Achievement testing assesses your child's performance in reading, writing, and math – this determines what he or she has already learned and knows. It measures the comprehension of acquired skills and content. Achievement testing can help determine your child's specific areas of academic strengths and weaknesses and it can be a valuable resource, across different types of schooling environments, by tracking your child's academic progress over the years.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. ADHD can make it difficult to focus, complete tasks, pay attention or stay organized. Some individuals with ADHD also find it difficult to inhibit impulses (such as blurting out or interrupting) or sit still. Such difficulties may lead to impairment in day to day functioning including academic performance, social relationships, or day to day tasks. Currently, there are three distinct types of ADHD: ADHD — Inattentive Type (formerly known as ADD) ADHD — Hyperactive / Impulsive Type ADHD — Combined Type

Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted testing combines both IQ and Achievement assessments to determine if your child is eligible for AIG services within his or her NC public school. If your child is identified as gifted, it's important to get him or her appropriate educational experiences at an early age. Gifted kids can quickly become bored with school if lessons are beneath their academic and intellectual levels. This can ironically lead to underachieving or behavioral challenges if their special needs aren't met.

Anxiety is a general term that describes a feeling of worry, concern, or uneasiness. Anxiety is a common emotion and often occurs in response to stress. In some cases, anxiety is helpful. It can help alert us to danger or prepare for an upcoming event. Usually anxiety is short-term and will fade over time, especially as the initial stressor goes away. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, chronic, or uncontrollable and affects quality of life, then an individual may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. While anxiety disorders are common in children, adolescents and adults, treatment can help individuals feel better and lead more healthy lives.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger's Syndrome have a difficult time relating to others socially and their behavior and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive. Today, Asperger's syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it impacts how a child develops. Autism begins in utero, although children with ASD might not be diagnosed until they are older, when signs of the disorder become more apparent. While there used to be three types of ASD to include Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), there is currently a single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with varying specifiers for level of impairment, and related intellectual or language deficits. Autism spectrum disorder is called a spectrum because individuals with Autism may have a wide range of symptoms, cognitive abilities, language skills and behaviors.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has proven to be effective for a range of problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.

Co-Parenting therapy has the goal to help divorced or separated parents work collaboratively to make decisions whether large or small for the benefit of their children. This type of therapy is helpful for parents who are having a hard time finding common ground, communicating, or making routine decisions for the benefit of their child(ren).

Couples counseling is an intimate process between two people who desire to improve their relationship. Regardless of whether you are healing from infidelity, reestablishing trust after a betrayal, or learning how to reconnect in a different season of life, we will walk with you as you learn new communication styles, manage your conflict effectively, and create the relationship you (and your partner) desire.

Parents or individuals who are involved in a custody dispute or other legal matter may need to, or be required to, submit to a court-involved assessment / psychological evaluation to identify their current psychological, personality, cognitive, or emotional functioning. For example, a parent may be required to submit to a substance use evaluation to determine if they have any substance-related issues that may impact their ability to care for themselves or their child.

Child custody evaluations are assessments conducted by mental health professionals to determine what's best for a child. They result in a report for a judge that includes a custody recommendation.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a comprehensive, empirically-validated treatment, which incorporates components of individual therapy and skills training. DBT is a form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), initially developed to treat individuals with trouble regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It incorporates techniques based in behavior training and Zen practice (i.e. mindfulness, acknowledgement, and acceptance). Over time, DBT has been adapted and shown to be an effective approach for individuals with anxiety, depression, poor emotional regulation, family conflict, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chaotic relationships, and impulsive behaviors (i.e. self-injury, purging, truancy, and substance abuse). The ultimate goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy is to teach individuals how to live a more balanced life by regulating emotions during high periods of stress, engaging in healthy relationships, handling conflicts appropriately, and utilizing adaptive coping behaviors.

Depression (also known as major depressive disorder) is a common and serious condition that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. The main characteristics of depression are feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Additionally, it may lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language. Diagnostically speaking, dyslexia (difficulty processing language/ reading) does not have an official diagnoses in the current DSM.

a serious and complex mental and physical disorder, characterized by extreme thoughts and behaviors toward food, eating, body weight, and/or body shape.

therapy model in which the family works individually and together to resolve a problem that directly affects one or more family members.

a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.

As described by the American Psychological Association, forensic psychology, in its broadest sense, involves applying psychological research or principles to legal issues. More specifically, forensic clinicians use their knowledge of psychology to assist individuals who find themselves involved in the legal system (i.e., criminally or civilly).

Forensic services can include evaluation and treatment of individuals who have become involved with the legal system. For example, a court may require parents to get an evaluation to determine their current psychological functioning or their ability to parent their children. Another example is court ordered therapy.

Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted testing combines both IQ and Achievement assessments to determine if your child is eligible for AIG services within his or her NC public school. If your child is identified as gifted, it's important to get him or her appropriate educational experiences at an early age. Gifted kids can quickly become bored with school if lessons are beneath their academic and intellectual levels. This can ironically lead to underachieving or behavioral challenges if their special needs aren't met.

