What is Psychological Assessment?

A psychological assessment is a process used to evaluate an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It typically involves a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests to gather information about the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall functioning. The assessment is typically conducted by a licensed psychologist or other qualified mental health professional. The purpose of a psychological assessment can vary, but it often includes identifying mental health disorders, evaluating cognitive functioning, assessing personality traits, and determining the best course of treatment. The results of the assessment can also be used to make important decisions, such as diagnostic clarity, referrals, or making recommendations for accommodations in educational or work settings. Overall, psychological assessments provide a thorough understanding of an individual’s mental health and can aid in creating personalized treatment plans for clients.

Shanti OC provides a comprehensive range of assessments for individuals aged 16+. Most insurances accepted and cover assessments. Length of each assessment varies, and testing typically occurs across a number of sessions (2-4 weeks). Types of psychological assessments Shanti OC provides include the following:

  • Specific learning disorders, including Impairment in Mathematics, Written Language, and Reading
  • Cognitive (IQ) testing
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Intellectual disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Weaknesses in executive functioning
  • Weaknesses is academic achievement
  • Personality Disorders
  • Thought Disorders
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Complex and Developmental Trauma (PTSD)
  • Pre-adoption Evaluations
  • Pre-surgical Evaluations (e.g., bariatric)

What are some assessments that are NOT offered?/ Who is NOT a good fit?
Shanti OC does not currently provide the following services:

  • Disability assessments
  • Parenting assessments/any assessments related to divorce
  • Forensic/court assessments (e.g., custody, risk, competency),
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments (screening and referral for further testing as needed)

What to expect during your evaluation:

A psychological evaluation generally takes several hours and may be conducted over a variety of sessions. These evaluations typically begin in the morning. A break may be taken for lunch and is followed by a couple more hours of testing. The time varies based on the needs of each client. You will meet with a psychologist specifically trained to administer testing. Minors being evaluated (age 16+ only) may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is well acquainted with the individual’s behavior patterns as well as their health and developmental history.

To get the most from your evaluation and testing it is important:

  • To get plenty of rest the night before your evaluation
  • To eat an adequate meal prior to arriving
  • To bring a list of your medications
  • To bring any records or documentation that you feel may be pertinent (e.g., medical records, IEP/504 Plan, psychoeducational reports, diagnoses, disability verification records)
  • To bring completed forms that may have been requested by the psychologist when the appointment was scheduled
  • To bring eye glasses or hearing aids (if needed)
  • To bring your insurance card
  • To secure child care for any children not directly involved in the testing

People sometimes worry about their upcoming evaluation. There is no expectation of you to prepare for these evaluations, nor is there anything for you do to ‘get ready’ for this exam, with the exception of the items listed above.

Shanti OC’s comprehensive testing and evaluation process typically involves the following:

  • Testing intake session. This one- to two-hour meeting with a psychologist will focus on gathering information from you. Information gathered about your specific concerns will assist the psychologist in determining the appropriate tests to administer, as well as obtaining pre-authorization from your insurance provider.
  • Testing sessions. One or more testing sessions will be scheduled for a morning timeslot. A morning session allows us to capture your optimal performance. We make every effort to schedule testing sessions within two to three weeks of the initial intake appointment.
  • Consultation with other professionals (if appropriate). As part of the evaluation, we will contact other professionals such as teachers, tutors, mental health professionals or physicians for relevant information.
  • Review of previous records (academic, mental health, medical, etc.). We will ask that you provide us with any records that are relevant to obtaining a comprehensive view of your functioning (e.g., medical, psychological, and academic records).
  • Testing review session. About two to three weeks after the completion of testing sessions, we will conduct a review session. A psychologist will explain the test results, diagnostic findings, as well as recommendations to address any identified difficulties.
  • Detailed written report. You will receive a written report at the review session, including a comprehensive review of relevant background information, an explanation of testing results, and conclusions about the findings. We will provide detailed recommendations so that you have a practical plan for creating effective changes for you. If appropriate, we will provide referrals to professionals or services (including therapy and medication), if recommended.

