Resource: Autism Evaluations for Adults

Although not all adults who identify as neurodivergent or autistic have a formal diagnosis, some people may wish to be evaluated for autism, ADHD, or other disorders by a professional.

I suspect that I have autism, ADHD, etc. Do I need a formal diagnosis?

Deciding whether or not to seek formal diagnosis is a personal choice. Some people seek evaluation just to confirm a hunch and learn more about themselves. Others identify as neurodiverse but do not feel that diagnosis is necessary, particularly if they believe that they are functioning adequately with no additional support. 

Having a formal autism diagnosis is required to be eligible for some government-funded programs and services, like OVR employment services. Current or incoming Penn State students may also wish to seek proof of disability in order to qualify for academic accommodations through the university's Student Disability Resources Office.

How much does an evaluation cost?

It depends on the provider and your medical insurance. Psychological testing is not covered by all health insurance plans and some may require prior authorization, so please check with your health plan about specific coverage before scheduling. If your insurance has a copay for psychological testing, your payment will be due at the appointment.

Many providers also have a waitlist, so if you anticipate needing proof of diagnosis to apply for a program or service, we recommend scheduling an appointment far in advance.

Where can adults be tested for autism?

There are several clinics in the State College/Central PA area which provide evaluations for autism, ADHD, and other disorders in adults. Please refer to the following list, courtesy of Penn State's Student Disability Resources and CAPS, for local testing options. This list is updated as of 8/16/22 and is for reference only. The ACRES Project has no affiliation with these providers.

Note that current or incoming Penn State students seeking a proof of diagnosis in order to receive academic accommodations must notify the psychologist when setting up their appointment (before the test) as the university requires specific steps and documentation. Please refer to Penn State’s Student Disability Resources “Documentation Guidelines” for more information

Testing Options in State College, PA:

Ben Darling, Ph.D.
814-208-9248-ext. 4
474 Windmere Drive, Suite 301D, State College, PA

- Assessment Psychologist and former psychologist at CAPS
- Self-pay, does not take insurance, will provide bill to submit to insurance for reimbursement
- Evaluations typically completed within 2-3 visits
- Free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss testing and options
- Taking new referrals as of 8/2022

Centre Psychology Group
814-231-8820
1993 Cato Avenue State College, PA

- Testing by Dr. Michael Keil, PhD and Dr. Dilgot Sachdeva, PsyD
- Dr Sachdeva does all testing in one appointment on Tuesdays (typically a 3 hour in person appt)
- Accepting multiple insurances - including Geisinger, Highmark, Medicare, UHC-SR, Capitol, Aetna, (MA is pending)
- Please call the office to inquire about availability/scheduling. As of 8/2022 - scheduling into Nov & Dec 2022

Dr. Peter Arnett
814-404-3113
Arnett.Pete@gmail.com

- Accepting multiple insurance plans including UHC-SR, Cigna
- Dr. Arnett will typically meet with private practice testing clients in his office on campus in the Moore Building
- Please contact Dr. Arnett in regards to availability for scheduling – likely November/December of 2022

The Psychological Clinic
814-865-2191
3rd Floor Moore Building University Park, PA

- This is training clinic and testing is provided by supervised graduate students.
- There is a several month waiting list – as of 8/2022, the waiting list is 7+ months.
- Anyone can call & have their name placed on the wait list. They will contact you when space is available.
- Most insurances accepted, including UHC-SR (student health insurance plan) and Medical Assistance (CCBH).

Geisinger Medical Group
Anthony Junod, PhD
570-271-6516
200 Scenery Drive State College

- Part time office located at Geisinger Scenery Park location; and main office located at Geisinger in Danville, PA
- Accepting most major health insurance plans
- As of 8/2022 – Schedule is closed for new appointments until possibly mid fall (unknown for now)
- Fax # 570-271-5814; Medical Assistant Breanna Barlett assists with testing

SunPointe Health
Phone: (814) 867-0670
Fax: (814) 867-7616
320 Rolling Ridge Drive, Suite 100
State College PA 16801

- Testing is most often done in a series of three separate visits: an initial evaluation with the provider, the testing session itself, and finally a follow up visit to discuss testing results. Each visit will take two hours or more.

- The total amount billed to your insurance company for evaluations will exceed $500. Your out-of-pocket cost will vary based on your individual policy. Please contact your insurance company to verify your coverage for psychological testing. Any applicable copay for testing is due on the date of service.

- If you are a self-pay patient, you will be responsible for paying for services at the time of your visit.

- Most insurances accepted, including Highmark, Capital Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, UPMC, Geisinger (Magellan), UnitedHealthcare (UBH) and some private plans.

Additional Resources for Neuropsychological Testing in PA (Outside of Centre County)

The ACRES Project, Penn State CAPS and UHS have no affiliation with the following resources. You will need to consult with these providers in regards to what you need, particularly if you intend to use their testing information to request accommodations while at Penn State University.

Yvonne B. Reedy, PhD - Psychological & Counseling Associates
Phone # 814-937-0668; Fax # 814-342-2532
1165 Philipsburg Bigler Highway, Philipsburg, PA 16866
- Accepting Medical Assistance (CCBH) and multiple other insurance plans

Wayne R. D’Agaro, PsyD
814-944-8505
3701 Burgoon Road
Altoona, Pa 16602

Nulton Diagnostics & Treatment Center
814-262-0025
2900 Plank Road
Altoona, PA 16601

Petrosky Psychological Services
814-695-0650
1301 Allegheny St. Suite #125A
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Kathleen Bergeson, PhD
570-524-0881
11 Reitz Boulevard, Suite 101
Lewisburg, PA 17837