Psycho-educational Assessments: Learning Abilities and Psychological Conditions
If a student wishes to be evaluated for a possible learning disability or for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the counseling center can be of assistance in clarifying questions, determining what type of assessment is indicated and referring to appropriate off-campus services for assessment. The counseling center can also be helpful in making recommendations for on-campus services to enhance the student’s learning potential. These may include referral to ADA Office , Center for Teaching/Learning/Research, the Writing Lab, tutorial services, the student's Commons Dean, or Career Services.
Students who have a documented learning disability who wish to receive accommodations while at Middlebury must bring documentation to the ADA office on campus.
If a student has an existing diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and wishes to access medication locally, it is important that the student bring documentation of the condition from a qualified professional.
Assessments for psychological conditions are provided by the counseling center, in conjunction with the psychiatry staff at the Counseling Services of Addison County. The counseling center provides short-term counseling for these conditions and makes referrals for long-term therapy to private mental heath professionals within the community. The cost of treatment outside the counseling center is the responsibility of the student.
Substance Use and Substance Abuse Assessment
Many students question whether the amount or extent of their alcohol and/or other drug use fits the criteria for problem use. Students who would like an objective, professional opinion regarding their use are welcome to schedule an appointment. Virginia Logan, MA, Psychologist, who is certified by the American Psychological Association in Substance Use Disorders, performs the assessments.
The assessment consists of 1 - 3 meetings for one hour each with the counselor. The counselor writes a 3 - 5 page report which may include recommendations for the student such as individual counseling, participation in AA meetings, or more intensive treatment. At that point, the counselor will meet again with the student for approximately a half hour to review the assessment, discuss the recommendations and answer any questions. If the student was self-referred, it is up to that student to determine what, if anything, to do about the feedback and/or recommendations received. Virginia may be available for further counseling if the self-referred student requests it. However, she is not able to offer ongoing counseling to any students who are required to do counseling due to the volume of assessments. Those students would be referred to certified substance abuse counselors off campus.
If a student is self-referred, the assessment is confidential. If the student has been required to have an assessment by the Dean, the Dean will be notified regarding whether the student completed the assessment. He or she will not receive any information from the assessment, however, the Dean will receive a copy of the recommendations.
Substance use and abuse assessments are available on a "time available" basis. The process of performing assessments requires an extensive time commitment and may not be available when the demand for individual counseling is high.
To make an appt., please call Donna Stark at x5141.