Psychological testing can be powerful, deeply enlightening, and vitally important. Our goal is to help people fully understand what these evaluations consist of, how they can help, and what they can be used for. In this post we cover some common questions we recieve about these evaluations. Of course we also welcome your questions, so feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime if you want more information or a question you have is not answered below.
1. What to Expect From a Psych Evaluation 
A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used to understand a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. The process varies depending on the purpose (e.g., ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities), but generally, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Interview
- We will ask about your history, symptoms, and concerns.
- We may ask about family history, medical background, academic/work performance, relationships, and daily functioning.
- You may discuss past diagnoses, treatments, or medications.
- Standardized Testing
Depending on the reason for the evaluation, you may take:
- Cognitive tests (e.g., IQ tests, memory assessments)
- Emotional/Personality assessments (e.g., MMPI, Beck Depression Inventory)
- Neuropsychological tests (e.g., attention, executive function, processing speed)
- Academic or learning tests (e.g., dyslexia evaluations, ADHD screenings)
- Behavioral questionnaires (self-report and sometimes parent/teacher input if evaluating a child)
- Behavioral Observations
- We will note how you respond to questions, handle tasks, and engage in the process.
- We may assess social skills, focus, and problem-solving approaches.
- Feedback Session
- After scoring and analyzing the results, we will meet with you to explain the findings.
- We will discuss diagnoses (if applicable), strengths, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.
- You may receive written reports for accommodations, school or work support, and a toolkit and self-help strategies.
- Next Steps
- You may be referred for therapy, holistic treatments, medication evaluation, or academic/workplace accommodations.
- If you need accommodations (e.g., for ADHD/autism in college), documentation from this evaluation can support your request.
2. Where Do I Go for a Psychological Evaluation
Where you go for an evaluation depends on your needs, location, and budget. Here are some common places to seek an assessment:
- Private Psychologists or Neuropsychologists like us
- Licensed clinical psychologists or neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive evaluations for learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and mental health concerns.
- Pros: More thorough evaluations and tailored recommendations. Significant training – at least four years of heavily supervised practice before being licensed.
- Cons: It can be expensive ($500–$3,000), but insurance may cover part of the cost. We will provide the documentation you need to pursue that reimbursement. We have also managed to keep our costs low compared to many others due to our lower virtual administration costs (without losing any validity and power of the results).
- University Psychology Clinics
- Many colleges and universities have training clinics where graduate students, under supervision, offer psychological testing at reduced costs.
- Check with local universities’ psychology or counseling departments.
- Pros: Lower cost assessment under the supervision of a more experienced practitioner.
- Cons: Longer wait times due to high demand and possible uneven quality.
- Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Some hospitals, especially those affiliated with universities, have neuropsychology or psychiatry departments offering evaluations.
- Pros: Can be covered by insurance, especially for medical-related concerns.
- Cons: It may be expensive even though it is sometimes delivered partially by students.
- Community Mental Health Centers
- If you need a low-cost or sliding-scale evaluation, community mental health centers or nonprofit organizations may provide services.
- Pros: Affordable or free evaluations.
- Cons: May not offer specialized testing and you may have to qualify due to income.
- School-Based or Workplace Evaluations
- If you’re looking for college accommodations, check with disability services—they may help with evaluations or guide you to local providers.
- If you suspect a learning disability, public schools (for K-12 students) may offer free testing under special education laws.
- Some workplaces offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that help with mental health evaluations.
3. What is a Psych Evaluation Test
A psychological evaluation test is a structured assessment used to measure cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and personality traits. These tests help diagnose mental health conditions, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism), and cognitive impairments.
Types of Psychological Tests
The type of tests you take depends on the purpose of the evaluation. Common categories include:
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) – Measures overall intelligence and cognitive ability.
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) – Similar to WAIS but for children.
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities – Used for learning disabilities and cognitive strengths/weaknesses.
- Neuropsychological Tests (for memory, attention, and executive function deficits)
- Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) – Measures problem-solving and flexibility.
- Continuous Performance Test (CPT) – Assesses attention and impulsivity (used for ADHD).
- Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test – Evaluates visual memory and organizational skills.
- Personality & Emotional Assessments
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) – Measures personality traits and mental health conditions.
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – Assesses psychological functioning.
- Rorschach Inkblot Test – A projective test exploring thought processes.
- Behavioral & Mood Assessments
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) – Measures depressive symptoms.
- Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) – Evaluates anxiety levels.
