Psychological Testing
Would Psychological Testing Benefit You Or Your Teen?
Have you ever wondered if there might be an underlying cause for the academic, psychological, or emotional setbacks you experience? Perhaps your adolescent child has always been challenged by school and, as they grow older, it has started to impact their self-confidence.
If they exhibit a low frustration tolerance, trouble concentrating, frequent mood swings, or behavioral difficulties related to impulse control or anger, you’re probably worried about the long-term effects this will have on their academic performance, as well as their ability to be social and build healthy relationships. ¹
Psychological Testing Is Often Needed For Educational Settings
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 2020–21, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was 15 percent of all public-school students. What’s more, 14 percent of children in the U.S. have individualized education programs (IEPs).” ²
IEPs are required when children or adolescents are not able to perform as expected in school due to academic, emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. Psychological testing and assessments can help clarify their challenges while also identifying strengths, helping them to build confidence and improve their inherent skillset.
You Might Be Seeking A Mental Health Evaluation For Yourself
If you’ve spent most of your life feeling out of step—whether by mental health or learning challenges—you might be frustrated not knowing what the issues might be. Ongoing setbacks with your job or personal life could have you wondering if there is an underlying cause preventing you from reaching your full potential. Gaining insight into your strengths and weaknesses could help you move in a more positive direction.
You might debate what kind of help you need, but without a diagnosis, it can be difficult to discover which course of treatment to seek. Fortunately, once you receive the most appropriate diagnosis, you can determine the next steps.
A Proper Diagnosis Can Make All The Difference
Adolescents and adults alike are at risk of encountering several hurdles without receiving the proper psychological testing. Unfortunately, many people are misdiagnosed by primary care physicians or well-intentioned therapists due to a lack of available testing or expertise. More specifically, women and minorities are 20-30 percent more likely to be misdiagnosed. ³
Without an accurate diagnosis, our teens may face ongoing academic failures, suspensions, and ultimately, a negative impact on their self-esteem. Unless teachers and staff at school understand their needs, this disconnect will continue. And if we struggle as adults, we run the risk of seeking the wrong treatment or self-medicating when we don’t understand what is wrong with us.
A psychological assessment allows you to look beneath the surface at what is impacting thoughts and behaviors, whether psychological or neurological in origin. Accurate testing helps adolescents succeed in school well beyond the classroom. And for adults, a psychological evaluation offers assurance that you are not alone in your experience—it’s never too late to seek the proper support.
Forensic Evaluations
Are you or your teenager in legal trouble and in need of a comprehensive forensic evaluation? Has your lawyer—or the prosecutor—recommended that you complete a psychological evaluation to submit to the Court? Generally, would you benefit from a psychological assessment that incorporates relevant legal considerations?
Psychological evaluations are sometimes requested by the Court, lawyers, or defendants involved in legal proceedings to answer a psycho-legal question. Forensic evaluations typically include a thorough forensic interview, a comprehensive review of records, collateral data, and psychological testing. Referral questions might include competency to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, or mitigation of sentence evaluations. These evaluations require specific expertise, training, and credentials due to the nature of the Court proceedings.
Psychological Testing Provides The Answers And Guidance You Need
Psychological assessments are an effective diagnostic tool because it provides specific, individualized data and recommendations for anyone seeking answers to the challenges they face. With psychological testing, you will be provided with detailed information about your cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral functioning that isn’t obtained by a routine physical exam or therapy visit.
The report can be customized to your needs. It can be prepared as a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation for your teen’s school to detect issues such as ADHD or trauma or a Court-appointed forensic evaluation or referral if you’re involved in a legal proceeding.
By gaining valuable insight into the factors that impede or facilitate how you learn and process information, the evaluation you receive will serve as a roadmap for the treatment and therapy required to face your challenges head-on.
How The Psychological Evaluation Process Works
The initial intake session will be an information-gathering session. I will review the paperwork you filled out in advance and ask you follow-up questions to get a better idea of your needs. You will also have the opportunity to ask me as many questions as necessary to understand the full scope of what a psychological evaluation entails. If the evaluation is for your teen, I will meet with your child one-on-one after an initial session that will include both of you.
Evaluations are often split up into two to three sessions. They include an interview as well as assessment measures based upon demographic norms and measures that are culturally appropriate for you or your teen. I will also elicit the feedback of other family members, colleagues, and teachers to get a complete picture and gain context for what’s been happening.
The psychological testing I perform is a solution-focused, highly specialized, and comprehensive method to identify whatever problem you are dealing with. Depending upon the presenting concern, the psychoeducational or forensic evaluation performed will include an assessment of cognitive functioning that will determine a learning disability, ADHD, or psychological disorder. With an accurate diagnosis in hand, you can seek solutions.
Once the psychological evaluations are completed, I will integrate all of the data and schedule a separate feedback session with you to review the results. In this meeting, I will thoroughly explain each score as well as highlight strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, I will offer you recommended next steps including providing you with referrals and a treatment plan that you can share with care providers or school faculty.
The clarity that psychological testing provides is invaluable. With a correct diagnosis, the door opens wide to new opportunities for improvements and solutions. There’s no reason you should be in the dark about what’s going on with you or your child when it’s possible to get answers and take action.
But You May Wonder Whether Psychological Testing Is Right For You…
I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford a psychological evaluation.
Understandably, the cost of psychological testing may be a concern for you. That is why I offer payment plans when necessary. Although you may consider obtaining a psychoeducational evaluation for you or your teen to be cost prohibitive, it’s money well spent. I can ensure that the results you receive will be thorough and also include a comprehensive treatment plan. Your results will include actionable steps and referrals to take to get the appropriate support you need. And as a psychologist with experience with preparing forensic evaluations, I will ensure it will be acceptable for the courts.
How long does a comprehensive assessment, such as psychoeducational and forensic evaluations take to complete?
The timeframe from your first phone call to receiving the final psychological evaluation results is usually 1-2 months over 3-4 appointments. I aim to be as flexible with meeting times as possible and offer appointments in the morning, afternoon, or evening. We can also meet on weekends if necessary if that’s more convenient for you to complete your evaluation.
Will I be able to understand the results so I can get the appropriate help?
A treatment plan that’s indecipherable isn’t helpful to anyone. I always make sure that when explaining the results to you, I use language and terminology that makes sense and will be easy for you to explain to other care providers or school faculty. But receiving a diagnosis is only the first step. If you don’t know what action to take next, psychological testing alone won’t get you very far. My evaluations always include a recommended treatment plan as well as referrals.
Getting The Clarity You Need Can Help You Thrive
Understanding your unique situation is the first important step in making positive change. To schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to learn more about the psychological testing I offer, please contact me.
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