Psychological Evaluation

Psychological Evaluation Q&A:

What is psychological testing?

If you or a family member has been referred for psychological testing, you probably have some questions about what to expect. Psychological testing may sound intimidating, but it’s designed to help you.

In many ways, psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. If a patient has physical symptoms, a primary care provider may order X-rays or blood tests to understand what’s causing those symptoms. The results of the tests will help inform and develop a treatment plan.

Psychological evaluations serve the same purpose. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a patient’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment.

What should I expect and when is psychological testing recommended?

The amount of time required to complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation varies widely depending on several factors. The duration, type, and intensity of testing will depend on the specific issues being addressed. Most evaluations require between 5-10 hours of total time, with approximately 2-5 hours of face-to-face contact with the client. In addition to meeting with an individual to obtain background, a psychologist will administer various testing instruments. At the conclusion of testing, the psychologist will provide a comprehensive written evaluation and verbal feedback to interested parties.

Types of psychological evaluations include:

• Presurgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, transplants, cosmetic surgery, spinal cord stimulators / pain pumps, and deep brain stimulation (DBS)
  
• Diagnostic psychological evaluations for treatment planning and diagnostic clarity
  
• Personality testing to assess both positive and unhealthy personality traits
  
• Evaluations to assess leadership strengths, aid in professional development and maximize performance
  
• Career assessments for students or adults exploring career choices or changes

What type of results do you receive and what do the results mean?

Your psychologist will write an in-depth report that explains your results. The report will be sent to the referring provider, with your permission. Presurgical evaluations are required prior to receiving certain surgical procedures and this information will be shared with your surgeon. It will include recommendations and interventions to improve your recovery and surgical outcome.

Results of psychological evaluations for diagnostic purposes, leadership strengths, careers and other purposes will be shared with you in a feedback session to help you maximize your potential.

When will I know the results of the evaluation?

It usually takes a few days for your psychologist to score the tests, interpret the results and make recommendations. A feedback session may be completed within one week of testing.

To learn more about the psychological evaluation services at Choulet Wellness, call the office or request a consultation online today.