sachs Center are trained in understanding the specific needs of BIPOC neurodivergent communities. At the Sachs Center, we serve an ethnically and culturally diverse clientele with a range of symptom presentations and diagnoses. We understand potential concerns and fears that you may have about being understood. We work hard to listen and learn from our patients’ experiences.

TESTING

What should I expect for the evaluation process?

Thank you for trusting the Sachs Center with your (or your loved one’s) diagnostic evaluation.

It is natural to be nervous before the evaluation. You may want to know who your psychologist is, what questions they will ask, what tests you will give, and what will happen during the two hours. This anxiety is very common with Autism in particular, so you are in the right place.

All of our psychologists were hired for their expertise in ADHD and Autism. They are all very compassionate and knowledgeable in diagnosing Autism and ADHD, particularly in girls, women, and non-binary adults, who may mask more than others.

Before the evaluation, you will receive an email with a link to a portal where multiple questionnaires will be posted for you to fill out prior to the evaluation.

The evaluation begins with a short description of what will happen during the 2 or 2.5 hours (if you’re being tested for both ADHD and Autism).

Then your psychologist will begin the clinical interview, asking you questions about your current and past symptoms. Feel free to share any information you may have written down during this part of the assessment.

Then your psychologist will begin the testing portion of the evaluation, giving you a series of tests. We also screen for Anxiety and Depression. If a parent is present, the parent will also fill out questionnaires for their child. Following the testing, your psychologist will “crunch the numbers” and give you their diagnostic impression. This is an official diagnosis (if you or our loved one has one).

There will be plenty of time for questions. Finally, your psychologist will give you a letter indicating your diagnosis. You can use this letter to seek out other services like medication or to get accommodations. There is no report given at this evaluation—just the letter. You will receive a superbill at the end of the month with the appropriate insurance codes for you to seek reimbursement.

Here are the tests we often give for our evaluations. They are all scientifically validated.

Autism

ADHD:

  • Brown EF/A
  • DREF EF
  • BASC-3
  • Others depending on age

How do you test high-masking adults, and high-masking women, for Autism?

Masking is a challenge when diagnosing Autism, but since we specialize in Autism, we have seen hundreds of high-masking adults and high-masking women. We can spot the subtle signs that other doctors may miss. Additionally, we rely on evidence-based self-report tests to obtain the data needed to determine a diagnosis. 

How do you come up with your diagnosis so quickly?

Two hours is more than adequate for a proper evaluation. We use our clinical judgment and multiple evidence-based self-questionnaire measures. We only test for ADHD and Autism at the Sachs Center, so we have seen hundreds of adults with Autism and ADHD and can spot the subtle signs quickly.

You do not need a full 8-hour neuropsychological assessment to diagnose Autism in low-need, high-functioning adults. These 8-hour assessments test your IQ and academic abilities, which is unnecessary for an adult Autism diagnosis. So why do they give them? These types of tests ARE used to diagnose Autism in children because we need to know the child’s IQ or academic level. Less knowledgeable psychologists, unfamiliar with Autism in adults, have carried on this practice in assessing adults. There is also a financial incentive, as the 8-hour tests are much more expensive.

What kind of questions are asked in the documents I fill out before the evaluation?

You will receive a few self-report questionnaires about your behavior two to three days after booking the evaluation. You will also receive a general questionnaire with questions about your current symptoms, history, medical problems, family history, etc.

Will the Autism testing tell me what level of Autism I am on?

The testing will tell us what level of Autism  (Level 1, 2, or 3) you have if you are diagnosed with Autism.

When do you get the documents to fill out before the evaluation?

You will receive a few self-report questionnaires about your behavior two to three days after booking the evaluation. You will also receive a general questionnaire with questions about your current symptoms, history, medical problems, family history, etc.

What are the documents or information I will receive before the evaluation?

A few days after booking your evaluation, you will receive a few self-report questionnaires about your behavior. You will also receive a general questionnaire with questions about your current symptoms, history, medical problems, family history, etc.

What is the difference between the two-hour diagnostic evaluation assessment and the full neuropsychological assessment?

In a nutshell, you don’t need a full neuropsychological assessment UNLESS you are looking for extra time accommodations on the SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc., Or if you are seeking disability payments from your state. These organizations require more extensive and expensive testing because the bar is higher for receiving these accommodations and services.

