Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Evaluations
Why get an evaluation?
Evaluations can help pinpoint the problem and determine which direction to go for treatment. For some symptoms such as anxiety, posttraumatic stress, or defiance, interventions (such as therapy) can be implemented without a formal evaluation or diagnosis. However if symptoms persist, an evaluation is recommended to ensure that a chosen treatment is targeting the correct underlying problem. Determining when to get an evaluation is similar to when to see a specialist for medical issues — you can treat headaches on your own, but if they become so severe that they interfere with your daily functioning, or if taking medication every now and then no longer works to relieve the pain, you may consider seeing a neurologist to help figure out why the headaches are occurring and how you can get rid of them. Our clinical psychologists are doctors who specializes in mental health and emotional wellness.
What happens during the evaluation?
Complete the intake assessment.
All evaluations begin with an intake assessment. During the appointment, we will collect developmental, social, and behavioral information from you and/or your child, review any relevant medical records, and provide behavioral rating scales that compare symptoms to other same-age individuals to help determine if the problems are relatively “normal” vs something more clinical and requiring more specific treatment. The intake assessment is typically 1 hour.
Complete Testing.
Direct assessment is a necessary part of many, but not all, evaluations. We offer an extensive battery of tests including assessment of cognitive ability, academic achievement, processing skills, short and long-term memory, attention, executive functioning, social-emotional, behavioral, and adaptive measures. The assessments used will vary based on referral concern. Testing usually 2-4 hours at our office in Tampa.
We analyze the results.
All assessment information is scored and carefully analyzed by our psychologists in order to generate a comprehensive summary of your child’s current mental health status, as well as to guide specific interventions or treatment. Any mental health diagnoses made and evidence-based recommendations are included in a detailed report. It typically takes 6-8 hours to score, interpret, and summarize a single psychological evaluation.
Have Feedback Session.
A one hour feedback session is included in all evaluations to review the report, score interpretations, and discuss recommendations for support across home and school environments. We also provide information on the process of obtaining learning, attention, and behavior support in schools, if relevant. Given that this is often a daunting task for parents and college students, we take time to include guidance on navigating the school system and 504 accommodation / IEP process as part of all evaluations at no additional cost. The feedback session is typically 1 hour.
How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?
It can be hard to know when to have your child evaluated. You may wonder if your child will outgrow difficulties, or if they’re serious enough for you to take action. Just being concerned may be reason enough to look into it. Having a strong family history of a particular condition also is reason. By scheduling the initial intake assessment and sharing more about your concerns, we can assist you in determining if an evaluation is right for your child at this time or if something else may be more appropriate. Not every child problem will require a full evaluation, which is why we offer intake assessments as a stand-alone service.
What are the benefits to getting an evaluation?
An evaluation sheds light on an individual’s strengths and difficulties, and can lead to one getting the right support at home, work, or school. Many disorders have overlapping symptoms. An evaluation can help pinpoint the problem and determine which direction to go in for treatment. For example, learning disorders and ADHD often look similar, but treatment for one is much different than the other. In order to determine the most appropriate treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is needed to first pinpoint the underlying problem. If you are seeking an IEP or 504 Plan accommodations, college/exam board accommodations, or other school services for your child, you will likely need a recent comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation.
Have more questions about psychological evaluations or psychoeducational evaluations?
Send us a message. We’re here to help.