Psychoeducational Testing provides information regarding:

  • A client specific learning style and academic strengths and weaknesses, poor school performance, or academic decline
  • Behaviors such as inattention, poor organization, hyperactivity, low motivation, work struggles, impulsivity, or low frustration tolerance
  • Memory, reasoning, and problem-solving ability
  • Motor skills, sensory-perceptual functioning, and visual- perceptual functioning
  • IQ (as determined by intelligence tests)
  • Academic achievement (as determined by achievements tests)
  • Attention, concentration, and impulsivity (as determined by computerized performance tests)

Psychoeducational Testing can often assist with the following:

  • Diagnosing Learning disabilities, such as Reading Disorder/Dyslexia, Disorder of Written Expression/Dysgraphia, Math Disorder/Dyscalculia
  • Diagnosing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and or other executive functioning deficits
  • Eligibility for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
  • Admission into private schools or postgraduate programs
  • Accommodations for standardized tests such as the IRB, ISEE, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, or other graduate school entrance exams.

  • Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people, and is among the most misdiagnosed psychological condition, which can create stress on your relationships and in day-to-day life.
  • Problems concentrating, organizing or completing work or other tasks, and feeling like you’re easily distracted are hallmark symptoms if you have ADHD. If you have trouble focusing at school/work or is often accused of ‘acting out’ or ‘daydreaming’, you may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD.
  • While some people think ADHD only affects children, the truth is adults suffer from ADHD symptoms as well. It was often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in the past and many people may be experiencing unnecessary hardships as a result.
  • Having accurate ADHD screening by a thorough psychological assessment is key to self-awareness and to taking steps towards improving the symptoms. The team at Shanti OC are experts in ADHD testing and diagnosis.
  • Shanti OC will provide assistance with navigating testing or workplace accommodations for those diagnosed with ADHD and make referrals to start ADHD treatment.
  • ADHD includes both hyperactivity and inattention. In adults, common symptoms of ADHD include:
    • Trouble organizing activities or work
    • Trouble paying attention to detail or hyper-focusing
    • Easily distracted
    • Often forgetful
    • Fidgets or squirms in seat/difficulty sitting still
    • Difficulty relaxing or participating in quiet time
    • Trouble waiting their turn
    • Interrupts others or blurts out answers while talking
  • While we all have moments where we feel distracted or unfocused – someone with ADHD will have six or more of these symptoms everyday.

  • Psychodiagnostic testing is used to help diagnose and clarify concerns regarding behavior, personality traits, mood, emotional functioning, and cognitive processes. It usually involves a sophisticated and extensive workup to distinguish the psychological contributions that may confound accurate diagnosis and treatment. The report is often used to answer specific referral questions. These may include need for additional diagnostic clarification, documenting multiple coexisting psychological disorders, psychological disorders secondary to medical conditions or substance abuse/dependence, and exploring current psychosocial stressors effects on one adaptive ability.
  • Areas where psychodiagnostic assessment may be helpful:
    • When a client is not responding to psychopharmaceutical treatment alone and clarification of diagnosis is needed.
    • When there is a history of trauma (especially long-term exposure) and there are concerns that current symptoms may be partially attributed to these experiences.
    • When substance abuse is suspected as a primary contributor to other psychological disorders, or when it has developed as a secondary problem due to an individual’s inability to utilize healthier and more adaptive coping mechanisms.
    • When there are problems in interpersonal relationships, especially when these issues are significantly impacting an individual’s functioning.
    • When there is a history or current problem with self control, self-harm or suicidal ideation.
    • When there is a suspicion that an adult may have ADHD or other learning disability which was previously undiagnosed.

  • What are Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluations?
    • A pre-adoption psychological evaluation is an assessment designed to determine whether a couple or individual is able and prepared to adopt a child. These evaluations are typically part of the international adoption process; each country’s adoption agencies have their own requirements for what the evaluation should include, as well as what the focus of the evaluation should be, the methods used to conduct it, and how to analyze the data and communicate the results to the appropriate authorities.
  • Most pre-adoption psychological assessments require psychologists to:
    • Establish rapport with the parents-to-be
    • Make their own assessment, independent of any previous home study report
    • Accurately interpret any testing that may be used during the evaluation
  • What to Expect During a Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluation
    • Shanti OC is qualified to perform pre-adoption psychological assessments in a thorough and timely manner and will tailor the report to your chosen adoption authority to help the agency decide whether or not you are a suitable candidate.
    • Shanti OC will conduct a clinical interview and make inquiries into topics such as:
      • Social support
      • Cultural awareness
      • Mental and marital suitability
      • Parenting awareness
  • Specific parent qualities assessed in a pre-adoption evaluation include:
    • Your ability to be open to new experiences
    • A high level of emotional stability and maturity
    • Flexibility in expectations regarding the child’s academic standards or societal norms
    • Willing to consider whatever challenges an adopted child may bring, especially those with pre-arrival adversity
  • During the assessment, Shanti OC will maintain impartiality in order to keep her observations, testing, and resulting inferences unbiased. After the assessment is completed, Shanti OC will prepare the letter or report required by the host country, and will only include required information.

