Clinical Psychological Evaluations
One of the things that attracted me to the field of psychology was the scientific appraisal of an individual's personality and cognitive functioning. It is the domain of psychological assessment that differentiates psychologists from other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and clinical social workers. Psychological assessment is one of my passions, not simply to assist the individual in reaching a better understanding of themselves, but assisting the person and their other treatment providers or educators in helping them reach their full potential.
Clinical psychological evaluations are conducted upon the referral of patients, parents, physicians and other healthcare and mental health practitioners, and educators. Referral questions generally pertain to clarifying a diagnosis, determining an individual's strengths and challenges, and assisting the clinician in developing a more comprehensive treatment plan, or the educator in developing an individualized educational plan.
A clinical psychological evaluation consists of a clinical interview or interviews with the patient, interviews with third parties (e.g. parents), administration of a variety of psychological tests designed to assess personality, cognitive ability, academic achievement, and neuropsychological status. Typically, a number of sessions are required to complete a comprehensive psychological evaluation. I have extensive experience in evaluating children, adolescents and adults. Clinical psychological evaluations are often covered by insurance.
Some of the referral questions where I provide psychological evaluations include:
- General psychodiagnostic evaluations to assess disorders of mood and anxiety.
- Personality disorders.
- Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence.
- Learning disabilities.
- Developmental disabilities.
- Psychological and neuropsychological sequelae of medical conditions.
- Postconcussional syndrome.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder.