Saint Louis University To Offer Free Psychological Assessments for St. Louis City Residents
Saint Louis University’s Psychological Services Center, in partnership with the St. Louis Mental Health Board, will begin offering free psychological assessments for St. Louis city residents on a first come, first serve basis beginning on July 1.
The newly-renovated Psychological Services Center at Saint Louis University, in partnership with the St. Louis Mental Health Board, is offering free psychological assessments to St. Louis city residents starting on July 1. Photo provided by Laura Burch.
“Depending on where people go, most psychological assessments run between $1,000 to $4,000, and for people who cannot afford that really hefty cost, it can be difficult to get the diagnosis that they need,” said Laura Burch, Ph.D., Clinical Director for the Psychological Services Center. “This funding from the Mental Health Board is going to significantly open up access to services for those residing in St. Louis City who might not otherwise afford it.”
Each psychological assessment is a multi-step process that can help determine various cognitive, educational, emotional, and behavioral difficulties for children and adults, which can result in diagnoses of anxiety, depression, learning disorders, ADHD, or other issues. A full list of the issues evaluated and treated by the Psychological Services Center can be found here.
Following the assessment, clients will receive recommendations tailored to their specific needs. For those who may benefit from therapy, the Psychological Services Center offers therapy services on a sliding scale basis, or they can provide referrals elsewhere. SLU’s Psychological Services Center can serve patients from age four through older adulthood, setting up patients for a lifetime of learning and growth.
“Gaining access to mental health evaluations will lead to a healthier St. Louis,” Burch said. “When someone has a diagnosis that is clear and accurate, they are able to access help much earlier, which we know leads to better long term outcomes. Supporting mental wellness really has a lifelong effect.”
Through increased access, Burch hopes to continue reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages anyone who feels they may need help to seek it.
“If you think you might have something going on, give us a call,” Burch said. “If we aren’t the right fit for you, we’ll be forthright with that. We really want to serve in line with the mission of SLU. We want to serve the individual, especially the underserved individual. Ruling out a diagnosis is just as important as finding your diagnosis, and we want to help in whatever way we can. Even if you’re not sure if you need an assessment, having more information and making more informed decisions is important. Your wellbeing always comes first.”
Founded in the Jesuit tradition of service and compassion for others, SLU’s Psychological Services Center provides professional, affordable, and quality psychological services to the community. Doctoral students in clinical psychology provide services under the supervision of licensed clinical psychology faculty and provide these services with the latest knowledge on effective evaluation and assessment practices and treatment interventions.
Funding for these assessments comes from the Community Children’s Services Fund and the Community Mental Health Fund. Each psychological assessment will require zero payment from patients who live in St. Louis city. To receive more information about a psychological assessment, including scheduling an initial intake phone call, contact the Psychological Services Center at 314-977-2278.
Latest Newslink
- SLU School of Nursing Holds White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2027Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing hosted its White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage for students as they begin their clinical training and progress toward becoming baccalaureate nurses.
- At the Dentist’s Office, Practitioners are More Prepared to Care for All PatientsThe Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education leads in educating future pediatric dentists to treat patients with disabilities and complex medical needs.
- Pestellos Receive Excellence in Community Leadership Award from Grand Center Arts DistrictDuring the organization’s 2024 gala, SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., was noted for leading SLU to become a driving force in the revitalization of Midtown St. Louis. His spouse, Fran Pestello, Ph.D., was highlighted as a champion of the St. Louis Literary Award and for connecting the work of great authors to the broader community.
- Solidarity Walk, Mass for Immigrants and Refugees Is SundaySaint Louis University and the Archdiocese of St. Louis will host a Solidarity Walk and Mass for immigrants and refugees on Sunday, Sept. 29, in conjunction with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR).
- Saint Louis University to Hold Conference Exploring Applications of AI in Supply Chain ManagementSaint Louis University’s Center for Supply Chain Excellence will host its first Tech-Chain conference on Friday, Oct. 18, at SLU’s Busch Student Center. The conference will bring together experts from academia and industry to share insights on the practical applications of AI, machine learning, GenAI and digital twins in the supply chain industry. The day-long event will feature expert presentations and a hands-on workshop.
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Voters Say Economy, Abortion, and Criminal Justice/Public Safety Are the Most Important Issues in 2024 Missouri Governor’s RaceMissouri voters will hear from gubernatorial candidates Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Representative Crystal Quade Friday, Sept. 20, in the first debate in the race for Missouri governor. The SLU/YouGov Poll asked 450 likely Missouri voters in August: “What issue in the 2024 Election is the most important factor in your vote for Governor of Missouri?” Voters then answered in their own words what was important to them when voting for Governor.