The Testing Psychologist Podcast

Dr. Jeremy Sharp (01:19)Hey folks, welcome back to another episode of the Testing Psychologist. Today I’m doing another EHR review. I had a lot of fun getting back into the EHR review game last month, I think. And so I’m gonna try to review a new EHR each month for the next three months. There are several out there, many that I have not reviewed that have been around for a long time, and several that are newer that I would like to review. So today we are talking all about my best practice. My best practice is an EHR that’s certainly been around for a few years. it is founded or built, you know, by a psychologist, Dr. Ryan Fuller. I’ve met Ryan, great guy, super kind and knowledgeable. And what I like about my best practice, or what initially turned me on to it, is that Ryan actually runs a practice and is familiar with testing, and I think that goes a long way in. Building an EHR. So I dive into all the features here. As usual, this is meant to be a kind of a blind walkthrough of the EHR just to gauge ease of use and initial impressions for for someone just onboarding to the EHR and give some impressions on how appropriate or helpful it might be for a testing practice specifically. So a little teaser. I mean, there’s a lot to like about my best practice. As with any EHR, there are some things that make it a little tougher, I think, to use for a testing practice. But all in all, a good EHR and certainly worth a look. So if you are listening to the audio here, I would encourage you, if you have the opportunity, go check out the YouTube video just because it gives you the full, full context. Obviously, you can see the screen recording and see everything that I am looking at while I am reviewing the EHR. But I do try to make these recordings descriptive enough that you can still take away quite a bit just from listening. All right. So let’s see, this episode, I think we’re in June now, which means we are getting close. We are closing in. We are less than two months away from Crafted Practice, which is my in-person anti-conference that I do each summer. This will be the fourth year. It’s a small group event of less than 20 psychologists. By design, like I said, this is meant to be the anti-conference where you get to sleep in, you get spaciousness and open time to actually implement the ideas that you’re learning and connect with other people. we have two lengthy speaker sessions, so we’re not packed full of sessions, and the content of the sessions is meant to be applicable, not just theoretical. There’s a lot to take away from this event. And past attendees have just like consistently commented on how surprising it is that they get to form such close connections with other other attendees and build those relationships that I think carry us through the difficult times in our practice and the g

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wenn Lawson, an autistic researcher and author, to explore the foundational cognitive structures of autism that often go unrecognized by traditional diagnostic frameworks. We move beyond the surface-level criteria of the DSM-5-TR to discuss monotropism and how it drives core autistic experiences such as sensory processing, object permanence, and interoception. Dr. Lawson shares insights into the heavy toll of camouflaging, the reality of autistic burnout, and the “triple empathy problem” that occurs when autistic individuals navigate mismatched environments. Our conversation also provides practical, neuro-affirming shifts for clinical practice, from adapting standardized testing language to creating sensory-friendly office spaces that value authentic autistic expression. Key Moments 02:29: Limitations of the DSM-5 and the missing subtleties in current diagnostic frameworks 07:00: Gender differences in presentation and the impact of the double X chromosome on social masking 09:17: Defining monotropism as a foundational cognitive disposition in autism and ADHD 16:40: The connection between monotropism, object permanence, and relationship navigation 22:03: Interoception and the impact of internal sensing on behavior and regulation 25:37: Adaptive morphing and the mental health consequences of chronic camouflaging 32:22: Distinguishing autistic burnout from neurotypical burnout and the necessity of “passion-based” recovery 38:37: From the double empathy problem to the triple empathy problem in clinical and educational systems 41:13: Practical adaptations for the diagnostic interview and neuro-affirming assessment processes 46:48: Modifying standardized testing language to accommodate literal processing and monotropic focus Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Dr. Wenn Lawson Official Website: www.wennlawson.com Dr. Wenn Lawson YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8L-Ht_jSQxBmWe6MzZvJA  Patrick Dwyer’s research on monotropism: <a href="https://www.autisticscholar.com/mo

Dr. Jeremy Sharp (01:19)Hey folks, welcome back to the podcast. Hey, today I’m talking about autism again. I’ve been doing a lot of episodes on autism recently just because there are so many questions that are coming up around autism assessment and research is continuing to develop and new research is emerging. And so today we continue that theme with Dr. Wen Lawson. Dr. Wen is Audi HD, dyslexic and dyspraxic. He’s passionate about all things autism. He’s a British psychologist, a qualified social worker, well-known autistic researcher, author, speaker, and poet. Wen is a key theorist of the monotropism theory of autism, and he’s an adjunct associate professor with Curtin University in Western Australia. We talk about many different things that fall under Wen’s umbrella. And the title of episode, which is beyond the DSM, what we’re missing in the diagnostic criteria, I think is pretty accurate. So we dive pretty deep into Wynn’s theory on monotropism and how that drives a lot of the characteristics of autism. We talk about sensory concerns. We talk about object permanence. We talk about how monotropism shows up in different ways. We of course talk about camouflaging and different different aspects of autism in different populations and many other things. This was a fascinating episode. We of course also touch on the clinical aspects of Wynn’s ideas and how we can shift our practice to accommodate and integrate some of these ideas. So as always plenty to latch onto here and there are many things that you could put into play pretty immediately if you would like to in your practice. Speaking of practices, Crafted Practice is quickly coming up. It’s late July. We’re getting really getting down to it. I think at the time this episode goes out, there should be another week or two left in registration. I don’t know if at this point, because I’m recording so far in advance, whether there will be spots available or not, but I’m really looking forward to it. If there are spots available, go check it out. You know, we’re talking about the theme this year is the sustainable CEO. We’re great at the clinical work, but I think we built practices that in large part depend entirely on our presence for many of us. And this year at the retreat, we’re going to focus on how to maintain your clinical reputation, but let go of a lot of that grunt work through workflow autonomy. So we have a few, I mean, I hope we have a few spots left, but you’ll have to go double check to make sure. The registration deadline is June 14th at midnight. So go check it out. It’s the testingpsychologist.com slash crafted practice. If you’re ready to make that shift. Love to have you. All right. Let’s jump to my conversation with Dr. Wann Lawson. Dr. Jeremy Sharp (04:29)When Hey, welcome to the podcast. Wenn Lawson (04:32)Thank you. It’s really good to be here. Dr. Jeremy Sharp (04:34)Yeah, likewise. Good to h

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I share a review of evaluation reports from my own practice to identify the five most common writing mistakes that we’re making. Report writing is an ongoing, evolving process, and even experienced practitioners frequently fall into patterns that hinder readability and utility for clients, parents, and educators. By breaking down issues such as over-utilizing clinical jargon, structuring reports around specific test names rather than functional domains, and overwhelming readers with an untriaged avalanche of recommendations, I provide concrete strategies to transform your reports into clear, actionable documents. I also discuss the impact of pathologizing language and defensive hedging, offering practical shifts to help you establish clinical authority while remaining affirming and accessible. 00:03: Introduction to report writing as an ongoing work in progress 01:40: Mistake 1: The jargon avalanche and the “so what?” test 04:55: Mistake 2: Reporting test names versus functional skills and abilities 08:55: Mistake 3: The recommendation avalanche and how to triage effectively 13:45: Mistake 4: Shifting away from deficit-first and pathologizing language 17:28: Mistake 5: Overcoming defensive hedging and passive voice 22:14: Overview of the Craft membership community and upcoming enrollment Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit t

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I have had the pleasure of reading Dr. Tony Attwood’s work since the beginning of my career, and it was a distinct privilege to sit down with him to discuss his fifty-five years of clinical experience. We discuss the transition from early work to our current neurodevelopmental framework, highlighting the critical shift in recognizing the female autism phenotype. Dr. Attwood provides deep insight into the internal experience of camouflaging and explains his pragmatic approach to preventing burnout using the energy accounting model. Our conversation also addresses the stark gaps in current research, specifically regarding non-speaking individuals and the unique challenges faced by the aging autistic population. Main Topics The evolution of autism awareness and clinical experience since 1971 Moving away from the refrigerator mother myth to neurodevelopmental genetics The shifting prevalence and male to female ratio in autism Recognizing the female autism phenotype and the toll of camouflaging Reconceptualizing diagnosis as a process of self-discovery and closure Identifying critical research gaps in sensory sensitivity and non-speaking autism The challenges and outcomes of aging with autism and the role of support networks Strategies for managing autistic burnout through the energy accounting model Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Attwood and Garnet Events: www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals: www.amazon.com/Aspergers-Syndrome-Parents-Professionals-Attwood/dp/1853025771 The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome: www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome-Attwood/dp/1843106692 CDC Autism Prevalence Report (2023): www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm  Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 1