If you are looking to find out if you have ADHD or are Autistic, then the two-hour diagnostic evaluation is more than adequate. At the end of the two-hour evaluation, you will receive a letter if you have ADHD or Autism. This letter can be used to seek medication from another doctor or receive workplace accommodations. /su_spoiler]

How often do you test BIPOC adults?

We see many BIPOC adults. We estimate that 30% of our clients are BIPOC or Trans/Non-Binary.

How soon do I get paperwork after the evaluation?

You will receive a letter indicating a diagnosis (if you have one) at the end of the appointment

What is in the letter that I receive after my evaluation?

You will receive a letter indicating a diagnosis (if you have one) at the end of the appointment. It will look like this example here.

Do I have to fill out anything before the evaluation?

You will receive a series of documents via our portal to fill our before the evaluation. This will hep our psychologist know you better.

What percentage of your clients come for an Autism evaluation?

We estimate that 70% of our clients come for an Autism evaluation. The rest come for an ADHD evaluation.

How do I know if I have ADHD or Autism?

The best way to tell if you have ADHD or Autism is through a comprehensive evaluation. The Sachs Center offers a 2-hour comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical interview and evidence-based assessments of executive functioning.

Do you test for anxiety and depression during the evaluation?

While our focus is on testing for ADHD or Autism, we also evaluate for anxiety, depression, and PTSD as these are often co-occurring with ADHD and Autism.

Do your diagnosticians have any experience in differentiating a history of childhood trauma from autism?

Yes. Our psychologists can differentiate the difference between childhood trauma and Autism. For example, Autistic adults would often show a strong adherence to a routine that a traumatized adult may not necessarily demonstrate.

What percentage of people who are tested by the Sachs Center for Autism are given an Autism diagnosis?

While we don’t record this percentage, we can say that the number is high. This is due to the fact it is easy to find free online resources and tests for Autism, allowing those who decide to see us an opportunity to self-diagnose before our formal evaluation.

What tests do you use in your 2-hour ADHD evaluations?

We use a variety of tests for ADHD. These may include the ASRS-4, BROWN EF/A, D-REF, WENDER-UTAH, BDEFS-SF,  and the BASC-3. 

What tests do you use in your 2-hour Autism evaluations?

We use a variety of tests for Autism. These may include the AQ, RAADS-R, Monotropism Questionnaire, CAT-Q, EQ, SRS-2, SCQ, Aspie Quiz, BASQ-3, RBQ-2A, etc.

Can you really diagnose ADHD or ASD via zoom? How is that effective?

Yes, you can conduct assessments and testing remotely. Research indicates that telehealth is just as effective as in-person care.

What do I need to do prior to my testing appointment?

Prior to the appointment, you will be sent a link to our portal, where you will be asked to fill out questions that will better inform the psychologist about your current symptoms and past history. It is also helpful to create a list of your symptoms so you can share these with your psychologist. This is not mandatory but helpful.

Will I receive a document that I can use to seek accommodations at work or school?

If you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, you will be given a letter indicating your diagnosis and how your diagnosis impacts your ability to succeed in the workplace or at school. You can use this letter to seek accommodations at work.

This letter WILL NOT be accepted when applying for accommodations in a university or on standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, GMAT, BAR or MCAT exams. You will be rejected by them if you send a letter. In the case that you want accommodations in a university or on a standardized test, you need a full 8-hour neuropsychological assessment, which culminates in 25-page report. If you need this, please contact us for more information on our pricing.

Can the letter get my child a 504 plan in school?

This depends on the school but in most cases, a letter indicating a diagnosis should suffice.  This is especially true in elementary school and for public schools in our experience. It is best to ask the school if a letter indicating a diagnosis is enough to begin the 504 or IEP process.

How do you keep a child's attention during a remote evaluation?

This is a valid concern to have as a parent because it can be difficult to keep children engaged even in an in-person session. When working with children, we make sure to establish a strong connection with the child and incorporate their interests into sessions to make therapy engaging and a positive experience in their lives.

What is the difference between a diagnostic evaluation and neuropsychological testing?

A diagnostic evaluation consists of a clinical interview and evidence-based self-report rating scales to determine a diagnosis. Following this evaluation, you are provided a letter with your diagnosis. This form of evaluation is really helpful if you want to know what is going on with yourself or your loved one. It is important to understand, this letter will NOT help you receive accommodations on any standardized testing (SAT, LSAT, college, etc.).

