Answers, Delivered Faster Than You Think Possible

If you've started looking into autism evaluations for your child — or for yourself — you've probably run into two frustrating realities: long waitlists and vague timelines. Here's a clear breakdown of what the process actually involves and how long each step takes.

The Typical Evaluation Process

A comprehensive ASD evaluation generally involves several components: a clinical interview with the caregiver or client, standardized behavioral assessments, rating scales completed by parents and teachers, review of records, and a written diagnostic report. Depending on the provider, this may take place over one or two sessions.

The Waitlist Problem in North Carolina

In North Carolina, demand for psychological evaluations far exceeds the supply of available clinicians. Most hospital-based programs, university clinics, and private practices have waitlists ranging from 9 to 12 months — and some extend even longer. This delay can be devastating for families who need answers quickly to access school services, ABA therapy, or other supports.

What Affects the Timeline?

Several factors influence how quickly an evaluation can be completed:

• Provider availability — The single biggest factor. Clinics with long waitlists simply don't have enough available appointment slots.
• Complexity of the case — More complex presentations may require additional sessions or measures.
• Paperwork and intake — Delays in completing intake forms or gathering records can push back testing dates.
• Report turnaround — Some providers take 4–8 weeks to deliver a written report after testing is complete.

How TrueCare Evaluations is Different

TrueCare Evaluations was built specifically to address the access problem. Our model is 100% telehealth, serving all of North Carolina with no waitlist. From your first testing session to receiving your written report, the typical turnaround is 7 to 10 days — not months.

We coordinate the entire process through a secure client portal, making it easy for families to complete intake paperwork, attend video sessions, and receive their report — all from home.

Bottom Line

If you're waiting on a traditional clinic's waitlist, you could be waiting nearly a year. If your child needs services now — whether for school accommodations, ABA therapy, or simply the answers your family deserves — a faster path exists.

If you've called a clinic or hospital program recently looking for a psychological evaluation, you've likely heard some version of the same answer: "We're not accepting new clients right now," or "The next available appointment is in 9 to 12 months." You're not alone — and it's not your fault. This is a systemic problem affecting families across North Carolina and the entire country.

Why Is the Waitlist So Long?

The demand for psychological evaluations — especially for ASD and ADHD — has grown dramatically over the past decade. Awareness has increased, schools are identifying more students who may benefit from evaluation, and adults who went undiagnosed as children are now seeking answers. Meanwhile, the number of licensed psychologists specializing in diagnostic assessment has not kept pace.

Hospital-based programs and university clinics are often the most overwhelmed. They serve large populations, have training responsibilities, and operate within systems that limit how many clients they can see. Private practices fill quickly and maintain long waitlists as well.

What Families Lose While Waiting

A 9 to 12 month wait isn't just inconvenient — it has real consequences:

• Children miss out on school services and IEP eligibility they qualify for but can't access without a diagnosis
• ABA therapy — which requires a diagnostic report — is delayed
• Adults struggle at work or in school without accommodations they could have had months earlier
• Families live with uncertainty when answers are available

How TrueCare Evaluations is Different

TrueCare Evaluations was created specifically to solve this problem. By operating as a fully telehealth practice — available to anyone in North Carolina — and by coordinating with licensed psychologists who have availability, we've eliminated the waitlist entirely.

Here's what that means in practice:

• No waitlist — new clients can begin the intake process within days of reaching out
• 7 to 10 day report turnaround — from your first testing session to your written report in hand
• 100% telehealth — no commute, no clinic, available statewide
• Secure portal — all paperwork, sessions, and reports in one private, organized place

You Deserve Answers Now

The waitlist crisis is real, but it doesn't have to be your reality. If you or your child needs an evaluation, TrueCare Evaluations offers a faster, more accessible path — without sacrificing the quality or comprehensiveness of the assessment.

It's one of the most common questions we hear: "Can an evaluation actually be done online?" It's a fair question. Psychological evaluations have traditionally been conducted in person, and many families assume that must be the only way. The short answer is yes — with some important nuances.

What Telehealth Evaluations Can Assess

A significant portion of a comprehensive psychological evaluation translates very effectively to a telehealth format:

• Clinical interviews — conversations with the client and/or caregiver about history, symptoms, and functioning work just as well via video
• Rating scales and questionnaires — completed digitally by parents, teachers, and clients through a secure portal
• Cognitive and academic testing — many standardized tests have been validated for telehealth administration
• ADHD assessments — attention, executive functioning, and behavioral measures are well-suited for telehealth
• Psychoeducational evaluations — intellectual ability and academic achievement testing can be conducted via video

Is Telehealth as Accurate as In-Person?

Research increasingly supports the validity of telehealth-based psychological assessment. Studies have shown strong agreement between telehealth and in-person administration of many standardized measures. Licensing boards and professional organizations across the country have established guidelines supporting telehealth evaluation as a legitimate and effective service delivery model.

The Practical Benefits

Beyond the clinical validity, telehealth evaluations offer real practical advantages:

• No travel — especially important for families in rural areas of NC where access to psychologists is limited
• Comfort of home — some clients, especially children with anxiety or sensory sensitivities, perform better in a familiar environment
• Flexible scheduling — no need to take a full day off work for a clinic appointment
• Faster access — telehealth providers like TrueCare can serve the entire state without geographic limitations

How TrueCare Does It

At TrueCare Evaluations, our entire process is designed around a seamless telehealth experience. Once you're scheduled, you'll receive access to a secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal where you'll complete intake paperwork, access your session links, and receive your final report — all in one private, organized place. Sessions are conducted via encrypted video, and reports are typically delivered within 7 to 10 days of your first testing session.