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I am so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Paul Beljan, a pediatric neuropsychologist who is doing incredible work pushing our field forward. This episode is a deep dive into why we need to move past the outdated discrepancy models of the 1990s and start looking at the actual neurology of how kids learn. Paul and I talk about the “learn and lose” phenomenon, why math disorders are so frequently missed in schools, and the critical role of the cerebellum in procedural learning. We also get into the weeds on how to write reports that parents actually want to read and how to give feedback to a child in a way that is empowering rather than pathologizing. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the standard way of identifying learning disorders just isn’t capturing the full picture of the kids sitting across from them. 00:32: The importance of accuracy in pediatric diagnosis and the weight of professional responsibility. 03:39: A critique of the discrepancy model and the “wait to fail” problem in schools. 07:34: Why math learning disorders are rarely diagnosed and the role of procedural consolidation. 11:32: Distinguishing between phonological and orthographic dyslexia through error analysis. 15:04: The “hook and ladder” fire truck analogy for the dual-tiered model of executive functioning and the cerebellum. 30:48: The failure to consolidate fundamentals versus conceptual understanding in dyscalculia. 45:13: Reforming neuropsychological report writing using the Stephanie Nelson model. 59:08: How to conduct an “awareness meeting” feedback session with children. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Paul’s practice website: www.beljanpsych.com  The FAM and the FAR (Feifer Assessment of Math/Reading): www.parinc.com Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: www.lindamoodbell.com Orton-Gillingham Academy: www.ortonacademy.org  The Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Executive-Brain-Frontal-Lobes-Civiliz

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Watch the video here. It was a pleasure to dive back into the world of electronic health records. Today, I’m exploring Healthie, a platform that has gained significant traction recently. This review is a blind walkthrough from the perspective of a testing practice that bills insurance, focusing on whether the platform’s robust feature set actually translates to a smooth clinical workflow. I cover the initial setup and interface, the depth of third-party integrations, and the specific hurdles a testing psychologist might face when trying to move from a six-hour assessment to a clean insurance claim. Pros Extensive Customization: The platform offers significant flexibility for intake forms and demographic tracking, including detailed options for gender identity and pronouns. Robust Integrations: It connects with a wide range of third-party tools such as ClaimMD, AI scribing software, and marketing platforms. Automated Intake Flows: Clinicians can build structured paperwork packets, allowing clients to move through forms in a seamless sequence. Flexible Scheduling: The system supports specific naming for appointment types, which is useful for distinguishing between different types of assessment sessions. Built-in Communications: Features like e-faxing and a secure client chat are integrated directly into the interface. Data Visualization: A dedicated dashboard provides high-level reports on practice metrics, including appointments and provider utilization. Cons Workflow Disconnect: There is a notable lack of integration between clinical charting and the billing process, requiring manual entry of CPT codes on claims. Manual Billing Hurdles: Creating CMS 1500 forms or superbills is a manual process that does not consistently auto-populate fees or codes. Steep Learning Curve: The interface is complex enough that new users often require guided onboarding or extensive use of the help center to navigate basic setups. Generalist Design: Because it serves many medical specialties, the interface includes irrelevant modules for mental health, such as meal plans and medical metrics. UI Inconsistencies: The user interface behaves differently across modules; for example, the claim interface provides error alerts that the superbill interface does not. Note Customization Limits: It is difficult to find obvious options for creating fully customized clinical note templates tailored

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’m excited to share this conversation with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, a clinical psychologist and documentation expert who has been closely monitoring the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in the mental health field. In this episode, we move beyond the surface level of AI as a simple productivity tool and dive deep into the ethical, clinical, and compliance-related nuances that every practitioner needs to understand. Maelisa provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, from the rise of ambient listening scribes to the ways insurance companies are leveraging AI in their own processes. We discuss the transition from being a “doer” of documentation to becoming a “supervisor” of AI-generated content, emphasizing that while these tools can be life-changing for clinicians struggling with burnout, they do not absolve us of our professional responsibility for accuracy and clinical judgment. Main Topics 00:01:21: The increasing pervasiveness of AI across personal and professional domains. 00:05:40: Overview of the current AI landscape in mental health, including documentation and chatbots. 00:15:48: Four primary ways AI platforms assist with clinical note-taking. 00:21:18: Risks associated with session transcripts and the importance of data retention policies. 00:30:10: Ethical requirements for informed consent and navigating state-specific AI laws. 00:38:30: Technical vetting of AI companies: HIPAA compliance, BAAs, and anonymized vs. de-identified data. 00:52:06: The effectiveness of AI in clinical formulation, diagnosing, and treatment goal generation. 00:55:12: How insurance companies are utilizing AI for claims processing and potential denials. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists QA Prep: www.qaprep.com Maelisa McCaffrey’s  YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@MaelisaMcCaffrey  Quill Therapy: https://quilltherapysolutions.com/ Heidi Health: www.heidihealth.com  Berries: www.getberries.ai  Blueprint: www.blueprint-health.com

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. The landscape of mental health regulation shifted dramatically in March 2026 with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar. In this episode, I break down why a Colorado case about conversion therapy has far-reaching consequences for every licensed professional, particularly those of us in the assessment world. We explore the court’s decision to reclassify “talk therapy” and diagnostic reporting as protected speech rather than mere professional conduct. While this ruling offers a new shield against state-mandated orthodoxy (potentially protecting gender-affirming care in restrictive states), it also weakens the ability of licensing boards to proactively prevent harmful “quackery.” I discuss the “intellectual disability paradox” in legal precedent and why we might need to return to more rigid documentation to protect ourselves from the coming wave of civil litigation. Main Topics 00:35: The origins of the Minor Conversion Law (MCTL) and the 2019 Colorado legislative intent 01:34: Kaylee Chiles’ First Amendment challenge and the “talk therapy as speech” argument 02:45: The Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision: Viewpoint discrimination and the Gorsuch majority opinion 04:30: Medical consensus vs. constitutional protection: Why the court rejected the “standard of care” defense 05:25: Justice Katanji Brown Jackson’s dissent: The “scalpel vs. speech” warning and the danger of substandard care 07:10: Potential negative impacts: Proliferation of unproven therapies and the erosion of consumer trust 08:45: The silver lining: How this ruling could safeguard gender-affirming and reproductive health care 10:34: Impact on testing psychologists: Diagnostic reports as “synthesis of clinical judgment” and protected viewpoints 13:45: The shift in accountability: From proactive board regulation to reactive medical malpractice lawsuits 16:50: Practical takeaways: Navigating the new requirement for “flexibility in interpretation, rigidity in documentation.” Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Drs. Stephanie Nelson and Alison Wilkinson-Smith to address a persistent gap in the field of psychological assessment: the lack of a structured, evidence-based approach to supervision. We move beyond the traditional “osmosis” model of training to explore how supervisors can intentionally externalize their implicit expertise. Our conversation focuses on the SCOOP framework and the SWIRL model, providing a roadmap for navigating everything from case conceptualization to the emotional ruptures that occur when a supervisor and trainee reach a diagnostic stalemate. By integrating research on medical education and elite coaching with the core values of therapeutic assessment, Stephanie and Alison offer a comprehensive guide to becoming an attuned and effective supervisor. Main Topics Discussed 01:37: The origin of the collaboration and the “mixed bag” of early career supervision. 08:17: The current state of supervision literature and the competency-based shift. 12:42: Navigating the transition from unconscious effectiveness to expert teaching. 15:53: Establishing emotional safety and the “nesting bowls” of clinical containment. 35:29: An overview of the SCOOP model for structuring supervision sessions. 40:50: Using the “First Crack” method to identify a trainee’s zone of proximal development. 54:22: Strategies for externalizing implicit clinical skills and avoiding the “master-apprentice” trap. 59:37: Resolving friction and diagnostic stalemates using the SWIRL framework. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Stephanie & Alison’s upcoming workshop: https://www.level2psychconsult.com/supervision-and-mentorship-workshop  Level 2 Psych Consult: https://www.level2psychconsult.com Essentials of Psychological Assessment Supervision (Jordan Wright): www.amazon.com/Essentials-Psychological-Assessment-Supervision-Essentials/dp/1119565507 Supervision in Neuropsychology (Bowden, Stuckey, and Bush)

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I examine the diagnostic paradox of autism masking and camouflaging, specifically focusing on how clinicians can identify autism when a client’s surface behavior appears neurotypical. I discuss the limitations of traditional observational tools like the ADOS-2 and explain how the DSM-5-TR provides a framework for recognizing compensation and historical symptoms. By looking at the cognitive mechanisms behind masking and the significant mental health toll it takes, I offer a perspective that re-conceptualizes autism as a neurobiological reality rather than a purely behavioral one. My goal is to help practitioners understand that the ability to camouflage is not a reason to rule out a diagnosis but is often evidence of the diagnosis itself. Main Topics 00:01: Introduction to the diagnostic paradox of observable deficits versus effective camouflaging 02:20: Explicit recognition of compensation and the currently or by history clause in the DSM-5-TR 05:50: The cognitive shift from intuitive social cognition to rule-based learning and executive function 08:30: Why the need to camouflage confirms the presence of underlying social cognitive differences 13:50: Neuroimaging and the persistence of brain-based markers despite behavioral changes 18:00: Assessing functional impairment through the lens of exhaustion, burnout, and mental health burden 24:10: Re-conceptualizing autism as a neurobiological profile and the role of clinical consensus 27:30: Practical implications for clinicians and the risks of false negatives in adult evaluations Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: <a href="https://novopsych.com/testingp

