What Are Psychological Evaluations And Who Are They For?
When it comes to therapy, there are many terms out there that are confusing. One of them is psychological evaluations. For many people, they hear these words and it leaves them with a big question mark above their heads. It sounds obscure and outlandish – after all, how can you test your psyche?
Psychological evaluations, while at first glance, can seem very confusing. However, while there is a lot involved, it isn’t as complicated as it seems.
In fact, psychological evaluations can be really beneficial for many people.
What Are Psychological Evaluations And Who Are They For?
There are many different types of psychological evaluations that have different purposes and intentions.
IQ Tests
These types of tests determine mental capabilities and intelligence. We see them most often during childhood to determine giftedness or some learning disabilities. Later in life, they may also be utilized to determine the competency level of someone in a court proceeding.
Alcohol Or Drug Addiction Testing
These are used to help with the diagnoses of an addiction disorder.
ADHD Testing
These are most often done during childhood or adolescence. This is done to determine in both boys and girls if they have ADHD, or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Adults can be tested as well.
Psychosexual Evaluations
These are often required for anyone who is part of a court proceedings.
Why Are They Separate From Regular Therapy?
Therapists are trained in knowing about the human mind. So when they are working with a client in therapy, they can usually pickup that there is something ‘more’ going on with them. However, therapy can only go so far as it can’t provide an official diagnosis.
With psychological testing, these can serve as the official diagnosis in addition with the work from a licensed primary physician, when appropriate.
When Is Psychological Testing Required?
Next, the question is probably rising to your mind – how do you know if you for sure need a psychological evaluation? That answer largely depends on the individual’s case.
For instance, the most common factors that may require a psychological evaluation are:
- If it is court ordered
- It’s necessary for additional support services for school, for an individual with a learning disability
- An insurance company requires it before they will pay for treatment or other resources
How Are Psychological Evaluations Conducted?
This also largely depends on the type of evaluation that is needed.
In some cases, it is an actual test where you answer questions on a worksheet or booklet. Almost similar to how standartized testing for school systems and college admissions is administered.
In other cases, a person will be physically present who asks you questions and takes notes about your answers. Other types of testings might require you to solve a puzzle or problem solve from example situations.
What Happens After A Psychological Evaluation?
After the test is adminstered, you may wonder what is next. Depending on what the evaluation finds, you might be referred to a specialist or someone knowledgeable in what the findings of the test discovered.
If there is nothing concrete that comes from these tests, different or additional tests may be required to determine the next steps forward.
What To Remember About Psychological Evaluations
These tests are not meant to put a label on your life. They are meant to define you or dictate how the rest of your life is going to. They are simply a means to explain what is going on and to help you with steps to move forward.
If you are wondering about if a psychological evaluation may be appropriate for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about psychological testing from our psychologist.