Psychological
Evaluation

At Curious Minds we understand that psychological testing and evaluation can be a sensitive and often overwhelming process. We want to make the experience as positive, easy, and comfortable as possible. A Psychological Evaluation involves an in-depth interview and a series of tests, conducted by a psychologist. The results of the evaluation are gathered, analyzed and a report is produced that will help guide the course of treatment for that individual. Comprehensive psychological evaluations are usually conducted to guide mental health or psychiatric treatment as well as to clarify a complicated diagnostic profile. The aim is to understand an individual's behavior, personality, cognitive abilities, and other psychological attributes. Psychological evaluations are also used in educational planning, understanding specific strengths and challenges, assessing a person’s daily functioning level, helping students if they are requiring additional assistance or accommodations in their classroom settings, and to gain a deeper understanding of one’s self to initiate the healing and growth process.

Some questions regarding psychological functioning and diagnosis do not require actual psychological testing to answer. A thorough diagnostic interview with the use of various rating scales, may be all that is needed. If you are interested in seeking comprehensive psychological testing and evaluation for you or your child, schedule a 3 hour testing/evaluation block. Additional appointments may be needed to complete testing. The actual duration of a psychological evaluation varies based on the question we are trying to answer, the tests being administered, and the interview process. Some evaluations may take only a few hours, while some comprehensive and neurological evaluations might span multiple sessions.

If you have more questions regarding our psychological evaluations, feel free to send us a message.

How to Prepare for a Psychological Evaluation:

Get a Good Night's Sleep: A well-rested mind can better focus and engage in the testing process.
Eat a Balanced Meal: Hunger can distract you. Ensure you have a nutritious meal before the test, especially if you know the assessment will be long.
Dress Comfortably: Wear something you feel relaxed in, as you might be sitting for a while.
Stay Calm and Honest: Answer questions honestly and try not to overthink.
Come Prepared: Gather historical information that may be relevant to the current evaluation. This may include medical records, prior psychological evaluations, school report cards, work performance reviews, or Individualized Educational Programs (school IEP’s). Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription medications and supplements you are taking.

What to Expect During the Testing Process:

Initial Interview: Psychological Evaluations start with an initial interview to understand the reason for testing and gather background information. This guides decision-making regarding what tests are needed to answer the referral question.
Varied Testing Methods: Depending on the purpose, you might encounter different testing methods, from multiple-choice questions to interactive tasks or open-ended questions. Curious Minds utilizes the latest psychological testing technology with computer based testing as well as interactive testing measures.
Breaks: If the testing session is long, you'll typically be given short breaks.
Safe Environment: The psychologist will ensure that the testing environment is comfortable and free from distractions.

What to Expect After the Testing Process:

Debriefing: After the testing session, brief impressions may be provided and a feedback session will be scheduled.
Detailed Report: You'll receive a comprehensive report detailing the test results, interpretations, diagnosis and recommendations during the feedback session.
Discussion and Clarifications: The psychologist will discuss the findings with you, helping you understand the results and answering any questions.