Insight-Driven Evaluations for Families Who Expect Excellence
Comprehensive assessments. Actionable insights. Trusted expertise
Serving Herndon, Reston, Fairfax, and Loudon County
Who We Are
At Mindful Assessments Institute, evaluations are thoughtful, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based practice. Each assessment is tailored to the unique needs of the client, with careful attention to cognitive, academic, emotional, and developmental functioning.
Our goal is not simply to assign a diagnosis, but to help families understand why difficulties are occurring and how to support meaningful growth moving forward. Reports are comprehensive, clearly written, and designed to be useful for schools, healthcare providers, and families alike.
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
Our experienced professionals are ready to provide personalized psychological support tailored to your needs. Schedule your confidential appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier mind.
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.
Contact Us
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