- Connors Rating Scale – Assesses ADHD symptoms.
- Autism Spectrum & Social Functioning Tests
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) – Gold standard for autism assessment.
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) – Measures social difficulties related to autism.
What to Expect During Testing
- Interview & Background Questions – We will ask about your history, symptoms, and concerns.
- Standardized Testing – You’ll complete various written, verbal, or interactive assessments.
- Behavioral Observations – We’ll note how you respond to tasks.
- Scoring & Interpretation – We’ll analyze results and provides a diagnosis (if applicable).
- Feedback Session – You’ll receive a comprehensive report with recommendations for therapy, accommodations, self-help or further steps to help you reach your potential and reduce barriers.
4. What is Mental Health Evaluation
A mental health evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used to understand a person’s emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. It helps identify mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, or psychotic disorders. The evaluation can be done by a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care doctor. Unlike the above, which relies heavily on psychological testing, a mental health evaluation is likely to be heavier on the interviews and lighter on testing.
What Happens During a Mental Health Evaluation?
- Initial Interview & History
We will ask about:
- Current symptoms (e.g., mood, anxiety, concentration issues)
- Medical and mental health history
- Family history of mental illness
- Daily life, relationships, work/school performance
- Substance use or medication history
- Psychological Testing
- Standardized tests may assess cognition, personality, mood, or neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism, learning disabilities).
- Questionnaires like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) may be used.
- Neuropsychological tests may assess executive functioning, memory, and focus.
- Behavioral Observations
- We observe how you respond to questions and interact.
- We note signs of distress, thought patterns, attention, or emotional dysregulation.
- Diagnosis & Recommendations
- After analyzing your history and test results, we may give a diagnosis (if applicable).
- We will discuss treatment options, such as therapy, medication, or accommodations (for work or school).
- We will give ideas for holistic approaches, self-help, and other ideas to help you reach your potential and find new opportunities
5. What is a Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation process to understand an individual’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. It involves a combination of interviews, standardized measures, behavioral observations, and background history to diagnose mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD or autism. Unlike the two services described in the past two questions, these assessments may not include testing at all and rely mostly on a comprehensive interview.
How It Works
- Clinical Interview
- We ask about your history, symptoms, daily functioning, and mental health concerns.
- We may explore family history, medical background, relationships, and work/school performance.
- Standardized Testing (depending on the reason for assessment)
- Cognitive (e.g., IQ tests like WAIS, WISC) – Measure intelligence and problem-solving skills.
- Neuropsychological – Assess memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed.
- Emotional and Personality (e.g., MMPI, Beck Depression Inventory): Evaluate mood, anxiety, and personality traits.
- Behavioral Assessments – Check for ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities (e.g., Connors Rating Scale, ADOS-2).
- Behavioral Observations
- We observe how you respond to tasks, emotional regulation, focus, and interaction style.
- Interpretation & Diagnosis
- We analyze the results to identify strengths, weaknesses, and possible mental health conditions.
- We provide a formal diagnosis (if applicable) and recommendations.
- Feedback & Report
- A detailed written report explains the findings, diagnosis, and suggested interventions.
- Recommendations may include therapy, medication, accommodations (for school/work), or coping strategies.
When is it Needed?
- ADHD, learning disabilities, or Autism evaluation.
- Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia).
- Neuropsychological issues (brain injuries, memory problems, cognitive decline).
- School or workplace accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, support services).
6. Why Psychological Testing is Important
Psychological testing is crucial because it provides objective, evidence-based insights into a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It helps with accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and identifying strengths and challenges. Here’s why it matters:
- Accurate Diagnosis
- Helps distinguish between similar conditions (e.g., ADHD vs. anxiety, depression vs. bipolar disorder).
- Reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and ensures proper treatment.
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Provides data to guide therapy, medication, or interventions.
- Helps clinicians tailor strategies for mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
- Highlights cognitive abilities (e.g., memory, attention, processing speed).
- Assists in developing strategies for academic, workplace, or personal success.
- Justification for Accommodations
- Essential for school and workplace accommodations (e.g., extra test time, assistive technology, therapy support).
- Provides documentation for disability services or educational plans (IEP, 504 Plan, college accommodations).
- Tracking Mental Health Progress
- Used to measure improvement in therapy or response to medication.
- Can guide adjustments to treatment over time.
- Early Detection of Mental Health Issues
- Identifies conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or schizophrenia early.
- Allows for early intervention, which improves outcomes.
