Pre-adoption psychological evaluations provide adoption agencies and courts with an objective, professional assessment of a prospective adoptive parent’s psychological functioning andreadiness to adopt.
Evaluations are conducted by Dr. Marchita Masters, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and adoptive parent. The process is respectful, thorough, and grounded in ethical and professional standards, recognizing the emotional complexity of adoption.
A special message from Dr. Masters
Thanks for dropping by to check out our pre-adoption evaluations page. I have over thirty-five years of therapeutic experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families as well as ethnically diverse populations and the LGBTQ community. What’s equally as important is I am an adoptive parent. Because of my personal experience with
adoption, I have a unique perspective and sensitivity regarding the process. Not everyone can open their heart and home to a child that’s not theirs and form a loving family for that child who deserves nothing less. And yet, here you are ready to do just that. I’d be honored to walk this journey with you offering love, support and encouragement along
the way. Ready? Let’s go.
Purpose of the Evaluation
The purpose of a pre-adoption psychological evaluation is to:
- Assess emotional stability and psychological functioning
- Identify strengths and potential areas of support
- Evaluate readiness for the responsibilities and challenges of adoption
- Provide clear, clinically sound documentation for adoption agencies and legal proceedings
These evaluations are not intended to be punitive or adversarial, but to ensure the best
possible outcomes for children and families.
Components of the Psychological Evaluation
Each evaluation is individualized and may include:
- Comprehensive clinical interview(s) with prospective adoptive parent(s)
- Review of psychosocial, developmental, and mental health history
- Administration and interpretation of standardized psychological assessments
- Assessment of coping skills, stress tolerance, and emotional resources
- Evaluation of parenting capacity and insight into adoption-related issues
- A detailed written psychological report with clinical impressions and recommendations
All testing instruments are selected and interpreted by Dr. Masters in accordance with professional guidelines.
Populations Served
- Domestic adoption applicants
- International adoption applicants
- Foster-to-adopt families
- Kinship and relative adoptions
- Adoption agencies, attorneys, and courts requiring psychological evaluations
Evaluation Process
We know that time is of the essence and therefore, we do not put you on a waiting list. We will
get started right away. The entire process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
1. Initial consultation to review adoption requirements and scope of evaluation
2. Clinical interviews and psychological testing
3. Scoring, interpretation, and diagnostic consideration
4. Preparation of a comprehensive written report
5. Release of the report to agencies or legal professionals with written authorization
Professional Standards & Ethics
Evaluations are conducted in accordance with:
- State licensing regulations
- APA ethical principles
- Standards for psychological assessment
- Confidentiality and informed consent requirements
The psychologist maintains professional independence and objectivity while approaching each
evaluation with cultural sensitivity and clinical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a pass/fail evaluation?
No. The evaluation provides a clinical assessment and professional opinion rather than a simple
pass/fail determination.
A history of mental health treatment does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Evaluations
focus on current functioning, stability, insight, and ability to meet a child’s needs.
Yes. Information is released only with written consent and only to parties specified by the client,
unless otherwise required by law.
Schedule a Psychological Evaluation
To request a consultation or schedule a pre-adoption psychological evaluation, please contact Renova San Diego:
Email: connect@renovasandiego.org
Phone: (858)722-4372
*All inquiries are handled confidentially.
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