Shanan Raines Testing Center
Psychological & Educational Testing
Welcome to the Shanan Raines Testing Center
WFP has been a trusted source for meaningful, effective testing for decades, and we continue to build on that legacy today, as the largest testing center in Central Virginia. Our entire group is dedicated to a holistic approach and to bettering outcomes for children and families at home, school, work and socially.
Our team offers deep expertise across disciplines, and includes clinical psychologists, school psychologists, a board-certified behavioral analyst, dually licensed school + clinical psychologists, a local ADOS expert and an educational consultant knowledgeable about IEPs, 504s, IEEs, etc.
Testing is of the highest caliber, and it is supported by comprehensive result reports and actionable recommendations. An array of tests addresses a wide range of abilities, from cognitive evaluations, ADHD assessment, learning disability assessment to assessment of emotional functioning. Gifted placement and private school admissions testing are also offered.
Shanan Raines, Ph.D., Psychologist Emerita, Retired
Throughout her career, Dr. Raines has focused on the importance of assessment and diagnosis of children and adults with all types of learning obstacles and ADHD, to identify learning potential and guide strategies and treatment.
Her research and innovations led to this comprehensive and well-regarded testing center and its team of accomplished professionals, benefitting schools and communities in Central Virginia and advancing the field. Read Dr. Raines’ full bio here.
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At a glance »
Meet our team »
Types of testing »
FAQs »
get started
Getting started »
Referring providers + educators
Are you a clinician or an educator interested in testing referrals? Please visit the Referring Providers + Educators page.
At a glance
- WFP has one of the LARGEST groups of licensed psychologists in the Richmond & surrounding areas
- Our DIVERSE team includes school & clinical psychologists, academic tutors, & educational consultants
- We have clinicians with over 30 YEARS of testing experience, yet we remain CUTTING EDGE in the industry.
- We provide testing for ALL AGES and A VARIETY of conditions, including:
- Dyslexia, dysgraphia, processing issues, ADHD, emotional regulation, and autism spectrum disorders
- Accommodations for ACTs, SATs, MCATs, etc.
- Admissions to PRIVATE SCHOOLS and GIFTED PROGRAMS
- ADULT TESTING to arm you with the knowledge to profoundly improve career performance and relationships
meet our team
types of testing offered
Learning Disability Assessment
Learning Disability Assessment: Determining a learning disability requires cognitive, educational and, often, ADHD assessment. In addition, neuropsychological processes are assessed in order to determine if there is a pattern consistent with a learning disability. Learning obstacles can be in the form of dyslexia (a reading disability), math weaknesses or difficulties with writing.
Educational Testing
Educational Testing: Educational or academic testing involves determining a person’s current level of academic strengths and challenges. Grades K – post college can be assessed. The Wechsler Individual Achievement Scale is typically administered.
Cognitive Testing
Cognitive Testing: Cognitive testing includes IQ assessment using the Wechsler scales (WPPSI, WISC or WAIS). While an IQ assessment is often administered as part of a learning disability assessment, an IQ profile alone cannot determine a learning disability or attention deficit. Cognitive testing by itself is used for gifted placement, admission to private schools and a variety of other purposes.
Private School Admission Testing
Private School Admission Testing: The Wechsler tests (WPPSI or WISC) are often required for admission to private schools. Usually, the psychologist will meet with your child for an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the age of your child. Immediately following the testing, the results will be reviewed with you. If your child is young or uncomfortable waiting alone, you may want someone to come stay with your child or take them home while you meet with the psychologist to review the results.
Gifted Testing
Gifted Testing: Children may need cognitive testing for inclusion in programs at school or for attendance at special camps. The WISC test is typically administered for gifted placement and is accepted by most school systems. Several of our staff members have particular expertise in assessing and understanding the needs of children who are considered cognitively gifted.
ADHD Testing
ADHD Testing: There is no specific “test” for determining a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, ADHD assessment includes an interview determining behavioral and academic history. Questionnaires for parents, teachers, coworkers, spouses and/or other raters are provided. A computerized test of attention may also be used in the diagnostic process. ADHD testing often involves a “rule out” process where other factors that are contributing to inattention, restlessness or impulsivity are ruled out.
Emotional Testing
Emotional Testing: Assessment of emotional issues is typically accomplished by clinical interview and personality tests that are either administered by a clinician or completed by a child or adult.
frequently asked questions
How can I get started with testing?
Please contact the WFP referral coordinator at agarrigan@wfpofva.com to learn more about billing and scheduling details for evaluations. There may be a wait time to schedule testing.
Testing involves:
- Initial one-hour appointment with parents to gather history.
- One to three sessions of testing lasting from one to four hours.
- A follow-up appointment with parents to review the results (Note: Arrangements can be made to review results with children).
- For testing to assess giftedness or for private school admission, the process involves one appointment: The child will start first and be tested for an hour to an hour and a half;
results will be reviewed immediately after the testing is completed.
What is psychological versus educational testing?
- Psychological testing usually means testing that assesses attention issues and/or emotional concerns.
- Educational testing usually means testing that assesses academic skills and learning issues.
What are the costs of testing?
- Costs vary widely depending on the type of evaluation, so please contact our referral coordinator for more specific billing estimates.
What should I tell my child?
- You may want to tell your child that the testing is to help them learn better, make school more fun, help you to yell less, etc. to make the experience more positive.
- Testing generally involves activities that are geared to the developmental level of the child; most children find the experience rewarding and even fun.
What will happen on the day of testing?
- You will not be in the room during the testing so if you and your child are comfortable you do not need to stay while your child is being tested.
- You may want to pack a drink and a small snack for your child to have during the testing.
- It is helpful if your child could get a regular night’s sleep prior to the evaluation. Avoid any late night activities the night before. Your child may also need time to relax after the testing. A lunch outing may make the transition back to school a little easier.
How do I get results from the evaluation?
Do you offer adult testing?
Dr. Lara Meili administers the majority of our adult testing. Adult testing we offer:
- Adult ADHD testing
- Testing for learning disabilities as they pertain to job and/or college/post-grad programs
- Testing for emotional concerns
Getting started
Please contact the WFP referral coordinator at agarrigan@wfpofva.com to learn more about billing and scheduling details for evaluations. There may be a wait time to schedule testing.