Psychological Evaluations
Psychological Evaluations are performed by a licensed clinical psychologist. These assessments are used to help identify and clarify mental health conditions and other issues that may be impacting an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
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A psychological evaluation, commonly referred to as a “psych eval,” is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a mental health professional. These evaluations are used to determine an individual’s mental health status and identify any potential issues.
Tests and other assessment tools are used to measure and observe a patient’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. The process can help determine the cause of mental health symptoms and disorders, to determine the correct diagnosis, and the proper course of treatment. Even though the symptoms of a problem are apparent, the cause of the problem is not always clear. A child may have academic and social problems at school, or an adult struggles to maintain personal and professional relationships. In these situations, psychological testing may be warranted. Mental health professionals may use a combination of aptitude tests, personality tests and screenings for cognitive impairment in an evaluation. Specific types of psychological tests can help to rule out some conditions while allowing the mental health professional to focus on an accurate diagnosis.
Tests may be used to decide if a person is mentally competent to stand trial. Testing may be used to assist in child custody determinations or to evaluate the propriety of therapy between parents and children. Assessments for aptitude in educational environments are conducted with other evaluations concerning achievement.
A medical doctor, social worker, or other professional will provide a referral for psychological testing and evaluation. You would appear at a mental health facility, hospital, university medical center, school, or private office. These evaluations may take up to several hours or multiple appointments, depending on the scope and purpose of the evaluation.
You should expect to take a series of standardized written tests that may take the form of questionnaires, ability ranking lists, surveys, and checklists. There are generally follow-up interviews with the tester. There may also be a clinical interview process with the evaluator, consisting of questions about your personal and family history. Medical records and a thorough history may be needed. The psychologist uses the information from the standardized tests and clinical interviews to write an overall evaluation, determine a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan. The evaluator may also provide referrals to other professionals for follow-up.
There is nothing to prepare for these tests in advance. There is no way to practice or prepare in advance. You cannot pass or fail an evaluation. There are no right or wrong answers. Rather you simply want to answer openly and honestly.
While the questionnaires, surveys, and checklists are standardized, the tests are chosen to fit the reason for the evaluation or to assist with a particular diagnosis. A psychologist determines what information to use based on the specific questions being asked. For example, assessments can be used to determine if a person has a learning disorder, is competent to stand trial, or has a traumatic brain injury. There are different tests to be used based on the situation.
It is also important to note that this is not a psychiatric assessment. A psychiatric assessment is more about medical mental disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, etc.
There may be a need for a physical exam to rule out any medical illness. Sometimes a physical ailment may present as something psychologically based. For example, a thyroid condition or neurologic problem may be masquerading as a mental health difficulty.
Evaluators have had specialized training and certification programs in assessment, test administration, and test interpretation. A mental health professional with training is qualified to perform psychological testing and evaluations. The professional is usually a psychologist, who administers the tests and conducts the interview. In addition to checking the credential of the evaluator, it is important to find a mental health professional with whom you or your child feel comfortable working. In the end, the assessment should arrive at a treatment plan that is personalized to the needs of the individual or for the purpose for which the evaluation is sought.
