The Process of Psychological Testing, Evaluation and Assessment
Psychological Testing enables psychologists to learn valuable information about how an individual thinks, learns, functions and deals with the world. Testing, evaluation and assessment are interchangeable words for gathering this information to better understand an individual's strengths, weaknesses, deficits, personality, behavior and/or cognitive processes to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and provide the best treatment.
Testing is tailored to assess specific or general areas of functioning. Each evaluation is different depending on the individual's concerns and needs. Every evaluation starts with an initial intake to determine the individual's current concerns and type of testing needed, as well as to gather developmental and background information from the individual and other family members when applicable. Referrals for testing come from all over; including schools, doctors, hospitals, attorneys, and family members. Depending on the referral and diagnostic questions, information is collected from other sources such as schools and medical providers, if proper consent is acquired. Previous evaluations, when available, are reviewed. Preferably and when thought to be helpful, there is some communication between the evaluator and the referral source, along with other treatment providers.
The testing process involves the evaluator administering various tasks and questions, while working with the individual to track various functions. Tests may include tasks to assess intellectual functioning, memory, attention, executive functioning, academic achievement, personality functioning, developmental delays, speech and language. The battery (collection) of tests chosen will be tailored to answering the individual's specific questions and concerns about their behavior and functioning.
Once the evaluation is complete, the data collected is scored, interpreted, and put together in a report that will explain how the individual performed on multiple domains of emotional, behavioral and cognitive functioning. The final report will also include applicable diagnoses and recommendations.
Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessment and Testing allows for greater accuracy in diagnosing and for putting together a suitable treatment plan geared towards helping individuals. It can assist in social security cases, differential diagnoses, individualized education programs (IEPs) and other school accommodations, court ordered evaluations, therapy goals, treatment planning and peace of mind.
The assessment process can take several hours to complete. The initial intake and results sessions are an hour each, while testing appointments can take anywhere between two and eight hours. These appointments can be broken down to accommodate the individual and/or families. There are typically a total of three to five appointments.
If you have any additional questions about the testing process or appointments, please call us at (248) 270-7808.