Why Evaluations Are Important

A primary goal of the Odyssey program is a thorough assessment of the student. During their time at Odyssey, students have the opportunity to receive psychological evaluations, an important adjunct to other assessment methods used within the program. Odyssey recommends that parents seriously consider evaluations for those students who have not been previously assessed. Psychological evaluations contribute important and helpful information for the Odyssey Treatment Team, as well for parents, teachers, educational consultants or counselors who will provide follow-up support and treatment for the student after he or she completes the Odyssey program.

What’s Included

Evaluations are tailored to meet the individual needs of the student. Using psychological tests, interviews and other collaborative information, evaluations can help clarify issues including:

• psychological diagnoses
• severity of substance abuse/dependence
• suitability of medication
  
• learning disabilities
  
• academic achievement
  
• ideal treatment methodologies

All evaluations include recommendations for future treatment; forming the foundation for a comprehensive follow-up plan that addresses the student’s needed areas of support. Evaluations also include consultation phone-calls with parents and consulting professionals who will be involved in the student’s aftercare.

Why Coordinate Evaluations with Wilderness

Evaluations are coordinated to take place two weeks into the Odyssey course schedule, when students are transitioning from the coastal backpacking to the longboat sailing phase of the program. Our Treatment Team prefers for students to be assessed in concert with their wilderness experience, as the novel environment and treatment effects of the program help students to be more genuine and willing to engage in the evaluation process. As a result, evaluations completed mid-course often yield more valid and useful information then those which occur when students are at home.

Custom Evaluation Packages

Evaluations are performed by Odyssey’s Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Freedman, at his offices in Bellingham, WA. Dr. Freedman’s adolescent evaluation practice is highly respected in our community and his reports are both clearly written and comprehensive.

Because evaluations are tailored to meet the needs of each student, they are scheduled on an individual basis and are not included in the Odyssey program tuition. Evaluation package options and rates can be provided upon request.

 Download the Evaluations Consent Form

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