Psychological Evaluations
What is a Psychological Evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a process that integrates various techniques to help understand an individual's behavior, personality, and capabilities. These evaluations involve components such as record review, interviews, behavioral observations, and formal testing. When appropriate, psychological evaluations incorporate measures of cognitive ability, memory, attention, executive functioning, and other relevant areas to provide a comprehensive picture.
When Should Someone Seek a Psychological Evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is recommended for individuals exhibiting signs such as:
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Sudden or gradual unexplained changes in behavior.
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Lack of, or minimal improvement, despite previous mental health interventions.
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Worry about misdiagnosis of a mental health condition.
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Social withdrawal, loss of motivation, inability to enjoy things, or feelings of hopelessness.
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Unexplained rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions.
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A history of frequent or severe interpersonal problems.
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Acting in uncharacteristic ways or displaying peculiar behaviors.
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Anxiety that significantly interferes with daily life.
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Concerns about early signs of disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
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Anyone interested in learning more about themselves and their unique psychological profile.
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Individuals who have been asked to undergo personality testing, for example, to complete an MMPI-2.
Why a Psychological Evaluation is Important
The underlying cause of a person's problems isn't always apparent. Since diagnoses heavily guide treatment, a clear understanding of what is causing problems and/or identifying the right diagnoses can help an individual make life-changing improvements and get the treatment they need.
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Likewise, an incorrect or incomplete understanding of concerns may lead to treatment that isn't helpful or is even harmful. Given that people are extremely complex and there is frequent symptom overlap in very different conditions, a comprehensive evaluation may be needed for clarification and guidance.