Psychological Assessment Center of Charlotte, PLLC
Preferred Provider for the Charlotte Area Independent Schools Consortium​
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Now accepting NEW CLIENTS for Psychological Testing and Eligibility Evaluations!
Services Offered
Personalized Psychological Evaluations and Assessments
CAIS School Entry Assessments
The Charlotte Area Independent Schools Consortium (CAIS) is an elite organization of the top private schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area that are united in their efforts and desires to determine the best educational match between your child, your family, and your school(s) of choice in hopes of providing an academic environment that fosters your child’s greatest potential. Cognitive assessment is one of the tools used to ensure an appropriate match between your child and their learning environment. As such, standardized cognitive assessments allow families to avoid multiple evaluations while granting member schools the opportunity to assess applicants on an objective and uniform basis. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) is administered to Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 applicants, whereas the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is required for rising Grades 2-4.
Non-CAIS School Entry Assessments
The State of North Carolina has a clearly defined process for Early Entry to Kindergarten. Children who will reach their fourth birthday by April 16th may enter kindergarten if they demonstrate extraordinary academic ability and maturity. This determination is made in-part on a child’s performance on standardized assessments of cognitive abilities and/or tests of academic achievement. Many public charter schools also require their applicants to undergo comparable testing prior to being considered for admission into their respective programs. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) is used to assess the cognitive skills and capacities of children ages 5 years, 11 months and younger; whereas the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is administered to applicants 6 years and older. Appropriately selected subtests from the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) will be used to assess your child’s retention and application of academic concepts that they have been introduced to over the course of their educational career.
Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations
Comprehensive psychological evaluations are designed to provide diagnostic clarity for individuals presenting with suspected symptoms of anxiety, depression, and executive dysfunction (i.e., attention problems, poor impulse control, hyperactivity, memory concerns, concentration difficulties, etc.) just to name a few. An individually tailored test battery consisting of a combination of standardized assessments and questionnaires will be created to ensure proper assessment of all presenting concerns. Data obtained from these evaluations will also be used to inform subsequent treatment recommendations and ongoing intervention.
Eligibility Evaluations for Individuals with Disabilities
Managed care organizations (MCOs) often require members presenting with developmental disabilities to be re-assessed every 2 to 3 years to determine their eligibility for continued respite and community-based supports. Many MCOs require at minimum a test of cognitive abilities and a measure of adaptive functioning to determine the type(s) of government-funded services and number of service hours that a member may qualify for. Additional measures of social, emotional, and behavioral functioning may also be required and can be incorporated into such evaluations to further track client progress and response to previously established supports.
Meet Dr. Carmen Edwards
Hello, and thank you for visiting the Psychological Assessment Center of Charlotte (PACC)! I’m Dr. Carmen Edwards, a licensed clinical psychologist who has been proudly serving individuals and families in Charlotte and the surrounding communities since 2018. My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a warm and collaborative environment, where every client is encouraged to better understand themselves and their unique strengths.
I completed my undergraduate studies at South Carolina State University before earning both my Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida. Following my graduate training, I completed a clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at The Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In 2017, I returned home to Charlotte with a deep commitment to serve the community that first inspired my passion for mental health and psychological wellness.
Throughout my career, I have assessed and treated a broad range of clinical concerns across the lifespan. My greatest passion lies in working with children, adolescents, and their families to better understand developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs. While my current focus is on psychological assessment rather than therapy, my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) informs my approach to comprehensive, assessment-based recommendations that support each client’s growth and well-being.
I view psychological testing as a collaborative process that fosters self-awareness, insight, and empowerment. Through assessment, clients gain valuable understanding that can lead to meaningful access to supports and interventions across home, school, and community settings. I am deeply passionate about helping clients and their families navigate this process with clarity and confidence. Thank you for considering PACC as part of your mental health journey and I hope to connect with you soon!