The                 Discovery Clinic

About The Discovery Clinic

The Discovery Clinic is a part of the service array at Austen Psychological Services. This clinic offers neurodivergent-friendly psychological evaluations for ADHD, autism, OCD, and related focus areas for anyone over the age of 6. Evaluations are conducted in a friendly format that is sensitive to sensory needs and energy levels. All evaluations are conducted by Dr. Julie Austen, a licensed psychologist in PA and NC with over 20 years  of experience working with children and families. Click here to learn more about Dr. Julie.

Location: Our office is located in Wilkinsburg, on the east side of Pittsburgh. It's less than five minutes from 376W and just a few steps from several bus stops. The busway is a 10 minute walk. Ample free parking available! The building is ADA accessible with an elevator and an accessible, gender-neutral, single stall restroom.

Office Space: The space is calm and low stim with low lights, low sound and low scent. The testing area is free of visual clutter. There are many stims and fidgets available for clients to explore while they are here.

In-Person or Hybrid Format: Evaluations can be completed entirely in-person or through a hybrid of in-person and video. All evaluation require at least 1 in-person visit to the office. Some of the visits can incorporate chat and asynchronous communication when preferred. Learn more about the evaluation process here.

Insurances  Accepted:   

• UPMC Commercial

• Medicaid, UPMC for You, PA Medicaid/PA Medical Assistance (Allegheny County Only)

• CHIP/  Highmark/BCBS, 

• Aetna

• We no longer accept United/Optum.

Costs: The fee for evaluations is between $650 and $2800 with an average cost of about $1200. 

The fee varies based how much testing needs to be completed. The fee can also vary based on the purpose of the evaluations. This fee includes all visits and exams related to the evaluation that are completed within this clinic.

***Please don't let a financial barrier get in the way of you seeking help: I will work with you to reduce the costs!*** 

Before we start the evaluation you will receive an out-of-pocket cost estimate which outlines what, if anything, you may be required to pay. You are under no obligation to continue with the evaluation if you are not satisfied with the estimate. There are some times where the cost of service will exceed the cost of the estimate, however, we will discuss any modifications to the plan prior to moving forward with them. Insurance usually covers the cost of testing, though clients may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs. Most frequently, the costs are per-visit co-pays for mental health services. Some insurances also have a percentage-based co-insurance which varies from 10 -40% of the total cost. You will be provided with an estimate to help prepare for the visits.  

No insurance or significant insurance coverage gap? I have a sliding fee policy that will reduce test costs to a flat rate of $700 for individuals who have limited access to financial resources.  

Self-Diagnosis? If you suspect that you may be autistic, the chances are good that you are right! Recent research demonstrates that 68% of people presenting for an evaluation of autism are correct in their suspicion. I fully support self-diagnosis and encourage those who are suspecting autism for themselves to dive in to learning about autism.

For those with a self-diagnosis, I'd be happy to meet with you to answer any questions that you might have. Some people may have more events in their background that make them feel unsure of whether a diagnosis may fit. Still, others may feel confident in their self-diagnosis, but need a clinician to validate it so that they may seek specific services/benefits, school or work accommodations. In these cases, I'm happy to provide a thorough evaluation that centers your own exploration and self-diagnosis. You will still be evaluated with a self-diagnosis.

AVAILABILITY:  Our books are now closed until May 2025. Please check back here around that time to schedule a consultation call. We don't have the capacity to manage a waitlist. Thank you.