To receive accommodations, you would need a neuropsychological evaluation. The neuropsychological evaluations are eight hours long, intensive, and consist of many tests (memory, IQ, executive functioning, processing speed). Aside from tests of cognitive and academic performance, these evaluations include clinical interviews with clients and families. All the information gathered is utilized to provide an in-depth overview of your cognitive strengths and weakness. The neuropsychological testing culminates in a 25-page report, which you can use to seek accommodations.

The Sachs Center provides both diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations.

Will it be Dr. Sachs that evaluates me?
We have excellent licensed psychologists who may be evaluating you. All the psychologists at the Sachs Center are trained in administering ADHD and ASD assessments and consult with Dr. Sachs regularly.

Do I need a full neuropsychological evaluation to diagnose ADHD or ASD?

You do not need a full 8-hour neuropsychological evaluation unless you are looking for accommodations on the SAT, LSAT, MCAT etc.  In those cases, a letter will not suffice. A letter indicating your diagnosis will be given at the conclusion of your 2-hour assessment if you have ADHD or ASD and would be enough to get accommodations at work. 

Do you test children below the age of 5 for Autism?

For children this young, a more comprehensive assessment is needed called the ADOS. We do not do this type of assessment as we are primarily a telehealth company. Contact the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan for this type of assessment.

What happens if I can’t find the virtual zoom link for the appointment?

While we can help you with this, we strongly recommend that you do a search of your email with the keyword of “Calendly” and “sachscenter” and the doctors name if you know it. Right after you book an appointment, you are sent a booking confirmation with the doctors name and the doctors zoom link.

Is the parent present during an evaluation of the child?

This depends on the age of the child. For young children, we spend most of our time interviewing the parent about their child’s behavior. We will interview the child alone as well but most of the evaluation is with the parent. For teenagers, we don’t require the parent to be physically present the entire time, as we want the teenager to have some privacy, but we do ask the parent be in the house so that we can discuss any questions or concerns that come up. 

TREATMENT


Does therapy Work?

Absolutely! Countless studies have shown that psychotherapeutic treatment works. The effects have been measured in terms of improved social functioning, relief from anxiety, and reductions in depression.

Do you offer coaching?

We offer individual ADHD coaching from Dr. George Sachs. The fee is $350 an hour. You can book an appointment here calendly.com/george-sachs

Do you offer Neurofeedback?

We do not offer neurofeedback anymore but can recommend a good provider in Manhattan.

What do the individual therapy sessions for ADHD (or ASD) consist of?

Individual sessions are tailored to each client depending on their symptoms and presenting problems. Not everyone with ADHD comes to therapy for the same reasons and not everyone has the same symptoms. Typically, we will start by conducting an evaluation of your symptoms and presenting problems and implement interventions to target the symptoms. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.

What is the best treatment for ADHD?

Current research demonstrates that a combination of medication, education, and support through therapy or coaching is most effective. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your individual goals, needs, and comfort level.

What is a good diet to help ADD or Autism?

While no one diet has been definitively proven to treat symptoms of ADD or Autism, we recommend a Mediterranean Diet to better control the roller coaster feelings associated with ADHD or Autism.

What model of therapy do you practice?
Each therapist at the Sachs Center utilizes a different therapeutic approach based on the needs of the client. For example, the coaching process is much more cognitive and behavioral with a solution-oriented approach. Dr. Sachs was trained in both CBT and Gestalt psychotherapy and uses both in his treatment process.

How do you work with schools or outside psychiatrists?
We employ an open approach to treatment. With your permission, we will talk with outside doctors and school officials to help you get the most out of the change process.

Will the Sachs Center ever resume in-person sessions?
We provide in-depth 8-hour neuropsychological evaluations in person, but all other services are only offered remotely.

Do you have group sessions for adults?
At the moment we do not have group sessions for adults.

Do you do coaching?
Yes. We offer a strength-based approach to coaching that focuses on your core values, short and long-term goals. Our experience with ADHD allows us to tailor your program to maximize your unique abilities. In addition to nutritional coaching and organizational coaching, we also specialize in life and social skill coaching for teens and adults on the spectrum.