Understanding Evaluations

A Psychological Evaluation is an overall assessment of mental health and psychological functioning intended to provide information necessary for a diagnosis and to assist in guiding treatment. Psychological evaluations typically include:

· Clinical interviews

· Records reviews

· Standard testing includes:

o Self-report measures

o Clinical interviews

o Cognitive Testing: IQ and achievement testing

o Emotional: Assessment of emotional functioning

o Behavioral: Evaluation of behavioral risks and screen for organic impairments

o Executive Functioning: evaluation of the individual’s ability to account for regulate self.

· Written report of test results

Psychological evaluations are used to identify behaviors associated with psychiatric and developmental disorders, such as, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and other mental health disorders.

A Neuropsychological Evaluation includes assessment of neurological problems with a greater focus on cognitive, motor, and behavioral function, neurobehavioral disorders and/or brain disorders. Neuropsychological assessments are not an evaluation of mental health, but rather, a psychological evaluation to assess brain function, which typically include more in depth assessment and testing of:

· The origin and severity of a disorder

· Auditory/visual processing

· Phonology and audiology

· Sensory Integration

· Gross and Fine Motor Development

· Nonverbal learning disorder

· Alcohol or drug related damage

· Brain injury or concussion,

· Other neurologic conditions.