Anyone been to a University for an eval?

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I opted to place this topic here as I am to be going for my evaluation primarily for my OCD and not for something related to my PDD...

After exhausting all of my options for SSRI's, SSNRI's and the only tricyclic that is supposed to help OCD, my psych set me up for an evaluation at the University of Michigan. I am not sure what to expect. I was sent a packet with a brief schedule that only tells me my check in time, my form filling time, and when I will see an actual clinician. The packet also had things like insurance forms, direction on how to get there and one page that asked very basic questions about my symptoms and why I am going there and such.

I do not know what to expect there and I do not like the unexpected. I was wondering if anyone else has ever been to a university for evaluation. It does not matter to me if you went for OCD or not... I am just looking to hear any experiences in some kind of attempt to make myself more aware on the subject and hopefully that will help to make me more calm about the whole thing. So anyone care to share their experience? Anyone even have this experience?

I took my son to George Mason University's Psych department for an Educational Eval, although they do other things too. It actually was very good. The eval was done by a student, and the results were done with a clinical psychologist at that center. You can submit this to your insurance if your insurance covers this, which is why they ask you for insurance information. It was very comprehensive, and they spent a total of 14 hours with my son, over about 5 visits. They also gave me tests to fill out, and some for his teachers at school, to compare the differences and similarities to get a better picture of him overall. If he was good that day the session was longer, if it wasn't going so well they stopped, so his responses would be more valid. She did a lot of tests, and he had no problem with it so she worked with him very well.

The written evaluation was actually kind of bleak, and not really written well IMO, however the meeting that I had with her was fantastic. Once we were able to talk about the subtest scores, what actually went on with the tests, which were harder and what he refused the written report made more sense to me. Typically they don't give the written report before the meeting, they did with me because I asked for it and I know a little about evaluations.

The nice thing about doing it at a university, particularly with student involvement, is that they are trying to do this correctly, they are not in the field yet and they don't have as much bias, (no 30 second diagnosis) and they really try to hit all of the area's and take more time than a seasoned professional may not take because the professionals are not learning.

I was very happy with my experience. Much better than the prestigeous John's Hopkins, who will NEVER get another dime out of me.

Thank you for your response. To hear that it went well and that you were pleased by the overall experience helps to calm my brain.

It is also good to hear about the students and the lack of bias. I had that idea in my head and am glad to have it confirmed.

I am not sure what else to say beyond thank you again. I do appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

You're very welcome! You will do great!! !