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. It’s great to be back with you all as we continue this deep dive into the world of autism and neurodivergence. Today, we are tackling a topic that has really taken the clinical world by storm over the last several years, and that is the concept of camouflaging and masking. Honestly, this is one of those areas where the research is moving so fast it can be hard to keep up, but it is also deeply personal for so many of the folks we see in our offices. I wanted to take some time to really look at the literature: what we actually know, what we think we know, and where the holes are. Because as much as we talk about “masking,” the science behind it is actually a lot more nuanced and a lot more complicated than it might seem on the surface. Main Topics 00:01: Defining camouflaging as the conscious or unconscious strategies used to hide or compensate for autistic characteristics in social settings 01:45: The three core components of camouflaging: compensation, masking, and assimilation according to the Hull et al. (2019) framework 04:10: Methods for measuring camouflaging, including the CAT-Q self-report measure and the discrepancy method between cognitive ability and observed traits 06:45: The weak correlation between self-report and discrepancy measures and what that tells us about intention versus effectiveness 08:15: Prevalence of camouflaging in autistic versus non-autistic populations and its role as a broader form of impression management 10:20: Sex and gender differences in camouflaging and why females consistently report higher scores across studies 12:40: The significant mental health impact of camouflaging, including burnout, identity confusion, and suicidal ideation 15:15: Critical validity concerns regarding the CAT-Q and potential construct overlap with social anxiety Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized me

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’m back with the second part of our mini-series on autism. Today I’m really trying to parse out why we’re seeing such a gap in how often we diagnose males versus females. We’re also diving into the social communication paradox (how someone can look really skilled on the surface while still struggling with the same underlying neurological hurdles), and the way restricted interests look different when they’re focused on things like animals or art instead of train schedules. It’s a lot to wrestle with, especially when the DSM hasn’t quite caught up to what we’re seeing in our offices every day, but I’m hoping this helps clear up some of that diagnostic fog. Main Topics 00:01: Discussion of the four-to-one male-to-female prevalence ratio and the evidence for under diagnosis in females 01:45: The timing of diagnosis and how delays in assessment compound over time for female patients 02:28: The intellectual disability paradox and how impairment levels influence diagnostic rates 03:20: Research on social communication differences and the distinction between observable skills and underlying understanding 04:55: Issues with measurement bias in the ADOS and the problem of diagnostic overshadowing with co-occurring conditions 07:10: Quantitative and qualitative differences in restricted interests and repetitive behaviors across sexes 10:21: Statistics on psychiatric comorbidities and why autistic females face higher rates of anxiety and depression 12:50: Developmental trajectories from early childhood through adulthood and the adolescence inflection point 14:30: A preliminary look at camouflaging and the CAT-Q subscales in the female phenotype Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testingn use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re in

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’m coming at this episode as much as a parent as I am a psychologist or the co-founder of an AI company. After my own son got flagged by a teacher for potentially using AI on a writing assignment, I had a pretty humbling realization: I hadn’t actually taught him what responsible AI use looks like. Most of our kids (about 70% of teens) are already using these tools, but they’re doing it in a vacuum without much guidance from schools or home. In this conversation, I wanted to move past the “cheating” panic and look at the real developmental stakes. We’re talking about how passive AI use might be replacing the “cognitive heavy lifting” kids need to build critical thinking and how we, as clinicians and parents, can start having the “AI Talk” early and often to turn these tools into structured thought partners rather than just answer generators. Main Topics 00:01: The “Cop’s Kid” moment: How my son’s school assignment became a wake-up call about teaching responsible AI use. 03:05: Current statistics on teenage AI adoption and why school policies are struggling to keep pace with the technology. 05:40: Why the real concern isn’t just academic integrity, but the potential “atrophy” of critical thinking and analytical skills. 08:30: Comparing the “AI Talk” to the “Sex Talk”—why it needs to start early (age 8-10) and evolve over time. 11:20: Privacy red flags and why we need to monitor for “secrecy” or “humanizing” AI in our kids’ digital habits. 13:10: A framework for healthy AI use: Outsourcing the rote tasks while keeping the “human brain in the loop.” 14:50: Prompt Engineering as a metacognitive skill: Teaching kids to give context and identify where they are stuck. 18:20: Tailoring AI for neurodivergent kids: Specific strategies and prompts for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism. 24:30: Using the “Socratic Method” with AI to help teenagers navigate social conflict and perspective-taking. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Simple prompt framework for kids document Featured Resources <p

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I remember being trained on the original ADOS back in grad school, and even though the ADOS-2 has been out for over a decade now, we are still constantly learning about where it shines and where it kind of falls short. In this episode, I’m digging into the actual numbers behind the instrument, from its 90% sensitivity to the much more complicated reality of its specificity, especially when we’re working with clinical populations like ADHD or anxiety. I’m also tackling the “compensation paradox” and the very real data showing how the ADOS-2 might be under-identifying females and people of color. It’s a nuanced look at a tool we use every day, and I think it’s a necessary conversation if we want to move toward more equitable, accurate assessments. 00:35: The history of the ADOS and its evolution into the current “gold standard” 02:21: Breaking down the five modules and how language level dictates administration 05:40: Sensitivity vs. Specificity: What the meta-analyses actually tell us about accuracy 08:25: The false positive problem and the predictive limitations of “Autism Spectrum” classifications 11:11: Why the ADOS-2 should never supersede clinical judgment in a comprehensive battery 12:45: Differential diagnosis challenges with ADHD, social anxiety, and language disorders 15:30: The “Compensation Paradox” in high-functioning and low-support needs individuals 18:49: Data on sex differences and why the algorithm might be biased against female presentations 21:13: Addressing racial bias and the limitations of a tool validated primarily on white samples Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: <a href="https://novopsych.com/testingpsycho

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is to let the “drift” happen in a testing practice. You start with these great clinical intentions and a solid business plan, but then a few months go by, the schedule gets packed, and suddenly you’re just trying to keep your head above water. This episode is really meant to be a 90 day reset to help us stop and look at the data before we get too far off track. I walk through a four part audit covering clinical quality, financial health, our tech stacks, and our operational flow. I’m doing these same checks in my own practice right now because I’ve realized that if we aren’t measuring these things, we can’t actually manage them, and I’d much rather catch any issues now than a year down the road. Main Topics 01:05: Performing a clinical audit by reviewing battery architecture and front loading high demand tasks 02:22: Monitoring the validity chain and adhering to the AACN and NAN two failure rule 03:32: Moving beyond the “score dump” to focus on narrative synthesis and a one page roadmap 05:25: Conducting a financial health audit by measuring administrative to clinical time ratios 06:42: Calculating your real hourly rate by accounting for overhead and total hours worked 07:14: Benchmarking profit margins for solo versus group practices and monitoring labor to revenue ratios 08:48: Executing a technology audit including BAA verification and data sovereignty checks 11:24: Evaluating data security through “leak tests” and moving toward portal only report delivery 13:01: Running an operational friction test to measure the referral to feedback timeline Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Downloads The Practice Audit Checklist Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit<a h

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Staying on top of the legal side of things is a huge pain, but we are at a point where keeping up with these digital shifts is just a core part of running a practice. In this episode, I’m walking through the 2026 HIPAA Security Rule updates and what they actually mean for you on a day-to-day basis. We’re moving away from the old “addressable” safeguards into a world where everything is mandatory, from multi-factor authentication to specific 72-hour data recovery rules. I also dig into the concept of data sovereignty, which is really just a fancy way of saying who actually controls your client data, and how to spot red flags in those long terms of service agreements that none of us ever want to read. My goal is to help you build a simple vetting process for your software so you can focus on the clinical work without worrying that your data is leaking into a global AI training model. Main Topics 00:38: The 2026 HIPAA Security Rule update and the end of addressable safeguards 01:12: Mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirements for all systems 02:20: The 72-hour recovery rule for clinical data and vendor contract obligations 03:25: Updating Business Associate Agreements (BAA) for AI-specific clauses 04:15: Defining data sovereignty vs. data residency and why control matters 07:45: A three-point vetting checklist for clinical software and AI tools 09:12: Red flag phrases to look for in Terms of Service agreements 11:35: Cross-state compliance and the impact of the Delete Act on practice inventory Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <figure class="alignright is

