What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing and evaluation consists of a series of tests that help determine the cause of mental health symptoms and disorders, to determine the correct diagnosis and follow up with the appropriate course of treatment. Often the symptoms of a problem are apparent, such as when a child experiences academic and social problems at school, or an adult struggles to maintain personal and professional relationships, but the cause of the problem is not always clear. In such cases, psychological testing may be warranted. Aptitude tests, personality tests, symptom assessments, and screenings for cognitive impairment are common types of testing/evaluation services.
When is psychological testing used?
Often, a medical doctor, social worker, therapist, school, or government employee provides a referral for psychological testing and evaluation when there is a question about what is causing particular problems or issues. Sometimes individuals also self-refer or a parent may request an evaluation of their child. When a child is having behavioral, social, or academic problems, it may be because of a learning disorder, attention deficit, a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression, or even aggression. Specific types of psychological tests can help the mental health professional to rule out some conditions while honing in on an accurate diagnosis.
Psychological testing and evaluation is used in a wide variety of scenarios, and the tests range accordingly. They are used in adults, for instance, to determine the extent of a brain injury or a cognitive disorder such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, and often administered to children with suspected or confirmed learning disabilities.
Tests are also used to decide if a person is mentally competent to stand trial. Other conditions include personality disorders, intellectual disability, and even stroke. Assessments for aptitude in educational environments are conducted with other evaluations concerning achievement.
What should I expect?
It may take up to several hours and more than one visit to complete in-depth psychological testing and evaluation. You will participate in a clinical interview, and may take a series of standardized written tests that may take the form of questionnaires, ability ranking lists, surveys, and checklists. These are known as norm-referenced tests, indicating that they are generally uniform; this is useful, for example, to determine a child’s abilities within a certain age bracket.
Some assessments may be completed online, but will still require an in-person visit to complete testing. The information from the tests and clinical interviews is used to write up an evaluation report, determine a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan or provide referrals, if necessary. In addition, medical records and a thorough history may be needed.
One neither can nor should prepare for these tests. There is no way to practice, in fact, it is ill-advised to do so, as this may not arrive at a true evaluation. While the questionnaires, surveys, and checklists are standardized, the tests are chosen to fit an individual’s particular needs. An individual cannot pass or fail an evaluation. Also, answers to these tests are neither right nor wrong. The best way to approach these evaluations is by being honest and mindful.
This type of testing is not the same as a psychiatric assessment, which is more about mental disorders that can include psychosis, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, among others.
A physical exam is useful in ruling out any medical illness that may appear to be psychologically based. There may be, for example, a thyroid condition or neurologic problem masquerading as a mental health difficulty. Share with your health provider all information about any condition you have had along with prescription medication you have taken, as well as over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
The goal of psychological testing is for the mental health professional to understand how a patient thinks and what he perceives. This will better provide the professional with all the information needed.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.