Dr. Allyson Wood, PsyD
Psychological Testing in McLean, VA
Gender: Female | Office Location: McLean, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia
Languages: English | Services Offered: Testing | Credentials: Psychologist | Age Group: Ages 6+
About Me
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College and my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology. I currently provide psychological assessments for adults seeking diagnostic clarification, executive functioning evaluations, and cognitive evaluations.
My background also includes work as a correctional psychologist specializing in forensic psychology, as well as experience with crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, psychoticism, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, cognitive disorders, and trauma. Outside of work, I’m a proud dog mom to a toy poodle and enjoy live performances, reading, and puzzling.
My Approach to Psychological Testing
Many of the people I work with come in because they are looking for answers and clarity. You may be wondering whether the difficulties you’re experiencing are related to executive dysfunction, such as ADHD, or whether another mental health condition could better explain what has been challenging for you. My goal is to help you better understand what may be happening and identify available treatment options.
I know psychological testing can feel intimidating, so I bring a warm, engaging, relaxed, and easygoing approach to the process while maintaining high professional and ethical standards. Psychological assessment is ultimately about finding solutions and developing treatment recommendations that can help you decide what comes next.
What to Expect When Working With Me
During the assessment process, we’ll work toward developing a clearer understanding of your concerns. If testing confirms a diagnosis, the process doesn’t simply end with a label. I create a psychological testing report and meet with you for a feedback session where we can discuss your results, treatment recommendations, and next steps. There is also plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions.
As I tell patients considering an evaluation: take the courageous step to identify, learn, and manage what has been challenging for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of psychological testing do you provide?
I provide psychological assessments for adults, including diagnostic clarification, executive functioning, and cognitive evaluations. My background also includes extensive experience with mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, psychoticism, and forensic psychology.
Can psychological testing help determine whether I have ADHD?
Psychological testing may be helpful if you are questioning whether the difficulties you’re experiencing represent executive dysfunction, such as ADHD, or another mental health condition. The goal is to gain a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to your concerns and identify appropriate treatment options.
What if I’m anxious about psychological testing?
That’s understandable. My approach is warm and engaging, with the goal of alleviating some of the anxiety that can surround psychological testing. The assessment is an opportunity to learn more about what has been challenging you and identify potential solutions and recommendations.
What happens if testing confirms a diagnosis?
I’ll create a psychological testing report, and then we’ll meet for a feedback session to discuss your results. We’ll talk through treatment recommendations and possible next steps, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions about what the findings mean for you.
How do I know if you’re the right psychologist for my evaluation?
My style is relaxed and easygoing while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. If you’re looking for an experienced psychologist who can help you better understand what you’re experiencing while making the testing process feel approachable, we may be a good fit.
I look forward to our journey together. Thank you for the opportunity to begin the path toward recovery with you.
Dr. Wood provides testing at Dr. Goldberg & Associates McLean office and through telehealth.