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much tele-assessment has changed since the early days of the pandemic, and we’re definitely moving past the “just trying to survive” phase into something a bit more rigorous. I wanted to sit down and look into where the research actually stands right now, especially when it comes to the “spatial problem” and why our tech setups might be accidentally measuring screen resolution instead of actual cognitive ability. Today, I’m summarizing the research on which parts of the assessment are best conducted remotely vs. in-person, along with offering some concrete tips to improve the quality of your remote protocol. At the end of the day, we’re trying to bring the rigor of the clinic into the client’s living room, and that takes a lot more than just a laptop and a prayer. Main Topics 00:15: The foundational research in tele-neuropsychology and the high reliability of remote verbal tasks 00:45: The spatial problem and how parallax or mirroring errors can create a tele-assessment penalty 01:45: Using the Tele-ASD-PEDS to observe naturalistic parent-child interactions in the home environment 03:10: Addressing the sensory bottleneck and hearing loss confounds in geriatric cognitive screening 04:40: Comparing developmental distractions in kids versus facilitator influence in older adults 06:15: The 2026 remote protocol including the three-camera setup and audio priority requirements 08:05: Technical environment audits and the importance of a 10-inch minimum screen size 09:20: Establishing a hard “discontinue threshold” to prevent powering through bad data Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-s

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’m diving back into a topic that I feel more strongly about every day, which is the intersection of professional burnout and the way we handle our documentation. Honestly, the research on clerical burden as a driver of exhaustion is pretty staggering, and in our field of assessment, it’s compounded by the fact that we’re writing these massive integrated narratives rather than simple chart notes. In this episode, I’m making a bit of an ethical plea for automation—not as a way to cut corners, but as a clinical safety measure to preserve our executive functioning for the high-level synthesis our clients actually need. I walk through the APA ethics code, the “skeleton versus soul” model of report writing, and the non-negotiables of data sovereignty in 2026. I also share a four-point protocol for integrating these tools responsibly, from the “blind edit” to clear disclosure, because at the end of the day, I’d much rather we use our brain power for conceptualization than for transcribing scores into tables. Main Topics 00:38: The documentation crisis and the burnout loop in psychological assessment 01:25: Why documentation efficiency is a clinical safety and practice issue 02:44: Navigating APA Ethics Standard 9.09 regarding automated interpretation 03:35: The skeleton versus soul model of AI-assisted report writing 04:58: Current state of research on AI writing quality and patient outcomes 05:55: Data sovereignty and the dangers of public LLMs in clinical practice 07:45: A four-point ethical efficiency protocol for clinicians 10:28: Transparency and disclosure statements for AI-assisted reports Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-large

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. As we continue our exploration of modern assessment, I wanted to dive deep into the long-standing debate between digital and paper-based administration. While many of us have made the switch to platforms like Q-interactive, concerns about mode effects and statistical differences in scores remain a common point of anxiety. In this discussion, I review the robust research confirming cross-mode equivalence for most cognitive subtests, but I also highlight critical nuances like technology anxiety in older adults and the tactile friction gap that can influence fine motor performance. We also look at the significant advantage of digital tools in eliminating the 5% human error rate common in manual scoring. To wrap up, I outline a 2026 mode integrity protocol to help you maintain data purity, including screening for digital literacy and proper documentation of your administration methods. Main Topics 00:35: The evolution of digital platforms and research regarding mode effects 01:15: Meta-analysis findings on cross-mode equivalence for cognitive subtests 01:50: User experience bias and the impact of technology anxiety on older adults 03:02: The tactile friction gap and how stylus-on-glass influences motor speed 04:15: Human error rates in manual scoring and the benefits of digital clerical accuracy 05:40: Granularity in timing and the value of millisecond-accurate digital precision 06:45: The 2026 mode integrity protocol for clinical practice 08:35: Best practices for documenting digital administration and AI disclosures in reports Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!th! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <div class="wp-block-ima

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I am so excited to dive into one of the most requested topics we have ever had: making the transition from an insurance-based model to a private pay practice. Many of us feel a lot of trepidation about this shift, wondering why a family would ever choose to pay out of pocket for an evaluation they could technically get elsewhere for a copay. In this episode, I break down the consumer psychology behind high-stakes assessments and why parents are often looking for a comprehensive life roadmap rather than just a bare-minimum diagnosis. We talk about the quality-price inference, how to leverage your calendar to offer the speed that hospitals cannot match, and how to create a premium experience that justifies your rates. Whether you are ready to go fully out of network or just want to test a hybrid model, this episode provides a clear path forward for valuing your expertise and your time. Main Topics 00:14: The mindset shift and consumer psychology of the quality-price inference 01:25: Moving from a minimum diagnosis model to a maximum life roadmap 02:48: Using speed and your calendar as your strongest marketing leverage 04:55: Implementing a hybrid strategy with premium private pay add-on packages 08:15: Upgrading the physical and digital client experience to match premium pricing 10:15: Turning the superbill process into a concierge marketing asset 12:40: The long-term rewards of autonomy and freedom from insurance audits Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="224" src="http://www.thetest

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I break down the financial and operational logic behind transitioning from a solo assessment model to a technician-led model. Many psychologists hesitate to hire a psychometrist because technician CPT codes reimburse at a lower rate, but looking at the unit’s revenue alone misses the bigger picture of your effective hourly rate. I walk through the specific math of a 15-hour evaluation case to show how delegating the six hours of administration actually increases your hourly value and frees you up to see more clients. We also dive into the reality of the supervision tax, how to handle quality control concerns, and the mindset shift required to move from being a tester to a diagnostician. Main Topics Covered 00:00 Understanding Psychometrist Codes and Reimbursement 06:21 Solo vs. Scaled Models in Assessment 08:46 The Supervision Tax and Its Impact 11:53 Quality Considerations in Psychometrist Models 14:49 When to Hire a Psychometrist Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.coloradocac.com" ta

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I break down the essential components of the “core stack” for psychological and neuropsychological testing billing. Many clinicians leave significant revenue on the table by skipping the diagnostic interview code or miscategorizing professional integration time as simple test administration. I explain the critical differences between the 60-minute professional work codes and the 30-minute administration codes, while highlighting the “half plus one” rule that can legitimately maximize your reimbursement. We also touch on specialized codes for developmental and neurobehavioral screens and the absolute necessity of maintaining an audit-ready log to protect your practice. Main Topics Covered 00:01: Introduction to the core billing stack: 90791, 96132, and 96133 02:08: Why you must never skip the 90791 diagnostic interview code 03:25: Understanding 96132 and 96133 as 60-minute professional work units 05:20: Differentiating between psychological (96130) and neuropsychological (96132) evaluation codes 07:15: Deep dive into test administration and scoring codes 96136 and 96137 08:55: Navigating daily unit caps and insurance panel “soft caps” 10:45: Utilizing obscure codes for neurobehavioral and developmental testing 12:45: The “half plus one” timing strategy for maximizing billed units 15:20: Creating audit-ready documentation and the importance of precise time logs Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="224" src="http://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/wp-con

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’ve found that many assessment clinicians struggle to set fees that actually support their lives and prevent burnout. In this episode, I break down a mathematical approach to setting your hourly rate by starting with your desired take-home pay and working backward. We explore how to account for the hidden administrative drag that often eats into our margins, the reality of overhead in testing practices, and why pricing your services correctly is actually a vital clinical intervention for the sake of your clients. Main Topics Covered 00:01: Defining sustainable capacity and identifying cognitive diminishing returns in diagnostic roles 01:25: Calculating the 1:6 ratio of administrative drag to billable clinical hours 02:40: Setting a personal income goal and accounting for tax allocations and profit margins 04:15: Factoring in the high overhead costs specific to psychological assessment practices 05:00: Planning for annual billable capacity by pre-determining vacation weeks 06:10: The final math to arrive at an ideal hourly rate based on revenue targets 07:15: Implementing the rate by accounting for admin time within flat-fee evaluations 08:40: Conducting a true cost audit using time-tracking tools to find your actual hourly pay 10:45: The ethical case for high rates as a tool to prevent rushed data and templated reports Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="224" src="http://www.thetestingpsychologi

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I dive deep into the modern evolution of neuropsychological and psychological report writing. We explore why the traditional model of listing scores and rote data is no longer effective for our primary audience: the clients and their families. I discuss the cognitive load placed on readers when we fail to synthesize information and introduce the clinical snapshot as a way to prioritize the most important findings on page one. We also cover the so what rule for narrative synthesis and a tiered approach to recommendations that prevents client overwhelm. The goal is to move from a score-centric document to an integrative narrative that ensures your expertise is actually utilized to improve lives. Main Topics 00:02: The Prime Real Estate of Page One 01:45: The Inverted Pyramid and Clinical Snapshots 02:27: The Two-Sentence Synthesis Challenge 04:35: The So What Rule 07:05: AACN Guidelines and Domain Interaction 08:20: Managing Reader Shame and Overwhelm 09:01: Tiered Recommendations 11:16: The Report as a Lasting Product Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Clinical intuition is often little more than a coin flip when it comes to detecting suboptimal effort. We like to think we can spot a client who isn’t giving their best, but the data suggests otherwise. In this episode, I dive into the necessity of using objective performance validity indicators rather than relying on gut feelings. I discuss the prevalence of failure rates in adult ADHD evaluations, the difference between malingering and a cry for help profile, and the technical balance between sensitivity and specificity in the tools we choose. I also share a practical framework for addressing poor effort in the moment using a three stage feedback sandwich to preserve the clinical alliance while ensuring the integrity of your data. Main Topics The limitations of clinical intuition in determining optimal effort Prevalence of validity failure rates in clinical ADHD evaluations Distinguishing between malingering and the cry for help profile Balancing sensitivity and specificity in validity measure selection The shift from legacy recognition tasks to multi stage symptom validity tests The two failure rule and the utility of the $0 embedded indicator Strategic scheduling and administration of PVIs throughout a battery The feedback sandwich: affirmation, calibration, and the reset Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="224" src="http://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Jeremy-Sharp-300x224.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84" style="width:258px;height:193

