Psychological Evaluation
Are You Looking For Someone To Provide A Psychological Evaluation?
Do you or your child struggle with behaviors, emotions, or mental health challenges that you want to understand better?
Have you suspected a possible diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or another mental health condition?
Maybe you struggle to find the words to describe how you feel and hope that a psychological evaluation can put a name to what you are experiencing. Perhaps you need an evaluation completed to receive certain treatment services. No matter the reason, an assessment can provide insight, clarity, and confidence so you can make therapeutic decisions that are best suited for you or your child.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
The Reasons To Seek Out A Psychological Evaluation Are Wide-Ranging
Mental health conditions can present so many symptoms that they can be hard to diagnose formally without a professional assessment. All you know is that those symptoms, whether physical, social, or emotional, have probably disrupted your or your child’s daily life, and you are ready for a change.
Often, ADHD symptoms can cause you to fluctuate between low energy and hyperactivity. Additionally, poor performance at work or school could have you wondering if a cognitive disorder or learning disability is getting in the way of your success.
You might have issues with interpersonal relationships, or with managing your emotions, especially if they relate to anger or sadness. Or perhaps, the physical symptoms of anxiety like headaches, stomachaches, shakiness, or a racing heart have become too burdensome.
A psychological evaluation can help you obtain clarity and guidance around what you or your child are experiencing and provide documentation of your need for related treatment with the ultimate goal of symptom relief.
Psychological Evaluations Are Heavily Sought Out Today
The evidence supporting the reliability and validity of psychological assessments today is strong (1), so more and more people seek out testing to find answers about their mental health conditions for themselves.
Our staff has a background in forensic psychology, forensic testing, neurodevelopmental testing, and comprehensive psychological testing. We have found psychological assessments to be the foundation for proper treatment and understanding. Without this knowledge, it can be hard to take further steps toward engaging in the best treatment plan for the symptoms presented.
Psychological Assessments Today Have Resulted In An Increase In ADHD And ASD Diagnoses
The prevalence of diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States has risen significantly in recent years. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children in the US are diagnosed with ASD, which is a 312 percent increase since 2000, when the prevalence was around 1 in 150 children. (2) Similarly, the prevalence of ADHD among children increased from 6 percent in 1998 to 10 percent in 2022. (3)
Assessments and psychological screenings help with the early detection of disorders, which in turn leads to early intervention. Early intervention is paramount with developmental disorders, among
other issues, as it can lead to increased functioning and a better quality of life. Without support, those struggling with mental health challenges may miss out on a lot due to avoiding situations that trigger their symptoms.
You might have a vision about how you want to engage in life, but your mental health concerns may keep you from making that vision a reality. A competent, reliable, and valid comprehensive psychological assessment at our practice can increase your confidence and provide a clear plan for attaining your goals and improving your symptoms.
We Provide Psychological Evaluations For All Ages In A Judgment-Free Environment
An evaluation with Sageview Psychology can provide insight into your strengths, weaknesses, cognitive abilities, and emotional functioning. This self-awareness can be empowering, allowing you to make informed decisions about many aspects of your life, including your career, relationships, and opportunities for personal growth.
The benefits of understanding oneself better through a comprehensive psychological evaluation, including the psychoeducational benefits, and the subsequent targeted treatment can improve nearly every facet of your life. Early evaluation and detection of various mental health conditions can help save time, avoiding treatment methods that aren’t as targeted or beneficial to your needs—for instance, the medication for ADHD is different from those prescribed for depression or anxiety.
Psychological testing and assessments can improve the diagnosis and treatment planning of many mental health conditions including:
Identity Disorder (Dissociative identity disorder)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Depressive Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Learning Disabilities
Sometimes, an evaluation is necessary to qualify for specific treatment. For instance, psychological evaluations for learning disabilities help you qualify for accommodations that can help you or your child thrive in the classroom. An autism evaluation can help provide the documentation necessary for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. An ADHD evaluation can provide diagnostic clarity and result in a referral to medication management and therapy to manage symptoms.
A Bariatric evaluation is necessary to determine if a person is a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery, a surgical procedure to treat obesity. If a court-ordered psychological evaluation is necessary for a child, this process includes a variety of assessments, including a mental status exam, a clinical interview, IQ testing, achievement testing, etc. to inform decisions about the next steps for them in the juvenile justice system.
What To Expect During A Psychological Evaluation
To be prepared for testing, you will need to bring identification cards like a driver’s license or passport, your insurance card, and a list of current medications. Parents must be present for their children who are having an assessment. We suggest you bring a preferred snack and a beverage as this process can take 4 - 6 hours, depending on the type of assessment. Additionally, self-reported measures can be completed at home on your own time prior to the testing day.
Once the assessment is complete, we will analyze the results, complete a report, and contact you to provide a summary with recommendations and accommodations. No matter what prompted you to reach out for a psychological evaluation for you or your child, the journey starts with the assessment.
With clarity and understanding, we can determine the best plan for symptom relief. In our experience, you can expect to obtain a sense of relief after completing the assessment and feel prepared to break the chains and limitations of whatever mental health condition may be holding you back.
You Might Have Questions Or Concerns About Psychological Evaluations…
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Mental health conditions and/or developmental delays are common, and reaching out for help with them should be viewed as seeking medical attention for any health concern. Our goal is to help you in the process of understanding, growth, and development.
Additionally, reaching out for mental health care has become more commonplace in society today, and you can feel confident that you are taking care of your health and well-being.
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You might feel intimidated by a comprehensive psychological assessment, however, our goal is to demystify the process and provide support. The first step would be to schedule a free consultation, during which you will have an opportunity to explain your concerns and we can help alleviate them.
Whether we choose to continue with the psychoeducational assessment tests or not, you’ll have had a chance to understand more about the process, and we can provide insights into your symptoms and possible treatment in the future.
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People living with symptoms of a mental health condition are often uncertain as to whether their concerns are real or if they are just a part of the normal lived experience. While putting a name to the experiences you or your child have had may seem like it will be difficult to live with, consider how challenging things have already been with a lack of help or support.
The psychoeducational testing process and all of the information gained can help you problem-solve and meet your desired goals without limitations.
Getting The Understanding You Need Can Help You Feel Free
Understanding your or your child’s symptoms and experiences is the first important step in making positive change. To schedule a free, 15-minute consultation to learn more about the psychological evaluations we offer, please contact us at (469) 454-8025.
