Psychological Testing for All Ages
Psychological Testing for All Ages
Psychological testing can take many forms, but in many cases the objectives are the same. Primary objectives of testing are to gain a more complete diagnostic “picture” and to better inform the client’s treatment. A comprehensive psychological assessment can provide valuable information about you or your child’s strengths and weaknesses, yield diagnostic information, and lead to recommendations for treatment planning. The process of assessment often has significant benefits, and most people find it to be a helpful experience. Risks of assessment are often minimal, but can include identification of specific areas of weakness as well as diagnosis of a psychological disorder, which may be uncomfortable for some people.
- Testing for young preschool-aged children often involves looking into developmental and behavioral concerns to better determine a diagnosis.
- Testing with elementary-aged children may look into behavioral, developmental, emotional, social, or intellectual/learning abilities. Again testing for this population may take many forms.
- Testing with preteens and adolescents may begin to focus on more social, emotional, and possibly psychiatric diagnoses.
- Adult psychological testing often involves assessment of psychiatric conditions including personality, trauma-based, and mood/anxiety conditions.
The process of assessment typically includes three types of unique interactions:
- 1. Up to one hour appointment to review background information and complete basic intake processes. This piece of the evaluation is often completed by a counselor or social worker at our practice.
- Up to one hour evaluation with the Psychologist to determine if testing is medically necessary During the evaluation, we will discuss your concerns and our psychologists will gather relevant background information to help develop a battery of tests to address your specific questions. We may also review prior records and communicate with other professionals involved in you or your child's care (with your written authorization).
- Testing is completed in an up to three-hour session. Immediately following the testing I will review the results of the evaluation and provide feedback to you, make recommendations and answer any questions that you may have. A written report will be available to you summarizing the testing results and recommendations in about two weeks after the testing has been completed.
Please be aware that we do not provide assessment services for custody evaluations, forensic issues, or other court proceedings. If you require such a service, please notify our staff and we will provide you with appropriate referrals.
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