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I dive into the evolving understanding of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), formerly known as sluggish cognitive tempo. I explain why we are moving away from the older terminology toward a label that more accurately describes the internal mechanisms of the brain. We explore the neurobiological differences between CDS and traditional ADHD, specifically looking at the posterior attention system and the default mode network. I share how these differences manifest in clinical testing, such as the slow and accurate profile on processing speed tasks, and offer concrete tips for adjusting your assessment battery. We also touch on why traditional stimulant medications might not be the first line of defense for these individuals and what environmental primers might work better to wake up their attention systems. Main Topics Discussed 00:01 Introduction to the transition from sluggish cognitive tempo to Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome. 02:28 Defining CDS as a mental disengagement from the external environment. 04:54 Analyzing the 2022 Becker meta-analysis and the distinction between CDS and ADHD symptoms. 06:30 Neurobiology: Frontal-striatal circuits versus the posterior attention system and default mode network. 07:20 Differentiating CDS from predominantly inattentive and combined ADHD presentations. 08:45 The orienting network versus the executive control network in cognitive profiles. 09:38 Identifying the slow and accurate pattern in cognitive testing data. 11:15 Clinical recommendations: Rating scales, environmental primers, and medication considerations. Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I dive into the neurobiology of testing fatigue and why it is much more than just a simple lack of energy. We explore how high-demand cognitive tasks lead to a measurable buildup of glutamate in the prefrontal cortex, essentially creating metabolic debris that forces the brain into a self-preservation mode. I discuss the specific hierarchy of cognitive decline, noting why executive functioning and fluid reasoning are the first to fail while crystallized intelligence often remains deceptive and intact. To help you maintain the validity of your data during long assessment days, I share three concrete strategies: implementing a heavy-to-light task rotation, scheduling mandatory 90 minute movement resets, and utilizing proactive glycemic management through low-glycemic snacks. Main Topics 01:34: The neurobiology of cognitive fatigue and the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in cost-benefit analysis. 02:30: How intensive cognitive work leads to an accumulation of glutamate in the lateral prefrontal cortex. 03:45: Applying cognitive load theory and the “overflowing glass” metaphor to the six-hour assessment session. 04:54: Why executive functioning and fluid reasoning fail first while vocabulary and general knowledge remain resistant to fatigue. 06:15: The diagnostic trap of crystallized intelligence and how an articulate patient can mask underlying cognitive exhaustion. 07:45: Strategy 1—Heavy-to-light rotation and the importance of front-loading high-effort tasks. 09:10: Strategy 2—The 90-minute pivot and movement reset to clear adenosine and reset performance cycles. 10:15: Strategy 3—Glycemic management and using small, low-glycemic snacks to prevent the afternoon “food coma.” Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Taylor, an expert therapeutic educational consultant, to demystify the niche world of out-of-home placements and residential treatment. We explore the critical emotional journey parents face when realizing their child needs a higher level of care and how psychologists can play a foundational role in that transition. Jennifer shares her personal “why” as a parent of children who required intensive support, providing a deeply empathetic lens on the process of navigating wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transition services. We discuss the “safety quotient” and “anxiety quotient” for parents, the practicalities of how consultants vet programs through rigorous site visits, and why a high-quality neuropsychological evaluation is the essential roadmap for successful placement and treatment planning. Main Topics 00:01:36 – Introduction to Jennifer and the niche of therapeutic educational consulting. 00:04:02 – Jennifer’s personal story: Navigating the special education and residential world as a parent. 00:07:48 – Defining the role of a therapeutic educational consultant versus traditional consultants. 00:13:31 – Case study: The trajectory from suicidal ideation to University of Chicago admission. 00:20:52 – Determining when a higher level of care is necessary: Identifying school refusal and “pattern interrupts.” 00:25:20 – How psychologists can find and collaborate with reputable educational consultants. 00:36:07 – Managing parent ambivalence and the “safety and anxiety quotients” during transitions. 00:43:31 – The vetting process: Why visiting programs in person is non-negotiable for consultants. 00:52:15 – Best practices for collaboration between assessing clinicians and consultants. 01:02:42 – Final takeaways: Making psychological reports accessible and engaging for families and teens. Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb AI-powered report-writing software Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA): www.iecaonline.com Therapeutic Consulting Association (TCA): www.therapeuticconsulting.org JET Ed Consulting: www.jetedconsulting.com Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps ge

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Sharp shares a personal and professional deep dive into the opaque world of InterQual and prior authorization. After experiencing a near-total rejection rate of clinical prior authorization requests within his own practice, Dr. Sharp investigates the history, logic, and evidence—or lack thereof—behind the criteria that dictate medical necessity for neuropsychological services. He breaks down the “checkbox” workflow used by utilization management reviewers, explains the origins of the controversial eight-hour testing benchmark, and highlights critical gaps in the system regarding clinical complexity and social determinants of health. Most importantly, the episode provides listeners with concrete, strategic language and documentation tips to help navigate these administrative hurdles and maximize the likelihood of securing the care their patients need. Main Topics Covered 00:01: The personal story of 100% denial rates and the motivation for investigating InterQual. 02:25: The history and objective of InterQual as a measurable indicator for standardizing care. 04:43: The massive scale of InterQual within the Optum and UnitedHealthcare ecosystem. 07:01: Decoding the “Black Box”: The decision-tree and checkbox software used by reviewers. 09:20: Why common referrals like ADHD and autism struggle to pass first-level screening. 11:43: Exploring the GRADE approach and the evidentiary standards used to build the criteria. 14:09: The eight-hour benchmark: Concept of testing fatigue vs. clinical complexity. 16:33: Critical gaps: Social determinants of health and the failure to account for environment. 18:57: The Appeals Paradox: Why the totality of the record wins when criteria fail. 21:18: “Playing the Game”: Specific keywords and strategies for successful prior authorizations. Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing <st

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Sara Woods to challenge the traditional, deficit-heavy lens of autism diagnostics and explore what it means to practice in a truly neurodiversity-affirming way. We discuss the shift from seeing autism as a collection of clinical “problems” to recognizing it as a natural variation of the human brain that brings unique strengths, such as integrity, systemizing, and deep focus. Sara shares her research-backed insights on why “repetitive behaviors” can be vital for regulation and how the “double empathy problem” reframes communication difficulties as a two-way street rather than an individual failure. We also dive into concrete tools for clinicians, including her Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI), and practical tips for writing reports that validate a client’s struggles while celebrating their humanity and joy. Episode Topics 00:01-01:38 Why direct experience and neurodiversity matter beyond the textbook 01:39-05:00 Defining the neurodiversity paradigm and patient-led care 05:01-07:43 How differential diagnosis can be empowering rather than pathologizing 07:44-10:43 Reframing repetitive play as a foundation for cognitive development 10:44-12:52 Reconsidering eye contact through the lens of cultural difference 12:53-16:15 Integrity versus reputation management in autistic individuals 16:16-19:00 The functional purpose of stimming and sensory regulation 19:01-21:37 Navigating societal expectations and the choice to disclose 21:38-26:15 The double empathy problem and communication in mixed groups 26:16-31:06 Balancing the “superpower” narrative with authentic support 31:07-34:00 Frameworks for accommodations: Strengths, difficulties, and neutral differences 34:01-38:58 Introduction to the Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI) 38:59-42:15 Specific interviewing strategies for eliciting joy and strengths 42:16-46:30 Adapting the assessment battery and the role of the ADOS 46:31-52:00 Writing affirming reports and the use of first-person language 52:01-56:30 Leveraging special interests in recommendations and school settings 56:31-01:01:20 Validating distress while maintaining a strengths-based perspective Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb AI-powered report-writing software Sara’s upcoming talk: Autism

