Understand the whole person. Find a clearer way forward.
Psychological & Psychoeducational Evaluations in Fairfax, VA
ADHD • Autism • Learning Disorders • Giftedness • Twice-Exceptionality
Serving Fairfax and Northern Virginia
Evaluations tailored to you
At Mindful Assessments Institute, PLLC, psychological testing starts with understanding you. Dr. Pholile Dlamini provides individualized evaluations that connect cognitive, academic, emotional, and developmental findings with everyday life.
Explore ADHD and executive functioning evaluations, autism evaluations, psychoeducational testing, learning disorder assessments, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and comprehensive psychological evaluations in Fairfax, Virginia.
Receive clear explanations of strengths and challenges, diagnostic findings when appropriate, and practical recommendations for home, school, or work.
Learn More About Our Process
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Initial intake interviews for evaluations last 60 minutes and typically involve only the parent(s).
Many practices omit this important step that helps inform the assessor about the context and history of the student.
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At the heart of our practice is a commitment to using evidence-based, comprehensive assessment tools to understand each individual's unique cognitive, emotional, and behavioral profile. We use a data-driven approach to guide every evaluation.
Each assessment is tailored to the individual and includes standardized testing, behavioral observations, developmental history, and input from parents, teachers, or other professionals when appropriate. We utilize a wide range of well-validated neuropsychological measures that assess areas such as:
We provide comprehensive evaluations for concerns including:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Learning differences (reading, writing, math)
Executive functioning difficulties
Anxiety, mood, and emotional regulation concerns
School readiness and academic placement questions
Diagnostic clarification and differential diagnosis
By integrating data from multiple sources, we are able to identify patterns of strengths and challenges, clarify diagnoses, and provide practical, individualized recommendations for support—whether in school, at home, or in other settings.
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Many psychologists provide a limited range of testing that results in a 5 – 10 page report. At MAI, we specialize in comprehensive evaluations based on 20 years of experience. As a result, our reports range from 20 - 30 pages and contain in-depth analysis and recommendations.
Schedule your appointment
Clarity. Understanding. Direction.
An evaluation should help you understand what is happening and what to do next. We connect assessment findings with practical, individualized recommendations for home, school, or work.
Meet Dr. Dlamini
Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Mindful Assessments Institute
With over 20 years of experience in psychological assessment and therapy, Dr. Pholile Dlamini brings both deep clinical expertise and a compassionate, individualized approach to every evaluation. She has conducted hundreds of neuropsychological and psychological assessments across a range of developmental, academic, and emotional concerns—and many of the children she has worked with are now thriving in college and successful professional careers.
Originally from Eswatini, Africa, Dr. Dlamini came to the United States as a teenager to pursue her undergraduate education. As an immigrant and multilingual clinician, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and emotional complexities that many families face when navigating a new educational system. She is especially well-suited to support international, immigrant, and multilingual families seeking guidance for their children’s learning and development.
Dr. Dlamini earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has practiced in multiple states, working in schools, private clinics, and medical settings. Her approach is thoughtful, evidence-based, and always tailored to the unique needs of each child. She is known for her warmth, her clarity, and her unwavering commitment to helping families find answers and solutions that make a difference.
A strong advocate for inclusivity, Dr. Dlamini provides affirming care for children and adolescents across the gender and sexuality spectrum, and creates a safe, supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
At the heart of her work is a belief that every child deserves to be understood—and that with the right insight and guidance, they can thrive.
InstitutePSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT · FAIRFAX, VA
Our Evaluation Process
Know what to expect—from your first questions to clear feedback and individualized recommendations.
Request an Evaluation ↗Explore our evaluation services
Dr. Pholile Dlamini · Psy.D., HSPStart with a conversation
Contact our team with a brief description of your concerns and what you hope to understand. We will discuss next steps, scheduling, and the questions an evaluation may help address.
Understand the history
An intake interview explores developmental, educational, medical, and emotional history as relevant. Parent or caregiver input is important in child evaluations. Adult evaluations center the individual’s own history and concerns.
Complete individualized assessment
The plan may include standardized testing, interviews, questionnaires, observations, records, and input from others when appropriate and with permission. Measures and the number of sessions depend on the referral questions.
Review findings together
During feedback, Dr. Dlamini explains strengths, areas of difficulty, diagnostic findings when supported, and what the results mean in everyday life.
Use your written recommendations
A report integrates the findings and provides individualized guidance. Please confirm current fees, anticipated timing, payment arrangements, and any school testing requirements before scheduling.
A thoughtful process. A practical path forward.
Share your concerns
Discuss your questions, history, and goals during an intake interview.
Build the picture
Complete individualized testing and questionnaires, with input from others when appropriate.
Understand the findings
Review strengths, areas of difficulty, and diagnostic findings together.
Plan your next steps
Receive a written report with recommendations for everyday support.
Clinical expertise.
A deeply human approach.
Pholile Dlamini, Psy.D., HSP
Owner & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Dlamini brings more than 20 years of experience to understanding how people think, learn, and navigate their world. Her approach combines careful assessment with warmth, curiosity, and respect for each person's story.
Originally from Eswatini, she brings a culturally responsive perspective to her work with international, immigrant, and multilingual families. Evaluations are designed to help you feel understood and leave with useful direction.
You don't have to have
all the answers to begin.
Tell us what you are hoping to understand.
We'll help you explore the next step.
For scheduling questions: 703-544-9748
Please keep initial inquiries brief and avoid sensitive clinical details.
Request an Evaluation
Tell us what you are hoping to understand. We will help you explore the next step. Please keep initial inquiries brief and avoid sensitive clinical details.
Fairfax office
10195 Main Street, Suite O
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-544-9748