Assessment Process

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Psychological testing is a common method used to assess for the presence of various psychological, intellectual, and learning difficulties that may be impacting one's ability to perform at their optimal level. It involves both educational and psychological evaluations and is available to children and adults for a variety of presenting problems. Tests are individually administered, personalized, and comprehensive in order to obtain detailed information.

In addition to providing information related to various areas of functioning, test results can be utilized for accommodations in the classroom, on standardized tests (e.g., SATs, LSATs or GMATs), and in the workplace, as well as for diagnosis and treatment.

Testing Process For Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluations:

Session 1: Client and/or Parent Interview

During the first session, the parent(s) (or adult client) will meet with the clinician to discuss the reason for referral, as well as to obtain background and early childhood history information pertinent to the evaluation.

Sessions 2 to 4: Testing

Depending on the client’s age, testing is divided into 2 to 4 sessions, ranging from 2 to 4 hours in length per session. The client will be provided with breaks throughout testing.

Session 5: Feedback of Results

Upon completion of testing, the clinician will score, interpret, and write a report detailing all of the results of the evaluation. Typically, the feedback session is scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after the last testing session. During this session, results are reviewed and recommendations are discussed.

Test Results and Feedback

No client or parent should ever feel dissatisfied at the close of the assessment process. Test results provide information to obtain the assistance and guidance necessary to achieve a person’s highest potential. Reports are readable and tailored to specific audiences. Our goal is to help clients feel a sense of relief and gain a much richer understanding of the mechanisms that have caused "road blocks" in the past, with hope for overcoming those obstacles in the future. The end product of the assessment process is the "feedback session" and delivery of the test report.

Test Report

Test results are provided in a document outlining the test materials utilized, scores, results, and recommendations. Reports are written in a flexible, concise, individualized manner, capturing the essence of the patient and answering the initial questions. Written reports provide active, relevant, and individualized recommendations that are geared towards maximizing the test-taker’s strengths. The most essential component of the report, the recommendations, is formulated after careful analysis and integration of multiple pieces of information. Recommendations are provided to help clients and/or parents, as well as those professionals that are currently or will be working with the client to be able to easily understand and implement various strategies.

Feedback Session

Feedback sessions allow test-takers and/or parents to meet with the clinician that conducted the evaluation so that they may provide relevant information, answer questions and concerns, as well as provide feedback related to strengths and weaknesses. It is important to us that results are meaningful and well understood.

After Testing is Complete

Finally, after the testing is completed, the goal is to link clients to the appropriate medical and educational resources that may be most beneficial. Most importantly, the testing relationship does not end at the feedback session. We understand that many questions may arise following feedback, and we are available to consult with other professionals, to explain results again, to attend IEP meetings, or simply offer support.