Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS)

Mason's Center for Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS) provides comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to the child and adolescent community, ages 5 to 18. Such evaluations are typically conducted when a child is experiencing academic, behavioral, or social/emotional difficulties. CAS serves as a core training site for graduate students in Mason's School Psychology program. Before conducting evaluations in the center, graduate students receive training in current psychoeducational testing methods, diagnostic evaluation, and evidence-based best practice and interventions. All assessment recommendations are based on well-researched practices and are selected with the child and family’s needs in mind.

Graduate students providing direct comprehensive services are supervised by licensed clinical and school psychologists who affiliate with the university. School Psychology graduate students and their supervisors have unique expertise regarding school law, policies, and procedures. This includes special education and 504 plan eligibility requirements.

At CAS, graduate student examiners consider an individual’s functioning from an ecological perspective, taking into consideration the interaction between environment and the individual to fully understand presenting concerns. The child and family’s unique circumstances, culture and perspective are respected and considered at all phases of the evaluation process. Examiners conduct themselves in a professional manner and are dedicated to providing excellent care. Families can be assured that they will receive high-quality services that follow standard ethical guidelines.