Child Psychiatry

Mindful Kid does not accept insurance. Dr. DeFrancisci Lis will give patients a copy of invoices to submit to insurance or health care spending accounts. Patients are responsible for submitting these bills and Mindful Kid will not be held accountable if insurance does not reimburse the full amount or pay in a timely manner.

Any appointment cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be billed at $200. Fees are due at the time of service - payments acceptable are cash, personal check, benefit, and debit cards. MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted but will incur a 3% service charge.

This service consists two 45-minute sessions: one with parents or guardians, one with the patient. The first two sessions can be combined into a 60-90 min session, if appropriate child-care is brought to the session to allow for time between Dr. DeFrancisci Lis and the parent/guardian.

A copy of the Diagnostic Evaluation will be sent to the parents/guardians within a few weeks after the evaluation for an additional fee of $200. This will help parents understand the nuances explained during the evaluation. The evaluation can also be prepared to be sent to schools to assist with obtaining services.

A $200 deposit towards the cost of the evaluation is due when scheduling the appointment with the balance due at the first appointment. The deposit is not refundable for cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the appointment.

This service consists of a 60-90 minute session with the patient. A copy of the diagnostic evaluation will be sent within a few weeks of the session for additional $200 fee.

This consists of three 45 minute sessions - one session with parents or guardians, one with the patient. The first two sessions can be combined if appropriate child-care is brought to the session to allow for time between Dr. DeFrancisci Lis and the parent/guardian. The third session will be scheduled at a later date and covers explanation of the diagnosis and treatment plan to patient and parents. A copy of the Diagnostic Evaluation will be sent to the parents/guardians and the school within one month of the conclusion of the third session. This will help schools and parents understand the nuances explained during the third session.

This consists of a 45 minute session. If this service is provided at least 3 times per month it will be billed at $450 per session for children and $450 per session for adults.  Due to high demand for after school appointments, a need-based fee structure is available for appointments before 3pm. If this service is provided less then 3 times per month it will be billed at $500 per session.

This consists of a 30-45 minute session. This service focuses on maintenance of medication treatment and medication adjustments if necessary. This is usually a monthly service. Need based fee structure is available for appointments before 3pm. 

Dr. DeFrancisci Lis is available to attend school meetings (IEP meetings for children she has evaluated) or to help the school develop mental health programs or in-service training on any mental health issue such as ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, or autism. Furthermore Dr. DeFrancisci Lis is an expert in behavioral modification to deal with autism, oppositional behavior, and anxiety disorders within the classroom. She is also an expert in TCIT (teacher/child interaction therapy) that looks at how teachers can provide positive reinforcement and limit setting for difficult and oppositional children in the classroom. TCIT is an evidence based treatment to lower the incidences of unwanted behaviors and allow children to learn in a safe and healthy environment. Dr. DeFrancisci Lis is willing to provide the education to the school for a discounted rate, with fees depending on length of time required.

Due to the increased amount of time required to obtain prior authorizations for insurance companies, the cost of a simple medication authorization is $25 per authorization. For more complex authorizations which require a peer to peer review or Dr. DeFrancisci Lis’ extended time, authorizations will be billed according to the complexity at $35/hr for medical assistant time or $500/hr for the doctor’s time.

Patients have a right to receive copies of their records at their request. Due to administration costs to copy records, it will be billed at $0.25 cents per page plus shipping to obtain the copies. If prior authorizations take more than 5 minutes of the doctor times it will be billed at $500/hr.

Mindful Kid can administer the ADOS, which is the gold standard for autism assessment and is commonly used by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other trained professionals. We offer this assessment in both English and Spanish.

We are pleased to offer ADOS-2 assessments with Gabriela Amaral, our social work intern, who is licensed to conduct the ADOS assessment. Please note that we do not accept insurance. However, if you have out-of-network coverage, your insurance may reimburse up to 80% of the evaluation cost. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, feel free to reach out to us.

How Does ADOS-2 Work?

It is a semi-structured assessment, meaning that while it follows a structured format, the evaluator can adapt to the individual being tested.

It involves direct interaction between the examiner and the person being assessed.

It includes a series of structured and unstructured activities designed to observe communication, social interaction, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

The assessment typically lasts 60 minutes.

Who Can Take the ADOS-2?

It is used for individuals ranging from toddlers (as young as 12 months) to Older children/adolescents ages 15-16.

Age range/Language level: 12–30 months- 16 years old/ Little to no spoken language/Fluent in speech

What Happens During an ADOS-2 Assessment?

Based on the patient’s age and language ability, the clinician then conducts a series of interactive tasks to observe social and communication behaviors.

Example Activities:

Toddler (Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children)

Free play with toys, bubbles to observe social engagement, response to name being called, anticipation of social routines (e.g., Peekaboo), requesting objects with gestures or eye contact.

Children with Some Language:

Looking at books together, creating pretend play scenarios (e.g., feeding a doll), conversation-like exchanges with gestures and expressions, response to social prompts.

Fluent Children and Teens:

Tell a Story from a Picture Book – Tests the ability to describe social situations. Conversation and Reporting Events – Evaluates conversational flow and interest in others. Demonstrating Emotions – Observes ability to express and recognize emotions. Social Questions – Assesses understanding of friendships and relationships. Unusual Interests or Behaviors – Examines rigid thinking, repetitive speech, or intense special interests.

PSYCHOLOGICAL &

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL

EVALUATION

Psychoeducational Evaluation

Comprehensive Testing for Academic Success

You know your child better than anyone. As a parent, you want to see your child succeed. But sometimes, despite their best efforts, they are not working to the potential academically, you know, they possess. We offer comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents. We can help you understand your child’s unique learning style and needs.

Our team specializes in conducting comprehensive evaluations for learning differences like dyslexia and neuroatypical conditions that can affect learning such as ADHD and autism. Whether your child is just beginning school or in high school, a thorough evaluation can help you and your child understand their unique learning style and provide parents with the insight they need.

We work closely with parents, keeping them informed and involved every step of the way. Our evaluations can provide the clear answers parents may have been looking for for years, and a roadmap for your child's success. Parents will be provided with detailed personalized recommendations and referrals. Our multidisciplinary team can provide specialized therapeutic services tailored to the needs of your child identified through evaluation. 

Learning Disability Testing: Comprehensive evaluations to identify and diagnose specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, or confirm these diagnoses. Cost ($3,000) includes a detailed report for school and for parents to help get them the services and support they need.

ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluations: Thorough diagnostic assessments for conditions that impact learning, behavior, and social skills, including the Autism Spectrum Diagnostic.

Administration of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) 

Cost ($1,000) also includes a detailed report for parents and school to determine the best support and services needed. 

How Does ADOS-2 Work?

It is a semi-structured assessment, meaning that while it follows a structured format, the evaluator can adapt to the individual being tested. 

• It involves direct interaction between the examiner and the person being assessed.

• It includes a series of structured and unstructured activities designed to observe communication, social interaction, play, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The assessment typically lasts 60 minutes.

Who Can Take the ADOS-2?

It is used for individuals ranging from toddlers (as young as 12 months) to Older children/adolescents ages 15-16. Age range/Language level: 12–30 months- 16 years old/ Little to no spoken language/Fluent in speech.

What Happens During an ADOS-2 Assessment?

Based on the patient’s age and language ability, the clinician then conducts a series of interactive tasks to observe social and communication behaviors.

Example Activities: 

• Toddler (Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children)

• Free play with toys, bubbles to observe social engagement, response to name being called, anticipation of social routines (e.g., Peekaboo), requesting objects with gestures or eye contact.
  

Children with Some Language:

Looking at books together, creating pretend play scenarios (e.g., feeding a doll), conversation-like exchanges with gestures and expressions, response to social prompts.

Fluent Children and Teens:

Tell a Story from a Picture Book – Tests the ability to describe social situations. Conversation and Reporting Events – Evaluates conversational flow and interest in others. Demonstrating Emotions – Observes ability to express and recognize emotions. Social Questions – Assesses understanding of friendships and relationships. Unusual Interests or Behaviors – Examines rigid thinking, repetitive speech, or intense special interests.

Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a semi-structured interview that focuses on three key areas to assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

Language/communication: This domain explores the individual's communication skills, including both verbal and nonverbal aspects.

Reciprocal social interaction: This part of the interview examines how the individual interacts with others socially, looking for patterns in their relationships and engagement.

Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors and interests: This section investigates the presence of any unusual or repetitive behaviors, interests, or routines.

The ADI-R is a semi-structured caregiver interview.

Cost: 700

ADI-R+ADOS $1400.00

Psychological Evaluation

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations for Adults

Are you an adult seeking clarity on your cognitive and emotional well-being?

Whether you're concerned about a recent decline in memory or seeking a deeper understanding of your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health, we offer a range of specialized Psychological evaluations to support you in your therapeutic journey. Evaluation is often part of a multidisciplinary approach, and our collaborative team of specialists can work with you, leveraging the results of an evaluation to help provide the most comprehensive care.

We specialize in testing and evaluation and are dedicated to providing you with a clear and accurate diagnosis. We provide a supportive and professional environment to help you get the answers you’re looking for.

Diagnostic Testing: We conduct thorough evaluations to provide diagnostic clarity or confirmation for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, and other behavioral and emotional concerns. Assessment of memory, attention, executive functioning, or cognitive skills.

Personality and Behavioral Assessments: These evaluations offer in-depth insights into your personality structure, social or emotional challenges, and unique strengths, which can be essential for personal growth and therapeutic progress. Cost ($2,500) includes a detailed report.

Group Sessions

Payment for each group is due in full prior to the first session.   Financial aid may be provided based on need.

DBT is a group designed to increase coping skills in teens and young adults with problems controlling there emotions. This group is especially useful for those with frequently changing emotions, mood, Impulsiveness, acting out and self destructive behaviors. This group is facilitated by Cindy Roseto LCSW and Dr Dackow PHD with parenting groups running simultaneously.