CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
Comprehensive, developmentally informed ADHD evaluations for children ages 0–12. Serving families in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and across New Jersey through in-person and virtual assessment components.
Understanding Attention, Behavior, and Executive Functioning in Children WITH AN ADHD ASSESSMENT IN Montclair, NJ
Families often seek ADHD testing when they notice challenges with focus, emotional regulation, impulsivity, or behavior. Many parents wonder:
“Is this typical behavior?”
“Could this be ADHD?”
“Is something deeper going on?”
“I’m not sure where to start.”
You don’t have to
navigate this alone.
A high-quality ADHD assessment can bring clarity, direction, and peace of mind.
At Early Branches Child & Family Psychology, I specialize in evaluating children ages 0–12 using developmentally informed, trauma-aware, and culturally responsive methods that go far beyond simple checklists.
My goal is to help caregivers understand their child’s full developmental profile, not just symptoms, so you can confidently support your child at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Common Signs of ADHD in Children Ages 0–12
While every child is unique, families often seek an evaluation when noticing:
Difficulty focusing or easily getting distracted
Impulsivity or trouble with self-control (e.g., aggression, destructiveness)
High activity levels or constant movement
Emotional outbursts or low frustration tolerance
Trouble following directions
Difficulty switching tasks
Challenges with routines
Frequent daydreaming or “zoning out”
Difficulty with peer interactions
Trouble sitting for meals, school, or structured activities
Not every child
showing these signs
has ADHD,
but they may benefit
from an assessment to
understand what is
contributing to the behaviors.
MY Approach to ADHD Testing in New Jersey For Infants, Toddlers, and Children ages 0-12
Not all ADHD evaluations are created equal. Many assessments miss underlying factors like anxiety, trauma, sensory differences, developmental delays, or attachment disruptions, all of which can mimic or intensify ADHD symptoms.
My approach is designed to give you the most accurate, supportive understanding of your child’s needs.
Specialization in Young Children
ADHD presents differently in toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. My training allows for accurate interpretation across early childhood.
Comprehensive and Holistic Evaluation
I look beyond symptoms to understand how attention, behavior, emotions, and development interact.
Differential Diagnosis Expertise
I specialize in differentiating ADHD from other conditions that can present similarly in young children, including autism, trauma, anxiety, and developmental differences.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM a Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation FOR CHILDREN AGES 0-12 in MONTCLAIR, New Jersey
STEP ONE
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation is the best way to explore whether my approach aligns with your family’s needs.
STEP TWO
I conduct a comprehensive ADHD evaluation and assessment including an IQ and neuropsychological test.
Caregiver Interview
A warm, collaborative discussion of your child’s development, behavior, routines, strengths, concerns, history, and daily functioning.
STANDARDIZED QUESTIONNAIRES
Behavioral questionnaires and emotional screening completed by caregivers, teachers (when applicable), and others involved in your child’s care.
REVIEW OF RECORDS
If available, I incorporate prior evaluations, IEPs, medical information, or school reports to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
CHILD OBSERVATION
Observation of your child’s attention, regulation, problem-solving, flexibility, and behavior patterns using developmentally appropriate activities. This includes an assessment of skills such as working memory, impulse control, organization, and emotional regulation.
Iq & NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
Through developmentally appropriate IQ measures and targeted neuropsychological tests, I evaluate a child’s learning, attention, and executive-functioning abilities. This allows me to identify any developmental delays, understand cognitive strengths and challenges, and build a clearer picture of their overall functioning.
STEP THREE
CLEAR RESULTS & SUPPORTIVE FOLLOW-UP
You will receive a clear, in-depth written report that covers diagnostic impressions, developmental patterns, strengths, areas of concern, and practical recommendations. In our follow-up meeting, we review the results, address questions, and map out next steps with care and clarity.
FAQS FOR ADHD ASSESSMENTS NEAR MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
HOW MUCH DO ASSESSMENTS COST?
Current fees for my assessment services start at $2000 depending on referral reason.
What ages do you evaluate for ADHD?
I assess children ages 0–12, including toddlers, preschoolers, and early school-age children.
Can ADHD be diagnosed in very young children?
