Psychological Assessments Arlington
Psychological Assessment & Evaluation
“If knowledge is power, then curiosity is the muscle.”
― Danielle LaPorte
What is a psychological assessment?
Psychological testing & assessments are diagnostic tools that aid in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of attentional, learning, and mental health related challenges. A psychological assessment is an evaluation that includes both tests and assessment tools as its main components:
- The testing part of an evaluation includes standardized tests that measure an individual’s ability to learn and understand a variety of concepts.
- Common components of an assessment include:
- Self and Informant Reports
- Interviews
- Observational Data
- Medical and School History
- Review of Records
Types of evaluations offered:
MPS psychologists utilize an empirical and research-based approach to evaluations. We utilize the most updated and reliable versions of test measures and assessment tools available to adults and adolescents 14 years +. We prioritize having diverse and culturally sensitive measures to ensure that our patients receive a quality evaluation. We also customize testing to each individual patient, to ensure that their unique questions and concerns are addressed thoroughly, and personally.
Do you have difficulty focusing on one task at a time? Find yourself easily distracted? Have difficulty meeting deadlines, with a tendency to procrastinate? Have trouble keeping your life organized? Find yourself acting without thinking? Struggle to develop plans to complete tasks? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may have an undiagnosed attentional disorder.
Attention-Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluations are a comprehensive psychological evaluation that assesses the primary attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity difficulties associated with ADHD, as well as executive functioning deficits. We also evaluate the impact of these difficulties on memory, learning, and other areas of performance.
Appropriate if:
- Seeking school or standardized testing accommodations, such as the GRE, LSAT, etc.
- Want diagnostic confirmation for psychiatric and medication services
- Need help establishing a treatment plan and developing target areas for skill development
To learn more about whether an ADHD evaluation is right for you, click here.
Have you been prescribed an attentional medication but not sure it is working? Do you feel like you could be performing better despite being on an attentional medication? Do you or your doctor want more information about the effects of your medication on your performance?
An ADHD medication efficacy evaluation is a brief assessment using a specific tool to evaluate the primary symptoms of ADHD, including attention and impulsivity. This measure is often used by psychiatrists and other clinicians to assess the efficacy of medication dosing, by administering the test multiple times and comparing results. Often a baseline is established, then additional administrations are completed as the dose changes to observe any performance changes.
Appropriate if:
- Want information about the effect of current medication dose on performance
- Seeking clarification about whether current medication is beneficial
- Concerned that may need to modify your medication dose or type of medication
Have you struggled your whole life with certain aspects of school? Has reading, writing, or math, always been a source of difficulty?
Learning Disability evaluations are designed to examine for the presence of a specific learning disability, such as a reading, writing, or math disability. These evaluations assess various academic skills across the identified areas of concern and compare these performances to overall intellectual ability. Additional information about the impact of a possible disability on learning and memory is also included.
Appropriate if:
- Seeking school or standardized testing accommodations, such as the GRE, LSAT, etc.
- Need help establishing a treatment plan and developing target areas for skill development
Are you concerned about your fundamental cognitive skills? Are you trying to demonstrate an intellectual aptitude or possible giftedness?
Intelligence evaluations evaluate the fundamental cognitive skills and processes, such as memory, processing speed, verbal skills, and nonverbal abilities, which contribute to overall intelligence. Additional information about the impact of possible intellectual concerns or aptitudes on learning and memory is also included.
Appropriate if:
- Seeking school or standardized testing accommodations, such as the GRE, LSAT, etc.
- Need admissions qualification for private & independent schools
- Need help establishing a treatment plan and developing target areas for skill development
Do you know something is off, but you and your therapist aren’t sure what it is? Have you been diagnosed with various diagnoses over the course of your life and want to know what is really going on?
A diagnostic clarification assessment focuses on evaluating a variety of possible mental health diagnoses by focusing on specific symptoms, impairments, personal history, and diagnostic criteria. The assessment uses a structured interview format, as well as specific symptom questionnaires.
