Frequently Asked Questions

The Center for Applied Psychological Science (CAPS) is a multi-specialty psychology practice founded by Dr. Alan Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA. It serves as the parent organization for four integrated practice divisions: advanced psychotherapy, precision psychological testing, performance psychology and coaching, and therapeutic tutoring. The unifying philosophy is science-based, forward-looking care focused on potential and measurable results — not just symptom management.

Most practices offer a single service — therapy or testing, but rarely both, and almost never coaching or tutoring alongside clinical care. CAPS integrates all of these under one roof, with a shared clinical philosophy and cross-service coordination when needed. We also incorporate Natural Foresight methods and performance science tools — like Heart Rate Variability biofeedback and EMDR — that go well beyond standard talk therapy. The goal is always meaningful, measurable improvement.

CAPS was founded by Dr. Alan S. Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA, a licensed clinical psychologist and Certified Health Service Psychologist (CHSP). Dr. Jacobson holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master's in business administration, and is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the California Psychological Association (CPA), and the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA). He has been featured as an expert source by NPR, NECN, WPRI, Politico, and The Patriot Ledger.

Applied psychological science means using research-validated methods from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science in real-world settings — not just in labs or academic papers. At CAPS, that means every service is grounded in peer-reviewed evidence, delivered with practical tools clients can actually use, and designed to produce outcomes that are visible and measurable. We don't offer trendy or unproven approaches; if something is in our toolkit, it has a strong evidence base behind it.

In-person services are available in the Greater Boston area (Westwood, MA) and San Diego, CA. Virtual services are available across 44 states through PSYPACT, a licensure compact that enables licensed psychologists to provide telehealth across participating states without requiring separate licensure in each one. Therapy, psychological testing, coaching, and therapeutic tutoring are all available virtually for eligible clients.

PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) is an agreement among participating U.S. states and territories that allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services to clients located in any PSYPACT member state. As of 2025, over 40 states participate. If you are located in a PSYPACT state during your session, you are eligible for virtual services through CAPS regardless of where the practice is headquartered. You can verify your state's participation at psypact.org.

Therapy is an ongoing clinical relationship aimed at treating mental health conditions — such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties. It is a licensed clinical service and may qualify for insurance reimbursement.

Psychological testing is a structured evaluation process using standardized instruments to assess cognitive functioning, attention, learning profiles, personality, or diagnostic questions. Testing produces a written report with findings and recommendations — often used for school accommodations, disability determinations, or diagnostic clarity.

Coaching and performance psychology is not a clinical mental health service. It focuses on optimizing performance, decision-making, leadership, career advancement, and goal achievement for people who are already functioning well but want to operate at a higher level.

A formal ADHD evaluation through our Precision Psychological Testing division is the right starting point. A comprehensive assessment — rather than a brief screening — is important if you want diagnostic clarity, documentation for academic or workplace accommodations, or an accurate picture of your cognitive profile. If you're also looking for therapy or coaching to address the day-to-day challenges of ADHD, those services can run concurrently or follow the evaluation.

Often, all three play a role — but the sequence matters. If your child has never had a formal evaluation, psychological or neuropsychological testing is usually the best first step. It identifies what's actually driving the difficulty (attention, executive functioning, anxiety, learning differences, or some combination) and produces concrete recommendations. From there, therapeutic tutoring addresses academic skill-building with an understanding of the underlying factors, while therapy can address the emotional weight — frustration, avoidance, or diminished self-confidence — that often accompanies academic struggles.

Yes. Our Precision Psychological Testing division conducts evaluations specifically designed to document disabilities and support accommodation requests for high-stakes professional and graduate-level examinations. We have experience with LSAC (LSAT), NBME (USMLE), NCBE (bar exam), and graduate admissions testing bodies. Evaluations include comprehensive cognitive, academic achievement, and clinical testing, with a thorough written report meeting each body's documentation standards.

The easiest first step is to schedule a free consultation through our online scheduling system. During that call, we'll listen to what you're looking for, clarify which service or combination of services is the best fit, and walk you through what to expect next. There's no commitment required, and the consultation is entirely confidential.

CAPS operates on a private-pay basis. We do not bill insurance directly; however, we provide detailed Superbills (itemized receipts with diagnosis and procedure codes) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients with PPO plans receive partial reimbursement this way. HSA and FSA funds are accepted for clinical services. Coaching services are generally not reimbursable through insurance regardless of plan type, as they are not clinical mental health services.