About Testing

I need an evaluation, but I don’t know what I’m really looking for?

Choosing an evaluator can leave you feeling like you need to be an expert in the mental health field. It is tough to navigate through lists of psychologists, types of evaluators and specialties to figure out who can do the type of testing you need.

We don’t expect you to know all of that stuff! Leave the tough work to me. I will work with you to determine the best plan of action!

How do I pick an evaluator? This isn’t familiar to me.

Looking at a list of psychologists and then randomly picking a name, is like looking at a menu in a foreign language and picking a meal. You have no idea who/what you are picking. Will this be good or not?

There is a major difference between picking a meal and picking an evaluator. A meal will affect you at that moment. An evaluation can affect your plan, options and possibilities moving ahead.

Let’s make sure you are picking the right one!

You wouldn’t go to a movie, expecting a full show only to have them show you a quick skit.

Most shows have a beginning, a middle and an end. When we go to the movies, we are intrigued by the story, progress and outcome.

An evaluation shouldn’t just be a couple pieces of paper with minimal information. An evaluation should tell a story about the client’s history, what led them to this place, the current concerns that are truly of concern (and not just typical for the persons age and gender) and then wrap up with a finale, a diagnosis, summary and plan (recommendations).

This gives the client a true sense of what to do next! Voilla! A plan!

A good fit!

Having the right “fit” for your needs and the correct expertise of the evaluator is a win-win!

It allows for asking the right set of questions to obtain the information needed.

It sets the stage for using the correct assessment instruments and facilitates a complete report that will meet your needs as a roadmap, moving forward.

When should I do the assessment? Is it too early or too late?

Testing can be a first step, identify the problem prior to seeking treatment. Testing can also help to clarify concerns when therapy doesn’t seem to be effective.

I work with clients ages five and up, to assess a range of symptoms and concerns.

Is testing permanent?

The answer is typically no, with a few exceptions.

Testing is a snapshot in time. People change and so do circumstances and symptoms. As a person develops and acquires skills, tools and improved functioning, diagnoses can evolve and even no longer be applicable.

A re-evaluation can typically be completed (as clinically necessary), over time.