Psychological Evaluation

What is a Psychological Evaluation?

A psychological evaluation differs from an evaluation conducted by therapists in that psychological evaluation is more thorough, with the intention to seek diagnostic clarification through a multimethod, structured, objective, and scientific approach. While our therapists will conduct an initial assessment with a client to gather a basic understanding of the presenting issues, a psychological evaluator will conduct several objective and directive interviews with an examinee to shed light on the presenting problems. They will then conduct psychological testing using multiple methods of data gathering and utilize an evidenced based testing battery that is individually tailored to answer the referral question. The evaluator will also conduct collateral interviews with parties related to the examinee who can speak to their functioning. In some cases, they may also conduct formal observations. After all data has been gathered, the evaluator will then draft a comprehensive report which will include a review of the relevant data gathered, diagnoses, and comprehensive treatment recommendations to also include educational and vocational recommendations if warranted. Once the report is finalized, the evaluator will meet with the examinee and discuss the report with the client to answer any questions. Our clinicians typically utilize a hybrid approach to evaluations with some services rendered virtually and some in person (this varies case to case).

Why Seek A Psychological Evaluation?

Common referral questions include:

– Diagnostic clarification: sometimes therapists can feel stuck with their clients and at times unclear as to what the presenting diagnosis is. Therapists or psychiatrists will often refer a client for a psychological evaluation to provide diagnostic clarity on complex cases where there are multiple or comorbid disorders presenting. The evaluator will help to provide diagnostic clarification and will also provide more detailed recommendations to guide treatment and intervention.

– ADHD assessment: ADHD is a complex diagnosis and therapists generally are not advised to provide such a diagnosis unless it is well established or through formal psychological evaluation. If you are concerned that maybe you might have ADHD, whether a child, adolescent, or adult, REDEFINE can help by providing diagnostic clarity through comprehensive assessment.

– Autism assessment: Similar to ADHD, autism is also a complex diagnosis that therapists generally refer to evaluators to clarify. Autism assessment is comprehensive and will not only tap into behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning, but also will look at a person’s social functioning to provide diagnostic clarity. At this time, REDEFINE only offers autism evaluations to verbally fluent older adolescents and adults.

– Substance Use assessment: clients may be struggling with substance abuse as a stand alone or comorbid problem. If this is the case, seeking a substance use evaluation to clarify the level of care needed and what interventions might be helpful may be beneficial for the client.

– Trauma assessment: Trauma is complex and affects individuals in a broad range of ways. Trauma diagnoses are also not well understood by many therapists, so it can be helpful to seek a formal psychological evaluation to clarify the presenting trauma diagnosis and gather feedback on what interventions may be helpful.