  • The decision to undergo plastic or bariatric surgery requires dedication and a serious commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes. As such, all surgeons require potential candidates to complete a psychological evaluation in order to determine eligibility for the procedure. Your surgeon is most interested in your level of understanding regarding the risks and complications of the surgery, and your desire to follow the basic recovery plan to see if surgery is right for you.
  • Psychological Assessments for Bariatric Surgery Candidates the following areas:
    • Behavioral Components
      • Previous attempts at weight management
      • Eating and dietary styles
      • Physical activity and inactivity
      • Substance abuse
      • Health related risk-taking behavior
      • Legal history
    • Cognitive and Emotional Functioning
      • Cognitive functioning
      • Knowledge of obesity and surgical interventions
      • Coping skills, emotional modulation, and boundaries
      • Past psychotherapy
    • Developmental History
      • Any childhood history of weight-related ridicule and its related impact.
      • The role that food may have played, along with any attempts to use it as a source of love, comfort, companionship, control or dissociation, during childhood.
      • The degree and quality of attachments in social relationships outside the home.
      • Parental availability and stability as well as the quality of the bond with the identified client.
    • Current Life Situation
      • Stressors
      • Utilization of Social Support
    • Motivation & Expectations
      • Expectations regarding psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle challenges and adjustments post-surgery
      • Possible Body Dysmorphia Disorder, anxiety, or other issues.
      • Unrealistic expectations and how these could affect recovery and weight management both short- and long-term.

What to Expect from a Pre-Surgical Psych Assessment:

  • The testing will include a 1-hour initial intake session to gather relevant background information and history.
  • You will be scheduled to come back for a testing session, and you will complete various self-report inventories and/or personality tests.
  • The psychologist will consult with your surgeon and/or primary care physician, if necessary, in order to ensure a thorough evaluation tailored to your needs. Once the report is completed, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
  • This session will provide you with an opportunity to discuss the report and ask any questions you may have. You will also be given a copy of the report for your own records, and if you wish to have it faxed directly to your surgeon, Shanti OC will be more than happy to assist you with that as well.

  • Psychological and behavioral factors have long been understood to be important in assessing the suitability of patients for implantable devices. In the management of chronic pain patients, spinal cord stimulators, morphine pumps and other devices have been used to alleviate unremitting pain, to increase functional ability, and to allow patients to discontinue or limit the chronic use of narcotic medication. Insurance companies often require individuals who are candidates for an implantable device undergo a psychological evaluation to determine whether they are suitable to receive and manage the device.
  • Psychological Assessments for Implantable Device Surgery Candidates are covered in the following areas:
    • Behavioral Components
      • Physical activity and inactivity
      • Substance abuse
      • Health related risk-taking behavior
      • Legal history
    • Cognitive and Emotional Functioning
      • Cognitive functioning
      • Expectations of amount of pain relief
      • Coping skills, emotional modulation, and boundaries
      • Possible depression, anxiety or other issues
      • Understanding of the proposed procedure
    • Developmental History
      • Mental Health History
    • Current Life Situation
      • Stressors
      • Utilization of Social Support
    • Motivation & Expectations
      • Expectations regarding psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle challenges and adjustments post-surgery
      • Unrealistic expectations and how these could affect recovery both short- and long-term.

What to Expect from a Pre-Surgical Psych Assessment:

    • The testing will include a 1-hour initial intake session to gather relevant background information and history.
    • You will be scheduled to come back for a testing session, and you will complete various self-report inventories and/or personality tests.
    • The psychologist will consult with your surgeon and/or primary care physician, if necessary, in order to ensure a thorough evaluation tailored to your needs. Once the report is completed, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
    • This session will provide you with an opportunity to discuss the report and ask any questions you may have. You will also be given a copy of the report for your own records, and if you wish to have it faxed directly to your surgeon, Shanti OC will be more than happy to assist you with that as well.