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I have been a bit quiet lately, but for good reason, and I wanted to take a moment to reorient myself and check in with all of you. After taking two solid weeks off for a meaningful family Christmas in South Carolina (the first in almost 15 years!), I returned to a whirlwind January filled with major project launches. From opening the doors to our new membership community, Craft, to preparing for the upcoming Crafted Practice summer intensive and launching Reverb 2.0, it has been a season of intense “sprints.” In this episode, I share the personal reflections that came from that time away, the philosophy of why “later equals never,” and the exciting updates coming to the podcast, including the addition of a production and research assistant to help us bring even more high-quality content to your ears. Reconnecting with family and the importance of the present (01:10) The Later Equals Never philosophy for life and business (02:15) Reflecting on the benefits of a true two-week work hiatus (03:00) Launching the Craft membership community for accountability and action (04:15) Details and registration for the Crafted Practice summer in-person event (06:30) Hiring a new production and research assistant for the podcast (08:45) Updates on the Reverb 2.0 AI report writing platform launch (09:30) A call to action for listeners to engage and connect in 2026 (10:15) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Craft: the only membership community just for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <img loading="la

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Nicole McCance of the McCance Method to talk about what’s actually working right now to grow a therapy group practice when the market feels tighter and “easy referrals” aren’t showing up like they used to. We dig into practical lead generation moves that don’t depend on social media, how to use consult calls and follow-up like an actual sales process, and why hiring an admin sooner than you think can pay for itself. Nicole also shares a physician-referral playbook, a “waitlist strategy” you can run this week, and a simple end-of-year review approach to double down on what’s working and cut the rest. Main Topics Discussed Nicole’s origin story: from solo practice to 55 clinicians, then selling the practice (00:39) Why practice growth feels harder right now and how coaching strategies have shifted (02:12) Social media reality check, and what tends to convert faster than “content” (03:00) Lead sources: SEO vs Google Ads vs optimizing your Google Business Profile (06:17) Email marketing, consult calls, and the follow-up process most clinicians skip (07:32) Handling “I want to see the owner” and positioning the team-based model (08:15) Hiring an admin early and making the role revenue-generating through follow-ups (09:50) Physician referral strategy: scripts, getting into the EMR, and progress reports (27:27) End-of-year review: referral data, focus, and the 80/20 clean-up (35:48) December planning: clinician vacation coverage and PTO cashflow surprises (38:20) The “waitlist strategy” for warm referrals from therapists who can’t take new clients (41:17) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Nicole’s website: www.mccancemethod.com The Business Savvy Therapist podcast: www.mccancemethod.com/podcast Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicole.mccancemethod Free masterclass (How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice): www.mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam Google Business Profile: www.google.com/business Google Business Profile Help: support

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. As this year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on how much of 2025 was about refinement rather than expansion. The Testing Psychologist stayed true to what it’s always been for me: a place for honest conversations about assessment, business, and the realities of this work. The podcast hit some meaningful milestones (500 episodes!), Crafted Practice was once again one of the highlights of my year and proved that small, close-knit spaces beat big, noisy ones any day, and the community around this work continued to grow in a way that felt grounded and sustainable. A lot of my energy this year also went into Reverb, which stretched me in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. Building something new alongside established businesses forces you to slow down and get very clear about what actually matters. There were plenty of decisions that didn’t make for exciting updates, but did make the product better. What feels solid now is the “why”: helping clinicians spend less time wrestling with reports and more time doing the parts of the job that actually require a human brain. That focus has guided every hard call along the way. Personally, 2025 pushed me to pay closer attention to my own limits. Heart surgery on January 3rd, 2025 forced me to slow down and be very intentional about my capabilities. I worked fewer hours, protected more unstructured time, and noticed how much better everything runs when I’m not operating at a constant low-grade sprint. I’m ending the year clearer, steadier, and more confident about what I want to carry forward (and what I don’t).  Before transitioning to the episode, I want to give shout outs to a few folks who are integral to the Testing Psychologist team. First, Facebook group moderators: Chris Mulchay, Laura Sanders, and Andres Chou. They keep the group on the rails so that we can continue to have a stable, safe place to talk about testing. I also have to thank my assistant, Laura, who does everything from podcast editing to researching spots for the next in-person retreat. I couldn’t do this without her. Speaking of which, I have to thank my sponsors as well. TherapyNotes and PAR continued to support the podcast this year, making all of this possible. While we’re saying goodbye to PAR for 2026, I’m excited to get some fresh sponsorship on the books. And of course, I have to thank all of you. If you’ve listened to the podcast, come to an event, sent a note, or just quietly followed along, thank you. I don’t take that support lightly, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.  Thanks for joining me one last time in 2025 to discuss the top five most downloaded podcast episodes! Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting</a

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I break down what I believe are the most important business trends shaping assessment practices in 2026. Rather than focusing on vague predictions or generic AI hype, I zero in on the operational, regulatory, and payer-driven forces that are already creating friction for assessment-focused psychologists. My central argument is that 2026 will not be a “breakthrough” year. It will be a friction year, where practices succeed or struggle based on how clearly they can justify, document, and defend their work. I walk through how insurance pressures, prior authorization, AI governance, workforce scarcity, and shifting expectations around comprehensive batteries are converging, and what practical steps assessment clinicians can take now to stay viable, ethical, and sustainable. Main Topics Discussed Why 2026 is a “friction year,” not a breakthrough year (00:01) The unifying trend: auditability, justification, and traceability across systems (02:23) Efficiency adjustments and why integration work matters more than test administration (03:00) Auditing CPT code mix and aligning documentation with payer values (04:45) Prior authorization becomes more structured—and less forgiving (05:30) Building repeatable medical necessity language and pre-auth workflows (07:07) Payers tightening testing policies and eliminating “neutral” practice models (08:30) Choosing explicitly between insurance-first, hybrid, or cash-pay models (09:28) AI’s shift from convenience tool to governance and risk issue (10:30) Clinicians moving from “writer” to “editor” roles with AI-assisted workflows (11:38) State-level healthcare AI laws and the need for internal AI policies (12:30) Validity and defensibility becoming built-in, not optional (13:45) Rethinking over-testing and defining a minimum defensible data set (14:01) Hybrid assessment models and redesigning physical office space (15:00) Workforce scarcity and choosing between boutique vs scalable models (17:30) The controversial take: rethinking the default comprehensive battery (18:53) Why auditability—not tools—is the real work of 2026 (20:00) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists CMS Prior Authorization and Interoperability Rule overview: https://www.cms.gov/priorities

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Today, I sit down with Dr. Andrea Zartman, a neuropsychologist and training director at the Dallas VA, to unpack what actually matters in internship and postdoc applications and interviews. We walk through the entire process, from CV structure and cover letters to letters of recommendation and interview performance, with a frank, insider perspective. Andrea shares concrete, experience-based guidance from nearly two decades of training work, including what makes candidates stand out, what quietly sinks applications, and how to approach interviews with confidence, authenticity, and professionalism. If you’re applying, interviewing, or supervising trainees this season, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Main Topics Covered: Why training and mentorship matter in neuropsychology (00:01:27) What makes an application stand out immediately (organization, CV clarity) (04:36) How training directors actually read CVs for internship vs. postdoc (06:51) Common CV mistakes and how to structure practicum descriptions effectively (12:06) The real role of cover letters, and when they actually help (20:06) How letters of recommendation are evaluated and what strong letters include (28:50) What differentiates strong interviews from average ones (36:29) How to prepare for interview questions, vignettes, and case presentations (48:32) Navigating personal disclosure, professionalism, and “fit” in interviews (43:05) Where the selection process is heading, including virtual interviews and AI (57:35) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: AI-powered report-writing software Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for pod

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I take a deep dive into how natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning are beginning to reshape neuropsychological assessment. Beyond the surface-level hype around AI, I explore what’s actually happening under the hood: how speech, language, and narrative data can function as digital biomarkers for conditions like ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychosis. Drawing primarily from a 2025 review in The Clinical Neuropsychologist, I walk through emerging research, practical implications for clinicians, and the ethical and methodological challenges we’ll need to confront as these tools move closer to real-world clinical use. Main Topics Covered 00:00: Why NLP and machine learning matter for neuropsychology right now 02:15: Defining NLP, digital biomarkers, and what clinicians usually discard 04:40: How linguistic, acoustic, and semantic features are analyzed 06:30: ADHD applications: narrative coherence and executive functioning 08:55: Alzheimer’s and MCI: voice biomarkers vs. traditional measures 11:30: Task design and why speech prompts matter 12:45: Psychosis and schizophrenia: quantifying disorganized speech 15:30: Clinical tools, ambient AI, and the “human-in-the-loop” model 17:45: Bias, privacy, test security, and ethical risks 19:55: The future of neuropsych assessment and hybrid AI models Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Brittany Wolff’s source article: https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2025.2547934 Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve part

