About Amy Johnson, Ph.D.
Specializing in Psychological Assessment and Evaluations
Amy Johnson, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who provides psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults. Dr. Johnson has experience with multiple client populations and has been licensed in North Carolina since 2005.
Dr. Johnson's office is in the Southpark area of Charlotte, NC.
PHILOSOPHY
I base my practice on the firm belief that all clients deserve respect and have the right to be heard. Dealing with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, is not easy. It can be exhausting, especially while also trying to earn good grades in school, maintain employment, and care for one’s family. Mental health symptoms cause clients to feel stuck or otherwise ineffective in their lives. In my view, feeling stuck leads to a state of surviving, not living, and certainly not enjoying life as much as could be possible. It takes courage to ask others—family, friends, or professionals—for help.
Psychological evaluations pinpoint the specific symptoms that cause distress and allow me to make accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations. These evaluations then can open the gates for other services needed by clients and their families, helping them get access to school interventions and further mental health assistance. I do not provide therapy services at this time but am more than happy to refer clients to compassionate, capable therapists at the completion of the evaluation process.
DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICE
I primarily conduct psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults. These evaluations are sometimes geared to address specific referral questions, but a referral from a Primary Care Doctor or therapist is not required. The following are examples of psychological evaluations I conduct on a regular basis:
· Early entrance into Kindergarten
· Gifted and Talented programs
· Determination of IQ/Achievement scores to rule out a learning disability
· ADHD/Autism evaluations
· Determination of eligibility for specialized school
· Determination of current psychological diagnosis
· Forensic evaluation (Requested or ordered by Court)
· Eligibility for Medicaid Waiver Program.
EVALUATION PROCESS
A psychological evaluation usually requires two to four appointments, depending on the referral question(s). The first appointment is called the Clinical Intake, in which the client and I will talk about current symptoms and other life concerns. If the client is a minor, I will need to consult with the parent or guardian. Psychological testing is conducted at the following appointments. After the evaluation is complete the client/parent will receive a typed report that includes conclusions. I will make diagnoses and recommendations if appropriate. With a signed release of information by the client, I can send copies of the report to doctors, teachers, or other appropriate parties.
EDUCATION
i earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Psychology from Appalachian State University. I have a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance from University of Missouri-Kansas City. I obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Kansas.
As part of my doctoral education, I attended an accredited pre-doctoral internship program through the Southern Louisiana Internship Consortium in Baton Rouge, LA. Through this internship, I provided therapy to college students at Louisiana State University and conducted psychological evaluations for students. I also provided assessment and therapy services to chronically mentally ill adults in a state-supported psychiatric hospital through the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System in Jackson, Louisiana. This internship had a strong focus on forensic assessment and psychological evaluations.
EXPERIENCE
Much of my employment has been spent working with children and teenagers. In Baton Rouge, LA, I provided therapy services through the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), an organization that serves the needs of children who have been sexually abused. While working at the Baton Rouge Mental Health Center, I developed policies for a Trauma-Based Therapy Program for adults and provided therapy as well. After leaving this position, I conducted psychological evaluations for mentally ill children and teenagers through the Juvenile Correction Center (JCC) at Louis Jetson Center for Youth.
When I moved back to Charlotte in 2005, I began to shift my focus to psychological assessment and testing. I have conducted psychological evaluations for schools in Union County and Mecklenburg County and currently work in private practice, devoting my time primarily to completing psychological evaluations. I also am employed as a contract psychologist for Mecklenburg County and conduct psychological evaluations for adults who have lost custody of their children.
INSURANCE
I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, and Optum (United Health Care). Please be aware that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of a psychological evaluation for the purpose of diagnosing a learning disorder or helping a child/teenager gain admittance into Gifted & Talented Programs.