There are several standardized tests that clinicians use to test various aspects of mood, personality type, and intellectual capacity. Some of these tests are used to help with diagnosis, while others, such as IQ testing, help identify a person's strengths and difficulties in particular areas.
Psychological Testing and Assessment Fall Into Several Categories:
- Achievement tests are usually used in educational or employment settings, and they measure how much you know about a certain topic (i.e., your achieved knowledge), such as mathematics, spelling, or reading.
- Intelligence tests measure your basic ability to understand the world around you, assimilate its functioning, and apply this knowledge to enhance the quality of your life.
- Neuropsychological tests measure difficulties in cognitive functioning (i.e., your ability to think, speak, reason, etc.).
- Occupational tests attempt to match your interests with the interests of persons in known careers.
- Personality tests attempt to measure basic personality styles and patterns to help with clinical diagnoses.
Assessment FAQ
The length of an assessment (number and duration of appointments) varies depending upon the age of the individual and the concerns being addressed. On average, younger children take less time than older children and adults. Following the initial intake appointment, your clinician will be able to give you a better idea of number and duration of appointments.
The entire process including intake, testing, and feedback take approximately 2 months. Your clinician will share the estimated timeline with you and update you if there are factors that would extend the timeline.
Try to get a good night’s sleep prior to your appointment. Eat prior to your appointment. If you/your child wears glasses or uses hearing aids, be sure to have those for your appointment.
It is helpful to have the names of providers you work with, for example primary care or psychiatry, as well as their contact information. Clinicians will gather records from current/previous providers, with your permission. You may bring notes of points that you want to discuss, such as symptoms, frequency, intensity, duration, and time of onset. It is also helpful to write down the names of medications, dates, and dosages. If you have court documentation related to custody of a child receiving an assessment, please bring that documentation to your appointment.
Yes, please administer any regularly prescribed medications on the day of the assessment and bring medications if you/your child takes a mid-day dose. In order to get the best possible test results from our assessment, we want to see you/your child at your best. Our staff will talk with you about whether or not the medications help. It is recommended that no changes be made to you/your child’s medication (excluding antibiotics and medication for colds) within two weeks of the assessment. Any changes in medications during this time could alter the reliability of the assessment.
No, there is not a vending machine in the building. You may bring snacks, a packed lunch, or visit one of the several restaurants nearby during a break.
Yes, at the assessment appointment please ask the staff for an absence letter.
No, we do not provide child care. For assessment of minors, the parent/legal guardian will be involved in interviews. Only the child being evaluated should be brought to the appointment.
Parents participate in an interview and may complete self-report measures regarding their child. For testing to be standardized and accurate, parents do not remain in the room for most assessment measures.
Parents also participate in their child’s assessment. Our clinicians will interview you about your child’s background in many different areas, such as behavior, education, and medical history, as well as have you complete questionnaires. Additionally, we ask parents to remain on site in the event their child needs their support.
No, we do not provide custody or forensic evaluations.