Group therapy is when a therapist, or multiple therapists, work with a select number of clients, in the same age group. These groups typically target a specific problem that the clients share, such as anxiety, trauma, or depression, or they focus on improving certain skills such as social skills, emotional regulation, or self-esteem. Group therapy is designed to instill the client with the necessary tools and coping skills to use when faced with their specific problems.

IQ Testing is designed to evaluate an individual’s innate cognitive/intellectual abilities – not necessarily what has already been learned, but his or her cognitive/intellectual capacity. This testing is designed to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses. IQ Testing can be provided on its own or as a component of AIG (Academically/Intellectually Gifted), LD (Learning Disability), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) evaluations.

If your child will not yet be 5 years old by August 31, and you feel he or she is ready for kindergarten, North Carolina Public Schools will still consider "early entry" based on kindergarten readiness testing and a variety of other criteria. Kindergarten readiness testing is used to help parents and schools determine if a younger child should enroll. This testing assesses not only your child’s IQ and academic skills, but also screens their social skills, behavior, emotional development, and attention.

A learning disability, also referred to clinically as a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), is a learning disorder in which an individual experiences difficulty with receiving, processing, and/or communicating information. Individuals with SLDs often have average or above average intelligence but have trouble processing information through typical learning methods because they see, hear, and understand things differently. SLDs can cause learning problems at school, hurt self-esteem, and may continue to have a snowball effect unless addressed early.

A learning disability, also referred to clinically as a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), is a learning disorder in which an individual experiences difficulty with receiving, processing, and/or communicating information. Individuals with SLDs often have average or above average intelligence but have trouble processing information through typical learning methods because they see, hear, and understand things differently. SLDs can cause learning problems at school, hurt self-esteem, and may continue to have a snowball effect unless addressed early.

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

There is an epidemic of kids running the show and having way too much power in the family. As a result, parents feel helpless, exhausted, and hopeless. Created by Dr. Kristen Wynns, No Wimpy Parenting is a system to empower parents with easy tips and effective strategies to transform their homes.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts ("obsessions") and/or behaviors ("compulsions") that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.

instruction and/or intervention that provides parents with tools for improving their child’s behavior, facilitating parenting goals, and improving the parent-child relationship.

Your parenting plan or custody agreement outlines how you and the other parent will continue to care and provide for your child after you separate.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment program designed for caregivers and their young children who are experiencing social, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties.

the need to be or appear to be perfect, or even to believe that it's possible to achieve perfection.

An overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object.

therapy model in which trained therapists use play to help children with their psychosocial difficulties and personal growth and development.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, and while they may provide some counseling, a psychiatrist might refer a patient to a psychologist or therapist for additional counseling or therapy.

an assessment of a student’s functioning in learning ability, academic skills development, and personality or adjustment factors.

A psychological evaluation, or psychological testing, is a thorough process of assessment and screening administered by a psychologist. The methods used for the evaluation will depend on you or your family member’s needs.

A psychologist diagnoses and treats mental disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. They may provide treatment for chronic problems or acute problems, and they can do so in an individual, family, or group setting. The most common type of treatment used by psychologists is psychotherapy, or talk therapy. Psychologists can also provide testing services.

PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.

Reunification Therapy is a relatively new therapeutic intervention that has been gaining popularity in family court. This intervention is a form of family therapy, which occurs between parent and child whose relationship has been severed. The goal of this therapeutic intervention is to restore the relationship between the parent and child. Although Reunification Therapy is under the umbrella of family therapy it is a more focused kind of therapy.Typically, the work includes just the affected parent and child and may be focused on select events that occurred during the relationship.

confidence in one's own worth or abilities.

anxiety disorder involving significant distress when a child is unexpectantly separated from his or her home or a close attachment figure.

Social skills are the skills we use everyday to interact and communicate with others. They include verbal and non-verbal communication, such as speech, gesture, facial expression and body language.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.

Stress management offers a range of strategies to help you better deal with stress and difficulty (adversity) in your life. Managing stress can help you lead a more balanced, healthier life. Stress is an automatic physical, mental and emotional response to a challenging event.

Supervised visitation is contact between a noncustodial party and one or more children in the presence of a neutral third person. ​The supervised visitation professional will observe and provide documentation for appropriate authorities such as CPS , CSD, other parent, attorneys, and/or the Court. Supervised therapeutic visitation through WFP provides a safe and constructive visitation environment for children and supportive and corrective feedback for parents to foster a healthy parent-child relationship.

when feelings of worry and self-doubt can interfere with your test-taking performance and make you miserable

Therapy, also referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, etc. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, etc.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers. Research shows that TF-CBT successfully resolves a broad array of emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with single, multiple and complex trauma experiences.

therapy approach that seeks an awareness of the widespread impact of trauma on life experience and relationships. It recognizes trauma's role in the outlook, emotions and behavior of a person with a trauma history.

the action of staying away from school without good reason; absenteeism.