Psychological assessment is not one-size-fits-all. Psychologists tailor certain assessments and tests to meet individual needs. A licensed clinical psychologist is expertly trained in administering tests and assessments as well as interpreting and integrating the results in order to present the client with a comprehensive view of their psychological make-up.
Individuals seek psychological assessment for a variety of reasons. Psychological tests include assessments for personality traits, learning disabilities, emotional well-being, brain damage, intellectual tests, severity of particular psychological disturbances, and even tests for competency in legal cases. Ultimately, an individual or family member seeks out psychological testing because there is uncertainty about what is troubling the person.
The chief goal of psychological testing is to provide the individual and family members with increased understanding of how their mind works. After such an understanding is reached, an individualized treatment plan can be established. This process fosters engagement with the client and ultimately bolsters confidence and the ability to follow through with the treatment direction.
The results of psychological testing are presented to the client, as well as family, in an organized fashion. The results provide the client with a clear picture of both their psychological make-up as a whole, as well as specific areas to be addressed. Psychological testing can be very validating to the client and family, for it can confirm intuitions or illuminate potential blind spots.
Upon the completion of psychological testing, a detailed report of all findings is provided so that any referring parent, professional, or institution can make sense of the results. Comprehensive reports can be useful in many different situations. They can add to existing assessment information so as to account for changes or improvements. They can be utilized in court or criminal hearings to evaluate competency or criminal likelihood. Lastly, reports can be valuable in ensuring that treatment steps are informed regardless of the provider.