Perimeter Mood and Anxiety Program

02/23/2026

Public vs. Private School Evaluations in Georgia: What Parents Should Know

If you are considering a psychological evaluation for your child then you may be wondering:
- Should we request testing through the public school system?
- Or should we pursue a private psychological evaluation?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents across Georgia. Here is the key difference:

Public School Evaluations:
Public schools are required to assess students when a disability is suspected to be impacting learning. These evaluations are provided at no cost and are designed to determine eligibility for special education services. The primary focus is academic performance and whether a child qualifies for an IEP.

Private Psychological Evaluations:
Private evaluations, conducted by licensed psychologists, are more comprehensive and diagnostic. They assess not only learning differences, but also ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, mood concerns, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social development. They provide detailed recommendations for home, school, and therapy settings.

In simple terms:
- Public evaluations determine eligibility.
- Private evaluations provide deeper diagnostic clarity.

Neither option is better. They serve different purposes, and in some cases, families use both.

At Perimeter Mood and Anxiety Program (PMAP), we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults in the Atlanta area. We also collaborate with schools when appropriate to ensure recommendations are practical and actionable.

If you are unsure where to begin, a consultation can help clarify next steps. Seeking information is not overreacting. It is advocacy. Learn more about our evaluation services on our website or explore additional educational content on our Substack.

02/18/2026

Social Anxiety Is Treatable. You Do Not Have to Keep Avoiding.

If social situations leave you:

• Replaying conversations for hours
• Avoiding meetings or presentations
• Staying quiet even when you have something to say
• Dreading social invitations

You are not alone. And you do not have to manage this by yourself.

Group therapy for social anxiety is one of the most effective evidence based treatments available because it targets the core fear: being judged.

Avoidance brings short term relief.
Practice builds long term confidence.

In a structured, therapist led group at Perimeter Mood and Anxiety Program, you will:

• Practice social interaction in a safe, supportive setting
• Learn CBT tools to challenge anxious thoughts
• Use DBT skills to regulate physical symptoms
• Reduce rumination after social situations
• Build real world confidence through experience

Our anxiety treatment groups in Atlanta are small, structured, and led by licensed psychologists who specialize in evidence based therapy for teens and adults.

If social anxiety has been shrinking your world, this may be the right next step.

Learn more about group therapy for social anxiety in Atlanta:
https://pmapatl.com

Follow us for mental health education and updates:
facebook.com/pmapatl

Offering personalized, evidence-based mental health treatment in Atlanta, available in-person or online, to help you achieve your mental wellness goals.