Welcome to the website of...
Mind of Hope Psychology Services, Inc
​Contact Us: 910.441.7080
mindofhope7@aol.com​
A Message from Dr. M. Russell Thomas, PhD
I want to take a moment to thank you for your interest in our services. Over the years, the demand for quality Psychological Evaluations has increased and has become the focal point of services. We do not currently have openings for psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychological Evaluations are available for mental health/illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities and issues related to capacity/competency. Common referral questions include assessing for intellectual functioning, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, mental illness, and dementia. The referral form can be used as an introduction, or first step, in scheduling a psychological evaluation. Please note, that due to changes in insurance filing, insurance information must be provided. An appointment cannot be scheduled until this information is received and your insurance company has authorized the services. We apologize for any delay or inconvenience that may create. Thank you for interest in our services and we look forward to serving you and/or your family.
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Dr. M. Russell Thomas, PhD
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
I am often asked to do Psychological Evaluations (PE) and Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCA) virtually. While I am not a big fan of virtual means of evaluation, I recognize that there are pros and cons to doing so. The major benefits are certainly convenience, as travel time and securing office space is eliminated. However, there are some legitimate concerns that I and my colleagues share in trying to complete evaluations virtually, not the least of which involves missing important information not detected when I am not in a face-to-face situation. Given these concerns, I want to take a moment and provide some guidelines for those who wish to make a referral for a virtual PE or CCA.
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Comprehensive Clinical Assessments
1. CCAs are nearly automatic that they can be completed virtually.
2. Video and audio must be clear. Phones are generally acceptable but a computer screen is much preferred.
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Psychological Evaluations
​1. Video and audio must be clear. Individuals will need to make arrangements for a large computer monitor (21" minimum). Phones are not an acceptable device to complete psychological evaluations, as PE's require visual stimuli that are often missed on smaller screens. Therefore, typical phones are not accepted as a reliable device to use during a PE.
2. Virtual PEs can be completed for nonverbal referrals. Some one with familiarity of the individual's daily and behavioral functioning will need to be present to answer questions regarding history and current functioning. The individual being assessed must also be present.
3. Virtual PE's for verbal clients will be screened for suitability for virtual assessments. As a rule, if all is needed is a measure of intelligence (IQ) and adaptive behavior, virtual PE's can be provided. For more in-depth psychological evaluations that in involve evaluation of mental health issues (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, etc.), virtual evaluations are discouraged and probably not a sufficient means to conduct a reliable evaluation.
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If you feel that you/your client may be a fit for virtual evaluation, please feel free to submit the REFERRAL FORM below and someone will respond within 48 hours.
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Thank you,
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Dr. Russell Thomas, PhD
Mind of Hope Psychology Services, Inc.
added 2/14/26