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I break down the rapid rise of consumers treating AI systems as medical advisors and what this means for us as psychologists and assessment clinicians. I walk through the drivers of this shift, the risks, the impact on client expectations, and the practical steps practices must take now. I also dig into how AI can support our workflows, why our uniquely human skills are more valuable than ever, and how to position your practice for a future in which AI shapes, but does not replace, clinical assessment. Main Topics What’s actually happening in AI-driven medical and mental health advice (00:01) Why patients are turning to AI: speed, confidence, cost, UX (01:00) The false sense of safety and credibility consumers place on AI (02:25) Accuracy problems: structured vs. real-world data in diagnosis (03:30) Why mental health advice from AI can be inconsistent and risky (05:00) Implications for assessment clinicians: confidence, expectations, and misinformation (06:00) What AI cannot do: nuance, context, nonverbal cues, effort, standardized testing (08:00) Rising clinical risk and downstream consequences for practitioners (09:12) Business implications: redefining value, communication, and pricing (10:00) How AI can streamline intake, records review, background gathering, and admin tasks (12:30) Rethinking pricing to reflect high-value human judgment (13:21) Risk management: informed consent, PHI handling, AI disclosure (14:30) Ethical limits, liability, and the clinician’s responsibility (16:00) Concrete steps: updating intake, integrating AI intentionally, staff training (17:29) Client-facing education on safe AI use (19:49) Re-centering values and reinforcing human expertise (21:00) Preparing your team and staying future-focused (22:15) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Testing Psychologist AI Competencies episode Source article from the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/16/well/ai-chatbot-doctors-health-care-advice.html Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a l

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I break down how AI search is rapidly reshaping the way clients discover psychologists and neuropsychologists online. I explain why traditional SEO is no longer enough, what AI models prioritize when generating answers, and the practical steps you can take to make your website more conversational, trustworthy, and “quotable” by tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity. You’ll walk away with concrete tactics to improve clarity, structure, E-E-A-T signals, and local relevance, plus advanced optimization strategies like schema markup and transcript integration. Main Topics Covered 00:01 What AI search optimization is and why it matters 01:30 The rise of zero-click AI results and their impact on private practices 02:23 Why conversational question-answering is replacing keyword-based SEO 03:55 How AI search engines “read” your site: structure, clarity, E-E-A-T 06:40 Practical AIO steps: conversational language, FAQs, clear service structure 09:17 Strengthening credibility signals using credentials and verifiable links 10:55 Location clarity and why hyperlocal cues matter 11:39 Advanced AIO: schema markup, transcripts, freshness updates 12:58 Mindset shift: from keywords to solving user problems 14:30 What to avoid: keyword stuffing, generic bios, AI-generated filler 15:17 Quick 10-minute AIO website audit checklist 16:40 What’s coming: 70% of web traffic flowing through AI intermediaries 18:57 Before/after examples of an AI-optimized professional bio Cool Things Mentioned Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Google E-E-A-T quality framework: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content Schema.org markup documentation: https://schema.org Local Business Schema guide (Google): https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/local-business FAQPage Schema reference: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/faqpage Google Search Centr

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephanie Ruth Young from Northwestern University about the NIH Toolbox family of assessments: powerful, research-backed instruments that many clinicians still overlook. We explore how these tablet-based and mobile tools can bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, reduce examiner error, and simplify workflow without sacrificing rigor. Stephanie also walks us through the new Baby Toolbox for infants and toddlers and the Mobile Toolbox for remote data collection, sharing how these innovations may shape the future of neuropsychological and developmental testing. Main Topics Covered 00:01 – Introduction: Stephanie’s background and motivation for bridging research and practice. 02:38 – Overview of the NIH Toolbox: Purpose, development, and structure. 05:06 – The Suite of Tools: NIH Toolbox, Baby Toolbox, and Mobile Toolbox. 06:35 – Barriers to Adoption: Why clinicians haven’t heard more about these tools. 09:47 – Misconceptions: Addressing misconceptions about “brief” measures and the value of integrated domain coverage. 13:34 – Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): How it works and why it matters. 17:52 – Deep Dive into the Baby Toolbox: Tasks, materials, and examiner advantages. 24:46 – Clinical Utility: Validation, norming, and clinical utility across the NIH Toolbox family. 31:46 – Mobile Toolbox Use Cases: Research and clinical potential for the Mobile Toolbox. 33:36 – Validation vs. Norming: What clinicians need to know. 39:15 – Assessment Advantages: Common examiner errors and benefits of computerized assessment. 45:11 – Future of Testing Technology: AI, automation, and cognitive load reduction. 51:09 – The Human Role: The irreplaceable human role in psychological interpretation. 53:03 – Getting Started: How to access, pilot, and collaborate on Toolbox projects. Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists NIH Toolbox official site: www.nihtoolbox.com Contact for access/support: [email protected] REDCap research data-capture platform: www.proje

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I tackle one of the most time-consuming challenges in assessment psychology: report writing. I explore why many psychologists spend 5–30+ hours per report creating comprehensive documents that research suggests referral sources aren’t fully reading, and offer a data-driven roadmap for reclaiming that time without sacrificing clinical integrity. Drawing on stakeholder surveys and readability research, I challenge the field’s ingrained belief that quantity equals quality, and make the case that conciseness is actually a mark of clinical expertise. I share practical tactics, from modular templates and voice dictation to AI tools like Reverb (which I co-founded), while addressing the mindset shifts, ethical considerations, and philosophical questions that make this transition so difficult for many practitioners. Main Topics Covered 00:00 Introduction to Report Writing Challenges 02:53 Understanding the Time Investment in Report Writing 05:46 Core Principles for Efficient Report Writing 09:12 Tactics to Cut Writing Time 12:00 Mindset Shift in Report Writing 14:47 Ethics and Liability in Report Writing 18:08 Tools and Technology for Report Writing 21:07 Philosophical Reflections on Time Management 24:13 Conclusion and Call to Action Cool Things Mentioned CRAFT: The Membership Community for Testing Psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you pu

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo, one of the world’s leading innovators in using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance psychological assessment, rehabilitation, and clinical training. We trace the history of VR in mental health from a 1990s Game Boy inspiration to today’s immersive, data-rich tools, and explore how conversational AI and virtual humans are changing the way clinicians evaluate, treat, and connect with clients. Skip shares insights from decades of groundbreaking work with veterans, autistic adolescents, and clinical trainees, while addressing ethical guardrails, practical adoption strategies, and why he remains a cautious optimist about AI’s role in our field. Main Topics Covered Why Skip chose VR: the excitement of endless innovation Early history of VR in mental health: from Game Boy/SimCity to immersive rehab Early mental-health use cases: exposure therapy, spatial reasoning, and neurorehab The 1998 Virtual Classroom—first immersive CPT for attention assessment The new frontier: merging VR with conversational AI VA “Battle Buddy”: AI-driven mobile support for veterans (design, naming, de-stigmatization) AI safety and empathy research—why people sometimes prefer virtual agents Paul Meehl’s quote and VR as the “ultimate Skinner box” for systematic experiences What’s commercially viable today (exposure, pain, mindfulness, cognitive rehab) + the “Amazon of Clinical VR” idea Affordable standalone headsets (e.g., Meta Quest 3) as a tipping point for clinical practice Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting: www.thetestingpsychologist.com Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists: www.reverbreports.com Meta Quest 3 headset: www.meta.com/quest Virtually Better (exposure-therapy applications): www.virtuallybetter.com CogniClear cognitive assessment system: www.cogniclear.com U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Immersive Healthcare Initiative: www.va.gov/innovationecosystem RAND Corporation study on AI safety and suicide prevention: www.rand.org JAMA article – VR-based Motivational Interview Training (Rizzo et al., VA Puget Sound): www.jamanetwork.com <l

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most tempting moves for private practice owners: diversification. We’ve all felt the pull to add new services like coaching, therapy, or wellness programs, especially when the market slows down. But diversification isn’t always the answer, and it can easily backfire if done reactively or without alignment. I’ll walk you through the data, real-world examples, and a concrete framework to decide whether expanding your services will strengthen or dilute your practice. Main Topics Covered 00:00 Why diversification feels so tempting, and the post-COVID mindset behind it 02:12 The hidden costs: brand dilution, operational complexity, and financial lag 04:36 Real-world example: what happened when I added a medication prescriber 07:01 Culture confusion and team impact during expansion 08:24 When diversification does work: shared client journey, high-margin additions, and partnerships 11:37 The three-part evaluation lens: alignment, margin, and capacity 14:05 Common pitfalls: adding therapy or medical services without infrastructure 16:29 Modeling ROI and minimum margin targets for new services 18:31 Balancing profitability with personal energy and joy 20:45 How to pilot new services, track data, and set a “kill date” 22:30 Final takeaway: clarity beats complexity: double down on your niche Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Today, I walk through four compensation models that work for testing and therapy practices –  percentage split (fee-for-service), salary + production bonus, salary + profit share, and flat hourly – plus when each model makes sense. I break down the math behind forecasting (capacity, reimbursement, payroll taxes, PTO, benefits), show where owners get into trouble (overpaying early, ignoring utilization, fuzzy admin time), and share a step-by-step rollout plan with transparency practices that improve retention and engagement. You’ll leave with clear guardrails to pay people well without sinking the ship. Main Topics Why compensation causes the most stress for owners and how it became confusing (00:00) Percentage split (fee-for-service): ranges, pros/cons, when it fits (02:23) Salary + production bonus: structure, turnover impact, transparency keys (04:24) Salary + profit share: culture/retention upside and owner transparency (06:51) Flat hourly per billed hour: predictability vs. reimbursement risk (09:18) Forecasting the math: eval capacity → revenue → sustainable pay (11:40) Aligning pay with values: quality, timeliness, client satisfaction (16:30) Pitfalls and guardrails: utilization, admin caps, COL raises, communication cadence (18:55) Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists APA Work in America Report (context on workplace stress): www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024/2024-work-in-america-report.pdf [American Psychological Association] BLS Occupational Outlook—Psychologists (national wage benchmarks): www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm [Bureau of Labor Statistics] BLS Occupational Employment & Wages—May 2024 (wage tables): www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ocwage.pdf [Bureau of Labor Statistics] Pay transparency and business outcomes (SHRM research summary): www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-diversity/shrm-research-pay-transparency-improves-business-outcomes-close-wage-gap [SHRM] Profit sharing & retention (PayScale brief):<a href="htt

