1. Providing Low-Fee Psychological Assessments as a Community Service August 19, 2007
Christopher E. Overtree, Ph.D.
Director, the Psychological Services Center, University of Massachusetts-Amherst

2. Our Program Begins with a Social Justice Agenda
Needs assessment demonstrated demand due to waiting lists and high costs
Made providing low-fee psychological assessment services a fundamental part of our pedagogical and outreach mission
Sought university start-up funds which allowed our program to begin and become sustaining in 2 years

3. Practical Considerations
Created an assessment practicum, supervised by a faculty member ($6000 per year cost) for 3 students
Organized an advertising blitz which included press releases, radio spots, newspaper ads, and targeted mailings
Created a streamlined assessment protocol which made the screening, fee-setting, and initial appointments administratively simple

4. Statistics
Fees based on number of hours in face-to-face testing. Clients’ are not charged for supervision time or report-writing
“Standard” hourly rate of $90 per/hour can slide to $0 depending on client’s financial situation (the local going rate is $150 per hour)
Cost of Program: ~$10,000
Income Generated: ~$12,000
Estimated value of services provided: ~$45,000 (based on going rates)

5. Intangible Benefits
Raised our profile in the local community which increased referrals for all services
Instilled mindfulness of and dedication to providing “pro-bono” services in our students
Expanded our in-house training and strengthened our assessment curriculum

6. Questions? Christopher E. Overtree, Ph.D.
The Psychological Services Center e: o: w: