Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal L. Meares, PhD.
Hi Krystal L. Meares, PhD, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Miami, Florida, I was surrounded by a variety of cultures and perspectives, which sparked my curiosity about individual differences and how people learn and grow. Dance was a big part of my life and helped me appreciate the many ways people express themselves and overcome challenges. Living in different regions over the years deepened my understanding of how environment and background shape a person’s experiences and opportunities. My experience working on college campuses helped me appreciate the value of early identification of academic, social, or emotional challenges. I saw how timely assessment and support could empower students to make the most of their strengths and navigate difficulties more effectively. All of these experiences made me realize the importance of looking beyond surface-level observations to gain a fuller picture of a person’s strengths, challenges, and potential, which ultimately drew me to testing psychology—a field where meaningful assessment can open doors, guide interventions, and help individuals thrive in ways that reflect their true potential.
My academic journey began at Howard University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I continued my studies at New York University (NYU), completing a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, and later received my Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. For more than 15 years, I have offered assessment, counseling, supervision, and consultation to children and adults across a range of settings, including private practice, university counseling centers, hospitals, and community mental health agencies. After years of experience in a range of clinical environments, I started my own practice, Pragmatic Psychological Solutions, specializing in neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing. Starting my own practice has given me the opportunity to dedicate myself to the work that inspires me most, while also making my services available to families across Wake, Durham, and Orange counties.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has certainly not been without its challenges. As a testing psychologist, I have faced a variety of obstacles that have shaped both my clinical approach and the way I run my practice. One of the ongoing struggles has been managing referrals and maintaining a steady flow of clients in need of psychological assessments. Unlike therapy, which often involves regular sessions, testing tends to be episodic, so I have had to consistently network with physicians, schools, and other professionals to build and sustain referral relationships.
Insurance and reimbursement issues have also presented significant difficulties. Many insurance companies have strict requirements for psychological testing, and coverage is not always guaranteed. This can lead to complicated pre-authorization processes or situations where clients are unable to afford the evaluations they need. Advocating for coverage and explaining medical necessity to insurance providers is a routine part of my work, and while it requires persistence and attention to detail, it is important for ensuring that clients receive the evaluations they need.
Time management and scheduling are additional challenges, as psychological assessments require extensive preparation, direct client contact, test scoring, interpretation, consultation with other providers, and detailed report writing. Balancing these clinical responsibilities with the administrative side of running a solo practice can feel overwhelming at times. Building a reliable infrastructure and hiring dedicated administrative support have been essential steps in overcoming these hurdles.
Managing expectations around psychological testing can be challenging because families often come in hoping for quick answers, clear diagnoses, or immediate solutions to concerns. Some may expect a single assessment to resolve longstanding questions about learning, behavior, or emotional well-being. Others may worry about what the results will mean for their child’s future. Balancing these hopes and anxieties with the reality that assessment is a detailed and nuanced process requires thoughtful communication and a supportive approach. It is important to help families understand that the process takes time and is designed to provide a comprehensive view of both strengths and areas for growth.
While the journey has not always been smooth, I find the work incredibly fulfilling. Each challenge has helped me grow as a clinician and business owner, and ultimately, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pragmatic Psychological Solutions specializes in providing clear, concise, and comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluations. Collaboration is a key part of the assessment process. By working closely with families and other professionals involved in the lives of my clients, I am able to gather valuable information and perspectives that contribute to a thorough and well-informed evaluation. I also prioritize keeping clients and their families actively engaged throughout the evaluation, making sure they are informed and involved at every stage. Efficiency and transparency guide my practice. Most clients are able to schedule an appointment within one to two weeks of their initial inquiry. I offer consultation prior to scheduling, provide clear information about the evaluation plan and costs, and maintain direct contact with families throughout the entire process.
Each evaluation is customized for the individual and typically involves several sessions, beginning with a thorough interview to gather relevant history and current concerns. I select assessment tools that are most appropriate for the client’s needs and goals. While most evaluations start with a specific referral question, such as concerns about attention, learning, or behavior, I remain attentive to any additional issues that may arise during the process. After testing is complete, I provide a feedback session to discuss results and recommendations in a clear and supportive way. Clients receive a detailed written report that outlines areas of concern, summarizes important history, and explains test results in straightforward language.
I am grateful that families recognize the attention I give to understanding each child’s unique experiences and strengths, and that they feel heard and respected throughout the process. Seeing children gain confidence and new opportunities as a result of our work together is truly rewarding. I strive to ensure every client feels valued, understood, and supported from start to finish.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of setting boundaries for my own well-being. Early in my career, I often took on more urgent requests than I could reasonably handle, which led to feeling overwhelmed. With experience, I have come to appreciate how essential it is to manage my workload thoughtfully and make time for self-care. This balance allows me to remain effective and passionate about my work.
I have also learned that clear communication is fundamental to every aspect of my practice. It is essential not only when explaining assessment results to families but also when collaborating with educators, physicians, and other professionals. Effective communication builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures everyone is working toward the same goals. Whether I am discussing a report, coordinating care, or managing the business side of my practice, being clear and thoughtful has been key to building strong, effective partnerships.
Operating a private practice has also shown me that clinical expertise alone is not enough to ensure success.. I quickly learned the importance of building a solid business infrastructure to support my clinical work. Managing everything from scheduling and billing to building referral relationships requires strong systems and reliable support. By investing in these operational aspects of my practice, I have created a stable foundation that allows me to focus my energy on what I do best: helping my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pragmatic-ps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pragmatic.ps
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klmphd/
Image Credits
Dawn Michelle Downey