- Informed Decision-Making
- Helps individuals, families, therapists, and doctors make informed choices about education, career paths, and treatment.
7. What Does a Comprehensive Psych Evaluation Consist of
A comprehensive psychological evaluation consists of multiple components designed to assess an individual’s mental, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. The process varies based on the reason for the evaluation (e.g., ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities) but typically includes the following:
- Clinical Interview
- Cognitive & Intelligence Tests (Objective psychological tests that Measure IQ and problem-solving skills)
- Neuropsychological Tests (Assesses memory, attention, and executive function)
- Emotional & Personality Assessments (Evaluates anxiety, depression, personality, and mental health concerns)
- Behavioral & Developmental Assessments (Checks for ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities)
- Behavioral Observations
- Informant Reports (if applicable)
- Diagnosis & Feedback Session
8. Why Get Psychological Testing?
Psychological testing can be helpful for many reasons, depending on your situation and needs. Here are some common reasons why people seek these evaluations:
- Diagnosis & Clarity
- Identify conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities.
- Get a clearer picture of cognitive and personality strengths, possibilities, and challenges.
- Accommodations & Support
- If you’re in school or college, testing can help you qualify for accommodations (e.g., extra time on exams and note-taking support).
- Workplace accommodations may also be available based on test results.
- Personal Understanding & Growth
- Understand how your brain works, including cognitive processing, memory, and executive functioning.
- Gain insights into emotional well-being, personality traits, and coping mechanisms.
- Treatment Planning
- Helps therapists, psychiatrists, or other professionals tailor treatment to your specific needs.
- Can guide medication management if necessary.
- Rule Out Other Issues
- Differentiates between overlapping conditions (e.g., is it ADHD, anxiety, or both?).
- Identifies any underlying factors contributing to difficulties (e.g., trauma, medical conditions).
- Specific Reasons
- Vocational choices and career development assessment
- Compatibility testing
- Sports Performance testing
- Successfully Managing Life Transitions
- And many more
9. Who Can Administer Psychological Tests?
Professionals with specialized training in psychological assessment must administer psychological tests. The level of expertise required depends on the type of measure. Here’s who can administer them:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
- Primary professionals who conduct these evaluations.
- Trained to administer, score, and interpret cognitive, personality, neuropsychological, and emotional assessments.
- Can diagnose mental health disorders, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and cognitive impairments.
- Neuropsychologists (PhD or PsyD with Neuropsychology Training)
- Specialize in brain-behavior relationships.
- Conduct in-depth neuropsychological testing for conditions like ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and stroke effects.
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO – Limited expertise)
- Can perform clinical interviews and basic screening.
- Typically do not administer full measures but may refer patients to psychologists for formal assessment.
- Can prescribe medication if a diagnosis is made.
- School Psychologists (EdS, PhD, or PsyD – School-Based Testing)
- Conduct educational assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and behavioral issues.
- Work within schools to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Trained Professionals Under Supervision
- Graduate students (under licensed supervision) may administer measures in university clinics.
- Master-level clinicians (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) may administer some but typically do not conduct comprehensive psychological assessments.
Who Cannot Administer Psychological Tests?
- General therapists, counselors, and social workers (unless specifically trained).
- Primary care doctors (can screen for mental health but do not conduct full assessments).
- Self-administered online tests (not valid for official diagnosis and tend to be restricted as far as validity and reliability).
10. What Do Psychological Tests Measure
Psychological tests are designed to measure a variety of mental functions, behaviors, and characteristics. They can assess:
- Cognitive Abilities: Intelligence tests measure reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills.
- Personality Traits: Personality assessments evaluate aspects like introversion/extroversion, emotional stability, and interpersonal relationships.
- Mental Health Assessments: Tests like the Beck Depression Inventory or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale assess symptoms of mental health conditions.
- Behavioral Patterns: Some measure specific behaviors or tendencies, such as aggression, social skills, or coping mechanisms.
- Emotional Functioning: Certain measures can assess emotional responses, regulation, and resilience.
- Neuropsychological Functioning: These evaluate brain function and can identify cognitive deficits related to brain injury or neurological disorders.
- Interests and Preferences: Career assessments help identify personal interests and suitable career paths.
Overall, psychological tests provide insights into an individual’s mental processes, personality, and emotional health. They can be vital tools in self-improvement, finding new opportunities and strengths, and understanding and reducing challenges and barriers.
Please contact us or schedule a consultation anytime if you want more information or have other questions.
