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
Gifted Testing in Fairfax, VA
Understand advanced cognitive abilities and the learning experiences that help those strengths develop.
Request an Evaluation ↗Explore our evaluation services
Dr. Pholile Dlamini · Psy.D., HSPRecognize advanced learning needs
A giftedness evaluation explores cognitive strengths and individual learning patterns. Families may seek testing to understand advanced reasoning, uneven development, or educational planning questions.
Individualized assessment
Testing and relevant background information are selected around your questions. Findings describe the pattern of abilities rather than reducing the person to one overall score.
Educational planning
Recommendations may guide enrichment, learning opportunities, and discussions with schools. Programs use different eligibility criteria, so please share school-specific testing requirements before scheduling.
Strengths and challenges can coexist
Advanced ability may coexist with attention, learning, or developmental differences. If that is a concern, a broader twice-exceptionality evaluation may be appropriate.
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