Appropriate if:
- Need help establishing a treatment plan and developing goals for therapy
- Seeking diagnostic clarity to help treatment planning and choosing the right therapist and treatment approach
Are you concerned about a fundamental aspect of your personality? Are you confused by negative behaviors or inconsistent behavioral responses?
A personality assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation that evaluates various aspects of functioning, including cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and behavioral functioning to determine whether a personality disorder and/or another mental health disorder is present.
Appropriate if:
- Need help establishing a treatment plan and developing goals for therapy
- Seeking diagnostic clarity to help treatment planning and choosing the right therapist and treatment approach
- Undergone previous evaluations, and needed more information
Do you have difficulty connecting with others? Do you feel like you’re missing information that everyone else seems to get? Do you feel different or out of place?
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluation assesses for a possible autism spectrum disorder and is appropriate for adults and adolescents who exhibit difficulties with social development, communication/language, and/or behavioral difficulties. The assessment includes evaluation of social skills, intellectual functioning, and behavioral patterns.
Appropriate if:
- Seeking diagnostic clarity to help treatment planning and choosing the right therapist and treatment approach
Want to learn more?
Ready to learn more about our psychological evaluation and assessment services? We offer free phone consultations to ensure that our testing services are right for you. Have questions? We are here to guide you along the way. Fill out our contact form or email: [email protected] today to see how we can help!
Definition:
- An in-depth evaluation of the cognitive, attentional, and/or emotional processes, as well as symptoms, related to one identified area of concern
- Includes brief assessment of several other identified areas, to provide diagnostic clarity and differentiate diagnoses
Types we offer:
- Psychoeducational Evaluation – Comprehensive evaluation of academic skills and functioning, including reading, writing, and math
- ADHD Evaluation – Comprehensive evaluation of attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, memory, and learning style
- Psycho-emotional Assessment – Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and impact of depression or anxiety
- Personality Testing – Assessment of traits, patterns, and interpersonal style
Appropriate If:
- Seeking school or standardized testing accommodations, such as the GRE, LSAT, etc.
- Diagnostic confirmation for psychiatric and medication services
- Evaluate one identified area of concern, while ruling out other possible diagnoses
Definition:
- Brief assessment of multiple areas of concern
- Assess for the presence of symptoms related to identified areas of concern
- Clarity about whether a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted
Types we offer:
- Psychoeducational Screener – Brief assessment of academic skills and functioning, such as reading, writing, and math
- ADHD Screener – Brief assessment of symptoms of attention, impulsivity, executive functioning, and memory
- Psycho-emotional Screener – Brief assessment of symptoms and impact of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Screener – Brief assessment of social functioning and behavioral patterns
Appropriate If:
- You are curious about whether you have a mental health condition or learning disorder
- Someone in your family was recently diagnosed with a condition and you wonder if you have it too
- You have noticed a change in your behavior or academic performance
- You do not feel like you are functioning at optimal capacity and want to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses.
What is included in a psychological assessment?
To ensure that your needs are addressed, assessments will be specifically tailored to you. The number of appointments required and the total duration to complete the testing depends on the reason for the assessment and the type of testing required.
All our assessment services include:
- Free Initial Phone Consultation – to help determine what services might be best for you
- Intake Appointment – we perform a comprehensive interview to gather background information about the identified area(s) of concern
- Test Administration Appointment(s) – administration of selected standardized tests. Appointments can vary from 90 minutes to 4 hours.
- Feedback Session – a discussion of test results and report
- (Optional) Two Post-Assessment Consultations – further review and discussion of results and report with you, or any member of your treatment team, such a teacher, coach, therapist, psychiatrist, etc. for up to 30 minutes per consultation
Why undergo a Psychological Evaluation?
Psychological Evaluations aid in:
- Diagnostic clarity – Determine if you meet criteria for a psychological diagnosis
- Appropriate and effective goal planning and psychotherapy treatment
- Accommodations for high school, college/universities or standardized testing
- Recommendations and a plan of action to help areas of difficulty throughout your life