A psychological assessment can play a significant role in your course of therapy. A number of tests and assessments comparable to those conducted in any other medical office are part of these assessments. They are intended to guide your treatment plan and give your mental health expert important insights into any symptoms you can be experiencing.
What is a Psychological Assessment?
A psychological assessment is frequently seen as the initial step in identifying and treating a mental health disorder. It is carried out by a psychologist to assist them in comprehending the gravity and length of their mental health problems.
There are different kinds of psychological assessment tools available that are given to help individuals identify: intellectual functioning, learning strengths and challenges, clinical symptoms, attention deficits, as well as overall personality functioning.
The four main categories of psychological testing are as follows:
- Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ): An IQ test analyzes a person’s cognitive skills and generates a score that is meant to be used as a gauge of that person’s intellectual potential and ability.
- Behavioral Assessment: A behavioral evaluation is completed to evaluate one’s behaviors and responses, and often includes self-report questionnaires.
- Clinical Interview: Psychologists use clinical interviews as a strategy to accurately diagnose a range of psychiatric conditions. Comprehensive background interviews as well as a review of one’s academic and medical records are commonly used in the assessment process.
- Personality Assessment: Your psychologist can determine the most effective course of treatment for you by learning about the genetic, environmental, and social aspects of your personality through a personality evaluation.
To establish the type of treatment that may benefit you most, the above assessment measures can provide an overview of your academic, achievement, intellectual and personality functioning.
Reasons to See an Experienced Psychologist
Psychological tests and those who provide psychological evaluations are not all created equal. Psychologists have completed years of clinical training in psychological assessment and based on the referral question he/she/they will choose a specific set of tests and assessments that best meets the needs of each client.
The testing and assessment process will aid in identifying a specific treatment plan to help individuals function optimally.
Where to Get a Psychological Assessment
Although a psychological assessment might yield useful data, it can also be time-consuming and expensive. It can be beneficial to have an initial appointment with a psychologist to learn what tests are advised as well as the total cost and time involved, as the number of tests required frequently fluctuates.
As a mental healthcare practice with trained and experienced psychologists specializing in Psychological Assessments in Arlington, VA, we offer free 15-minute phone consultations to ensure we can provide you answers to any questions you may have.
Places where a psychological assessments are commonly conducted are:
- Schools, colleges, or universities
- County or state mental health care facilities
- Private mental health care practices
Psychological Assessments Are Tools to Gain Clarity
Psychological evaluations and testing are designed to help you better understand your strengths and challenges. Once you schedule your evaluation, there is nothing needed to do to prepare for it. It is simply a way for your treatment team to best understand what how best to assist you.
If you are looking for an assessment in the DC metro area or are seeking Northern Virginia Therapists near you for help, please contact our team. We are a group of highly skilled doctorate-level clinicians who have years of experience providing strategies for well-being to help individuals live life more fully and live a more meaningful life.