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Carrie Singer, founder of www.sellyourpractice.com and the Facebook group Mergers and Acquisitions for Mental Health Professionals, to explore one of the least-discussed but most critical topics for group practice owners: selling your practice. We walk through the full process—from how to know when you’re ready, to identifying who might buy your practice, to understanding valuations, brokers, taxes, and what life looks like post-sale. Carrie brings exceptional clarity to a confusing and often secretive topic, offering practical, compassionate, and financially informed guidance for anyone who might one day consider selling their mental health business. Main Topics Covered Why practice sales are an overlooked topic in mental health Different ways to sell: to employees, peers, or private equity What makes a practice “sellable” and how testing practices fit in Market trends and why 2021–2023 were peak acquisition years How to determine the right time to sell (and why burnout isn’t it) How valuations, multiples, and EBITDA actually work Who’s on your “sale team”: brokers, attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners How rolled equity and earn-outs work—and why cash up front matters The real costs of selling and what you actually take home Managing the emotional and cultural impact of a sale Best practices for communicating with staff and buyers Carrie’s personal lessons learned and advice for future sellers Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting: www.thetestingpsychologist.com/consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists: www.reverbreports.com Mergers and Acquisitions for Mental Health Professionals Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/mergersandacquisitionsformentalhealth Sell Your Practice (Carrie’s consulting site): www.sellyourpractice.com Project Equity (employee ownership models): www.project-equity.org BizBuySell (list or browse small businesses for sale): www.bizbuysell.com Merger & Acquisition firm mentioned (Mertz Taggart): www.mertztaggart.com U.S. Small Business Administration (SB

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this solo episode, I dive into what I’ve started calling the “referral recession” – the noticeable dip in testing referrals many practices have seen since 2024. I unpack national data from the APA and NASP, explain why these shifts are happening, and share both short- and long-term strategies for navigating slower seasons. From economic trends and insurance challenges to AI-driven search changes, I walk through what’s really going on beneath the surface – and how to respond without panic. Main Topics 00:00–02:20 Overview of the referral slowdown and APA data showing a 14% average decline in inquiries 02:21–04:48 National data on testing-specific declines (18–20%) and Google search trends 04:49–07:10 Five contributing factors: economic compression, school stabilization, market saturation, referral fatigue, and AI-driven search changes 07:11–09:38 What not to do: panic discounting, bad ads, or over-diversifying services 09:39–14:28 Short-term tactics: re-engage referral sources, simplify intake, optimize Google profile, use downtime strategically 14:29–19:00 Long-term strategies: relationship marketing, content creation, list-building, leveraging past clients, and SEO foundations 19:01–21:24 Building a sustainable marketing engine through consistent visibility and credibility 21:25–23:23 Mindset shift: using slower seasons to strengthen systems, automate workflows, and prepare for future growth 23:24–End Referrals are cyclical—consistency, connection, and clarity will outlast the slowdown Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists APA Practice Organization (2024 Survey): www.apa.org/practice Federal Reserve Report on Household Spending (2024): www.federalreserve.gov/publications National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2024 Data: www.nasponline.org HubSpot Conversion Research (2024): www.hubspot.com Therapy for Your Money Podcast w/ Julie Herres: www.greenoakaccounting.com/podcast Google Business Profile Optim

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In the second episode of my Scaling Smart mini-series, I dig into the tactical question every practice owner faces once they decide to grow: should you hire, or should you optimize the team and systems you already have? Drawing on my own experience—from my very first psychometrist hire 15+ years ago to the painful lessons of building a 45-person team—I break down the conditions that make hiring smart, the efficiencies that can buy you time without adding staff, and the middle path of cross-training and flexible roles. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “we need more people” and “we should be running leaner,” this episode will help you clarify your next move. Main topics covered When hiring truly makes sense (capacity, stepping back, profitability) Why busy staff don’t always equal profitable staff Lessons learned from hiring too quickly and without financial modeling Practical examples of optimization: AI tools, automation, time blocking, and systems fixes The “middle path”: using contractors and cross-training staff How to run a simple capacity audit before making your next hire Why right-sizing is personal and must align with your goals and lifestyle Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp <figure class

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this first part of my Scaling Smart mini-series, I dive into one of the hardest decisions we face in private practice: should you grow your practice, or should you hold steady? I share candidly about my own journey—including the “live” challenge I’m facing right now with long waitlists and clients declining to book—and unpack both the green lights for growth and the red flags that signal it’s better to pause. You’ll also hear about times I expanded too quickly and how ego, scarcity, and shaky systems created more problems than solutions. If you’re trying to decide whether expansion is right for you, this episode will help you evaluate your own practice with clarity and intention. Main topics covered Why “right-sizing” is such a tough business decision Signs that it might be time to grow (capacity, waitlists, financial cushion) Signs to hold steady instead (burnout, shaky systems, ego-driven growth) The role of mindset: abundance vs. scarcity decisions Practical reflections and exercises to guide your next step Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Testing Psychologist episode on capacity and hiring Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp<

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erin Eadie and Dr. John Briere, co-authors of the third edition of Principles of Trauma Therapy. We dive deep into how trauma assessment has evolved over the past 20 years, exploring both clinical nuances and broader societal issues. From differentiating trauma from other diagnoses, to understanding complex PTSD, to assessing trauma in marginalized populations, this conversation is packed with insight for psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals. We also highlight new tools and approaches for assessing trauma in adults, discuss the importance of feedback and relational context, and examine how social oppression and systemic discrimination can function as trauma. Topics Covered Evolution of trauma conceptualization over the past 20 years Differences between trauma exposure, response, and diagnosis Why some individuals develop PTSD while others don’t after similar events Assessment principles: clinical interview + standardized tools Trauma-specific vs. broad-band measures (e.g., TSI-2, MMPI-2-RF, PAI) Complex PTSD and dissociation in assessment Feedback practices: balancing assessment with therapeutic impact Cultural humility and trauma in marginalized communities The Social Discrimination and Maltreatment Scale (SDMS) and new assessment tools Practical takeaways for clinicians working with trauma survivors Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Psychological Assessment of Adult Posttraumatic States: Phenomenology, Diagnosis, and Measurement, Third Edition, by John Briere & Erin Eadie: https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/psychological-assessment-adult-posttraumatic-states-third-edition Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2): https://www.parinc.com/Products/Pkey/422 MMPI-2-RF (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form): https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/Professional-Assessments/Personality-%26-Biopsychosocial/Minnesota-Multiphasic-Personality-Inv

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this special crossover episode, I joined my friend Dr. Tara Vossenkemper on her podcast, Culture Focused Practice. We dug deep into what it really means to slow down as a business owner, and the emotional whiplash that can come with choosing rest. This was one of the most real, unscripted conversations I’ve had on air—we talked openly about identity, achievement, grief, and the restless energy that often follows when things finally get quiet. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing “enough” or struggled to hold stillness without losing your sense of self, this episode will resonate. Main topics covered What “falling behind” really means for entrepreneurs The role of “enoughness” and the pressure to always do more Right-sizing a large practice and the identity shift that follows The emotional cost of slowing down: agitation, restlessness, grief Family of origin, personality, and achievement-driven identities How productivity, usefulness, and self-worth intertwine The tension between visionary work and integrator tasks Practical and personal strategies for managing stillness The beauty and pain of grief in business evolution The push-pull between sprinting through life and slowing down Resources mentioned Deep Work by Cal Newport: www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters: www.eosworldwide.com/rocket-fuel Tara’s podcast – The Culture Focused Practice: https://taravossenkemper.transistor.fm/ Featured Resources I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice! PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com. TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit<a href="https://atheal