Yes, when conducted by a specialist in early childhood development. My training allows me to accurately assess ADHD in young children while ruling out other causes of attention or behavior challenges.
What if my child’s behavior could be anxiety or trauma instead of ADHD?
That is exactly why a comprehensive, trauma-informed evaluation is important. I carefully differentiate ADHD from other conditions that can look similar.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I am currently private pay and do not accept insurance at this time. I am happy to create superbills for families who would like to submit to insurance for reimbursement. Benefits of private pay-
Privacy: Insurance companies often require a diagnosis and access to treatment notes. Not using insurance allows for more privacy for you and your family. You can also access treatment even if your child does not qualify for a diagnosis.
No restrictions: Insurance companies often limit how frequently someone can be seen, how many sessions they can have, and the type of therapy used.
Faster access: You do not have to wait for insurance to approve a provider or treatment or pause treatment if there are changes or issues with insurance.
Can part of the assessment be done virtually?
Yes. Interviews and forms can be completed virtually. Child observations must be done in person.
Will the results help with school support or a 504/IEP?
Yes. The report includes recommendations that can be shared with your child’s school.
What if my child has difficulty sitting still during the assessment?
That’s expected and completely okay. Evaluations are developmentally appropriate and designed to accommodate movement, play, and flexibility.
Do you evaluate for autism as well?
Yes. I can evaluate for both ADHD and Autism within the same assessment and incorporate autism-specific tools when indicated. Learn more about Autism Assessments here.
Does a diagnosis mean my child will need medication?
I’ll help and support you with all options to manage ADHD and what feels best for your child and family.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
Assessments typically include interviews, questionnaires, and observations across one to two sessions, plus a feedback session once the report is complete.
Can ADHD present differently in girls and boys?
ADHD looks different for every child, and I rely on multiple assessment tools to ensure those individual differences are fully considered.Yes. Your report includes recommendations you may share with your school team.
How should I prepare my child for AN ADHD ASSESSMENT?
I will send a handout to help you explain the process to your child and help them feel more comfortable.
Do you assess other developmental conditions?
Yes. Evaluations may also explore Autism, developmental delays, trauma impact, mood concerns, or behavior patterns.
What if my child already has an ADHD diagnosis but still struggles?
A re-evaluation can provide updated guidance, clarify needs, or identify any additional challenges or diagnoses that may be complicating the presentation.
How do I know if an ADHD evaluation is necessary?
If your child’s attention, behavior, emotions, or learning seem significantly impacted at home or school, an assessment can help clarify what is going on and how to support them.
Meet Your EXPERT INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD Psychologist
Hi, i’m SAMANTHA
Child Psychologist and Infant Mental health Specialist
I’m a licensed psychologist with specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health, trauma, attachment, and child assessment. For more than a decade, I’ve supported children ages 0–12 and their families in healing, growing, and building hopeful futures.
MY PRACTICE IS BUILT ON
Warm, relational care
Deep developmental expertise
Evidence-based treatments designed specifically for young children experiencing stress or neurodivergence
A culturally informed, trauma-responsive lens
My goal is to make families feel welcomed, understood, and empowered from the very first interaction.
PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
“Dr. Smith is one of those rare people who is not only a highly skilled professional, but also a human being who lights up a room and spreads warmth and connection wherever she goes. She's part of a small group of mental health professionals who specialize in working with very young children and their families, fostering secure relationships and growth. She has a natural capacity to connect with her small clients and their adults. She has a way about herself that creates a sense of belonging, and she is a fierce advocate for including everyone! If I were looking for a therapist for my little one and myself, I would choose Dr. Sam!”
Dr. Ilse DeKoeyer
“Dr. Smith is a superb evaluator and diagnostician. She helps children and caregivers feel comfortable with the process and ensures the most accurate results by engaging everyone in a comprehensive and supportive evaluation. Professionals referring to her for diagnostic clarity are always impressed with the quality of the evaluation and her ability to answer the referral question and provide tailored recommendations.”
Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, IECMH-E®, PMH-C
“Samantha is a warm, grounded, and highly skilled therapist. She brings clinical insight, genuine care, and a steady presence to her work. Her approach fosters growth, trust, and meaningful change and her guidance consistently helps children thrive.“
Margie Chastain, LCSW
“While I was Sam's supervisee, I felt heard, validated, and respected as a burgeoning mental health professional. In moments of difficulty, Sam showed me and my clients genuine compassion, offering psychoeducation that gave me diverse tools to tackle situations in unforeseen ways. With humor and authenticity, Sam's love for humanity was apparent in all of our supervision sessions, and she is a mentor I will seek guidance from as I continue on my professional journey.”
Elizabeth Malley
“I have been privileged to work closely with Samantha Smith, Psy.D, IMH-E as a Board member of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health, for the past several years. Sam is an inspiration, always leading with heart, empathy, conviction, and courage. She backs up her emotional accessibility with a strong intellect committed to optimizing the care of stressed young children and their overwhelmed families. She also brings her deep caring to the emotional support of her co-workers through reflective supervision.”
William Cosgrove, MD
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Samantha Smith through the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health for several years and have seen firsthand the depth of her knowledge, care, and leadership. She is widely respected state-wide for her expertise in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and supporting nurturing caregiving relationships. Dr. Smith brings a deep commitment to promoting equity and high-quality care for young children and their families.”
Alysse M. Loomis, PhD, LCSW
MY PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
CHILD Therapy, Autism Evaluations, ADHD Testing, and Professional MENTAL HEALTH Services in montclair, New jersey
I provide specialized early childhood mental health services and assessments for infants, toddlers, and young children with in-person appointments available near Montclair, Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wayne, and nearby New Jersey communities. Families outside these areas can access the same high-quality support through secure virtual services available throughout all of New Jersey and New York.
With advanced training in early childhood mental health, my services are designed specifically for young children and their caregivers. Whether your child is navigating big emotions, behavior challenges, developmental or sensory concerns, trauma, or you are seeking a comprehensive autism or ADHD assessment, I offer evidence-based, developmentally informed care tailored to early childhood.
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Child and Family Therapist for Emotional, Behavioral, and Developmental Needs in-person near Montclair, New Jersey + Surrounding Areas and virtually throughout New Jersey and New York.
Supporting children ages 0–12 years old through evidence-based treatments designed to strengthen emotional regulation, behavior, and the caregiver–child relationship.
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Gold-Standard Autism Evaluations for Children Ages 0–12 in New Jersey
Culturally informed, compassionate, and developmentally grounded autism evaluations using gold-standard tools, including the ADOS. Assessments include a thoughtful differential diagnosis process to help determine whether autism is present, rule out or clarify other contributing diagnoses, and provide a clear, accurate understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTISM ASSESSMENTS IN NORTH JERSEY -
Evaluations include a thorough differential diagnosis process to distinguish ADHD from other developmental, emotional, or behavioral conditions and to ensure families receive clear, accurate guidance and next steps.
Evidence-based ADHD evaluations that go deeper than checklists to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs utilizing IQ, neuropsychological, and research-informed measures to evaluate. -
One of my favorite roles as a psychologist is being a reflective supervisor/ consultant to those doing the important work in helping others. In our work, it is important to take the time to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and biases we are experiencing. This process is important not only to make sure we are providing the best services possible for children and families, but also to make sure we stay happy and healthy in our work to prevent burnout. I have experience supervising individuals of all training levels, professions, and backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION, CASE CONSULTATION, AND CLINICAL SUPERVISION -
Professional Mental Health workshops, presentations, and trainings for agencies, schools, and organizations on early childhood mental health, trauma, diversity, development, and more.
Available virtually or in-person.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS & TRAININGS
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EARLY BRANCHES FOR ADHD ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS IN MONTCLAIR, NJ + SURROUNDING AREAS
Families consistently share that they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.
Specialization in early childhood and differential diagnosis
Trauma-informed, culturally aware evaluation process
Expertise in identifying ADHD in very young children
Clear, actionable recommendations
Warm, thoughtful guidance for caregivers
Deep understanding of how ADHD interacts with development, attachment, and emotion
A reputation for making families feel understood, supported, and empowered
And you’ll never feel alone in the process.
Schedule a VIRTUAL Child Therapy or Assessment Consultation
You deserve a therapist who deeply understands early childhood and who genuinely cares about your family’s future.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and see whether we’re a good fit.