Carole M. Hoage, PhD, in Baltimore: Psychology and Evaluation Services for Adults

Dr. Carole M. Hoage holds a PhD in clinical psychology and maintains a practice in Baltimore focused on psychological evaluation, assessment, and individual therapy for adults. Her work sits between primary-care referral and specialist mental health, serving patients who need diagnostic clarity, neuropsychological testing, or longer-term treatment planning.

What Dr. Hoage actually does

Dr. Hoage's practice centers on comprehensive psychological evaluation and testing. This differs from talk therapy alone: evaluation includes structured interviews, standardized tests, and behavioral observation to diagnose conditions such as ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and cognitive decline. The resulting report often informs treatment decisions by other providers (psychiatrists, neurologists, or primary-care doctors) or establishes a baseline for her own therapy work. She holds a doctoral degree, distinguishing her from master's-level therapists or licensed clinical social workers, though does not prescribe medication.

Services and pricing

Dr. Hoage's primary service is psychological evaluation, which typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the scope and number of tests administered. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation examining memory, processing speed, and executive function runs toward the higher end. Shorter focused assessments (for example, ADHD screening only) may cost less. Individual therapy sessions are billed separately, usually in the $150 to $250 range per 50-minute hour; verify current rates and insurance status directly.

Insurance coverage varies by plan. Many policies cover psychological evaluation under mental health benefits if ordered by a referring physician; some require pre-authorization. Out-of-pocket cost is often lower than the full rate due to contracted rates, but patient responsibility depends on deductible and co-insurance terms. Contact her office for specific insurance verification before booking.

How this compares to other Baltimore psychologists

Baltimore has a range of mental health providers, from large hospital-based psychiatric departments to independent therapists. The University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins operate psychology departments offering evaluation and therapy but typically have longer wait lists and operate within a broader medical ecosystem. Private practitioners with PhD credentials like Dr. Hoage often have more flexible scheduling and longer appointment windows for thorough evaluation. Master's-level licensed clinical social workers and counselors in Baltimore charge less per session (typically $100 to $180) but cannot perform complex neuropsychological testing and usually provide therapy only, not formal diagnostic assessment. Choose Dr. Hoage if you need an in-depth evaluation to understand an underlying condition, less so if you need short-term supportive counseling on a tight budget.

Who it suits and who it does not

Dr. Hoage is well-suited for adults seeking answers about cognitive, mood, or developmental concerns; those with a primary-care referral or psychiatrist recommendation; and patients who benefit from a detailed written report to guide further treatment. She works with people managing ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and cognitive symptoms in midlife or later. She is not appropriate for crisis intervention, psychiatric medication management, or those without insurance or ability to pay the evaluation fee upfront. If you are in acute mental health crisis, local emergency departments (Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center) and crisis lines provide appropriate immediate care.

First visit process

Initial contact typically involves a phone intake to discuss presenting concerns, insurance, and scheduling. Dr. Hoage will ask about your history, current symptoms, and what prompted the referral. If proceeding, you will receive paperwork to complete before the first appointment, including a detailed background questionnaire. The evaluation session itself usually lasts 2 to 3 hours and involves structured interview, standardized tests (often pencil-and-paper but some computerized), and behavioral observation. Follow-up appointments may be needed to complete additional testing. A written report with diagnostic impressions, test results, and treatment recommendations typically follows within 2 to 4 weeks.

Hours, location, and logistics

Dr. Hoage maintains an independent practice in Baltimore; verify her current address and parking options directly, as office locations and hours can shift. She typically offers weekday appointments with some early evening availability. Public transit access depends on neighborhood; confirm before scheduling if you rely on buses or light rail. Parking availability and cost vary by location; ask when booking.

Why this matters in Baltimore

Dr. Hoage represents the specialist psychology tier in Baltimore's mental health landscape: more focused and detailed than a first-visit primary-care provider, more accessible and flexible than large hospital systems, and equipped to answer diagnostic questions that therapy alone cannot address.