Q: What age groups do you work with?
A: We work with children, teens, and young adults, typically ages 4 through 22.
Q: Do I need a referral from my pediatrician to become a patient?
A: No referral is needed. Families are welcome to contact us directly to schedule an appointment.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Yes. We are currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim (HPHC), and Optum.
Q: Do you verify my benefits in advance?
A: Families are responsible for confirming their own benefits. We will submit prior authorization requests if required, but we do not verify details such as copays, deductibles, or coinsurance on your behalf.
Q: How are evaluations conducted at KPS?
A: Our evaluations are team-based, meaning there are almost always two professionals present—for example, a licensed psychologist with a testing assistant or a postdoctoral fellow. This approach ensures accuracy, efficiency, and a supportive experience for your child.
Q: What concerns might suggest that my child needs an evaluation?
A: Common reasons include struggles with learning, attention, emotional regulation, anxiety, behavior, or big changes in school performance. If you’re wondering whether testing could help, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Q: How long does the testing process take?
A: Following an initial intake appointment, most evaluations are completed over two sessions, each lasting a few hours.
Q: How do you share results and recommendations with families?
A: We meet with you to review the results, answer questions, and discuss next steps. Then, we write a very comprehensive written report that you can use as a tool for advocacy. With your permission, we can also share information with your child’s school or care team.
Q: What is the difference between a school evaluation and a private neuropsychological evaluation?
A: School evaluations focus on whether a child qualifies for special education services. Our evaluations take a deeper look at learning, attention, memory, emotions, and behavior to give a full picture of your child’s strengths and needs.
Q: How much does a neuropsychological evaluation cost?
A: The average cost of an evaluation in Massachusetts is around $5,000-6,000. At KPS, our rates typically range from $4,800–$5,400, depending on the complexity of the case.
Q: Does insurance cover all the fees for testing?
A: Typically, insurance only covers 8–14 hours of time, which is not enough for the comprehensive evaluations and detailed individualized reports that we are known for at KPS. Because of this, there are out-of-pocket costs associated with evaluations. Our practice manager will review all fees with you in advance so there are no surprises.
Q: What are my options if part of the evaluation is not covered?
A: Families use HSA/FSA funds or out-of-pocket payments to cover what insurance does not.
Q: What should my child bring on the day of testing?
A: Just snacks, water, glasses (if they wear them), and any comfort items they may want.
Q: Should my child take medication on the day of testing?
A: This depends on your child’s specific situation and the type of medication they take. We recommend speaking with your clinician before testing to determine the best plan.
Q: Do you offer school observations?
A: Yes! We love helping families and schools gather detailed information about a child’s participation, learning, and behavior in school or other community settings. Observations provide valuable insights that can guide recommendations and support strategies. Please note that school observations are not covered by insurance, but our practice manager can explain the associated fees and help you plan accordingly.
Q: What kinds of therapy do you offer for children and teens?
A: We provide evidence-based therapy to help children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, school avoidance, social challenges, and emotional regulation. Sessions are tailored to your child’s needs and strengths.
Q: Do you include families in the therapy process?
A: Absolutely. We know children thrive when families are involved. Parents are often included in sessions and always kept in the loop.
Q: Do you offer parent behavior management training for children with neurodevelopmental disorders?
A: Yes. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders who experience more significant behavioral challenges at home, we offer parent behavior management training. These sessions are designed to give parents practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting positive behavior, reducing stress, and improving family routines. The coaching is collaborative and tailored to your child’s needs, helping you feel confident in managing challenging behaviors while fostering growth and independence.
Q: What happens at an annual wellness visit?
A: Annual wellness visits are a proactive check-in on your child’s social, emotional, and learning needs. We’ll review progress, answer questions, and provide recommendations to support your child’s growth each year.
Q: Do you provide parent coaching? How is it different from therapy?
A: Yes! Our parent coaching is designed for families who want guidance addressing typical day-to-day developmental challenges or supporting their child proactively before difficulties become more serious. In contrast, therapy is intended for children with diagnosed behavioral health concerns or clinical-level symptoms, providing targeted interventions to address those needs. Coaching is parent-centered and collaborative, giving you practical tools and strategies to strengthen routines, communication, and overall family functioning at home and school.
Q: Do you work with community groups or offer presentations?
A: Yes! We love partnering with schools, parent groups, and community organizations to provide practical, evidence-based presentations and workshops. Our goal is to give families and educators actionable tools to support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth proactively. Some of our favorite workshops include:
We tailor each presentation to the needs of the group and provide actionable tips that families and educators can start using immediately.
Q: Do you offer telehealth appointments?
A: Yes. Some services, like therapy and parent coaching, can be offered virtually. We can also do evaluation intake and feedback meetings virtually if desired. Testing with the child is always done in person.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located in Franklin, Massachusetts, just a few minutes off I-495. There is parking available on-site for families who drive, and the commuter rail station is just across the street, making it easy to reach us by train.
Q: Are there places nearby to get food before or after appointments?
A: Yes! There are several great options within walking distance of our office where you can grab a meal, snack, or coffee. Some favorites include:
There are also a few other local cafés and quick spots nearby if you want to explore while you’re in the area. It’s easy to plan a little time before or after your appointment to grab a bite!
Dr. Kuehnel translates best practices into meaningful strategies for parents and students. Her expertise and deep understanding of complex learning profiles drive the day-to-day interventions that improve overall functioning for families. With the big picture in mind, Dr. Kuehnel can break down the skills your child needs into manageable steps to support lasting change.
Educational Advocate
Dr. Kuehnel attended my daughter’s special education eligibility meeting and everyone at the IEP table remarked how helpful Dr. Kuehnel’s report was in understanding our daughter and how to support her. When I shared the report with our pediatrician, she said it was the best and most thorough one she had ever seen!
Neuropsych Client
The testing is very thorough, and the comprehensive reports Dr. Ballou provided to our family were very detailed and easy to follow. Our behavioral health team at our pediatrician’s office and our IEP teams at school have also commented many times about how professional and helpful the comprehensive reports have been. It has assisted our family in developing appropriate action plans to help our children become the best version of themselves.
Neuropsych Client
Carolyn conducted a school observation as part of my daughter’s assessment, which was so impactful! My child’s presentation is particularly nuanced and Dr. Kuehnel was able to detect and highlight her struggles that were going under the radar. Her carefully synthesized observation report, combined with her very thorough and thoughtful formal report of my child’s presentation, proved critical in helping the public school system see our daughter’s needs.
School Observation Client
The report is a work of art! So beautifully captures our son and I think will be really helpful, most importantly for our understanding of him as a learner, but also over the next year as he prepares for high school. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Neuropsych Client
I cannot thank you enough for your presentation last evening. It was informative, engaging, and useful for the targeted audience. We had SEPAC members from three different towns represented in our small group last night, so I would definitely call it a success.
SEPAC Board Member
Thank you so much for sharing her neuropsychological report. We are beyond grateful for the time, care, and expertise that went into this evaluation. The report is incredibly comprehensive and provides a deep and thoughtful understanding of her unique learning profile. Your report not only affirms many of the strengths and challenges we have observed, but also offers new insights that will be instrumental as we move forward in planning the most effective supports for her.
Neuropsych Client
I thought you did a great job conveying the testing results combined with direct observations to help us understand what we are dealing with. We sincerely appreciate your diligence and efforts!
Neuropsych Client
I just wanted to tell you that we had the meeting to determine eligibility and the Team agreed that he should get services! We will be putting together the IEP in the next couple of days. We can’t tell you how relieved we are! Your excellent, thorough report had a lot to do with it. Thank you so much!!!
Neuropsych Client