What Is a Psychological Evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is an assessment of an individual’s mental state and functioning. The evaluation is performed by a licensed psychologist and usually includes a clinical interview, psychological testing, and a review of past medical and mental health history. The purpose of the evaluation is to diagnose mental health conditions or illnesses that impact memory, thought processes, and behaviors.

It can also be used to determine the severity of the condition or illness, identify any co-occurring disorders, develop treatment recommendations, and monitor progress over time. In addition, the evaluation can provide valuable information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to guide future treatment and support.

Uses

Though psychological evaluations are most commonly used to assess mental health, they can also be used for a variety of other purposes. For example, evaluations may be conducted in order to determine eligibility for disability benefits or to assess an individual’s risk of harming themselves or others. Additionally, evaluations may be conducted as part of a pre-employment screening process or in order to provide input for a legal case.

Some of the most common mental health conditions or illnesses that can be diagnosed using a psychological evaluation include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A psychological evaluation can help determine the following:

• The presence of a mental health condition or illness
• The severity of the condition or illness
• The impact of the condition or illness on everyday functioning
• The need for medication or other treatment
• Co-occurring mental health conditions or illnesses
• The individual’s strengths and weaknesses
• Treatment recommendations

Role of the psychologist

A psychologist’s role in a psychological evaluation is to assess the individual’s mental health and well-being. They will meet with the individual to discuss their concerns and symptoms, and may also administer tests or questionnaires. Their goal is to gain a better understanding of the individual’s mental health in order to make recommendations for treatment or support.

Types of assessments

There are a variety of assessments that can be used as part of a psychological evaluation. The type of assessment that is used will depend on the individual’s specific symptoms and concerns. Some of the most common types of assessments include:

Clinical interview is a conversation between the psychologist and the individual being evaluated. The interviewer will ask questions about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of the clinical interview is to gather information about the individual’s mental health.

Psychological testing is a type of assessment that involves the use of standardized tests. These tests can measure a variety of mental functions, such as intelligence, personality, and memory. The results of the tests can be used to diagnose mental health conditions or illnesses.

Medical history: A review of the individual’s medical history can provide valuable information about their overall health and any possible medical conditions that may be impacting their mental health.

Mental health history is a review of the individual’s mental health history that can provide insight into any previous mental health diagnoses or treatment. This information can be used to guide the current evaluation and treatment recommendations.

What to expect

The psychological evaluation process can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and concerns. However, there are some general steps that are typically followed during an evaluation.

1. The individual will meet with the psychologist for an initial consultation. During this meeting, the psychologist will gather information about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
2. The psychologist will conduct a clinical interview and may administer psychological testing.
3. The psychologist will review the results of the evaluation and make a diagnosis. If warranted, treatment recommendations will be made.
4. The psychologist will meet with the individual to discuss the results of the evaluation and treatment recommendations.

It is important to remember that psychological evaluations are confidential. This means that the information gathered during the evaluation will not be shared with anyone without the individual’s consent.

How it works

A psychological evaluation is conducted by a psychologist. The evaluation usually begins with a consultation meeting between the psychologist and the individual. During this meeting, the psychologist will gather information about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The psychologist will then conduct a clinical interview and may administer psychological testing. After reviewing the results of the evaluation, the psychologist will make a diagnosis and develop treatment recommendations. The psychologist will then meet with the individual to discuss the results of the evaluation and treatment recommendations.

What it feels like

A psychological evaluation can be a helpful way to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, it is important to remember that the evaluation process can be emotionally challenging. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or overwhelmed during the evaluation. However, it is important to remember that the psychologist is there to help you and will work with you to make sure that the evaluation process is as comfortable as possible.

Where to Get a Psychological Evaluation

Psychological evaluations are conducted by psychologists. You can search for a psychologist in your area by using the American Psychological Association’s Find a Psychologist tool.

Other settings where a psychological evaluation may be done include:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Community mental health centers,
• Colleges and universities,
• Schools
• Long-term care facilities
• Nursing Homes
• Prisons

If you are concerned about your mental health and would like to get a psychological evaluation, consider taking our free online psychological test. Online tests can provide you with a preliminary assessment of your mental health and can help you decide if you need to see a psychologist in person.

What to Ask a Psychologist Before Getting an Evaluation

• What are the psychologist’s training and experience in conducting psychological evaluations?
• What is the psychologist’s approach to evaluations?
• What type of information will be gathered during the evaluation?
• How long will the evaluation take?
• How much will the evaluation cost?
• What are the confidentiality policies of the psychologist and the setting where the evaluation will be conducted?

What to expect during a psychological evaluation

The psychological evaluation process can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and concerns. However, there are some general steps that are typically followed during a psychological evaluation.

1. The psychologist will meet with the individual to discuss the reason for the evaluation and to gather information about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
2. The psychologist will conduct a clinical interview and may administer psychological testing.
3. The psychologist will review the results of the evaluation and make a diagnosis.
4. The psychologist will develop treatment recommendations and discuss the results of the evaluation with the individual.
5. The psychologist will provide the individual with information about the confidentiality policies of the psychologist and the setting where the evaluation was conducted.

After the Evaluation

After the evaluation is complete, the psychologist will meet with you to discuss the results of the evaluation and any treatment recommendations. It is important to remember that you have the right to refuse any treatment recommendations that you do not feel comfortable with. You should also feel free to ask the psychologist any questions that you may have about the evaluation process or the results of the evaluation.

Conclusion

A psychological evaluation can be a helpful way to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, it is important to remember that the evaluation process can be emotionally challenging. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or overwhelmed during the evaluation. However, it is important to remember that the psychologist is there to help you and will work with you to make sure that the evaluation process is as comfortable as possible.

You may also want to ask questions about confidentiality policies before getting an evaluation. After the evaluation is complete, the psychologist will meet with you to discuss the results of the evaluation and any treatment recommendations. It is important to remember that you have the right to refuse any treatment recommendations that you do not feel comfortable with.