PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Psychological Assessment by DHA Licensed Psychologist
Psychological assessment is a process used by mental health professionals to gather and evaluate information about an individual's mental and emotional functioning. It is a comprehensive evaluation that may include various tools and techniques to diagnose mental health conditions and provide valuable insights into a person's psychological well-being. Here's an overview of how psychological assessment is conducted for diagnostic purposes:
1
Referral and Initial Interview
The assessment process typically begins with a referral from a healthcare provider, therapist, or the individual seeking help. An initial interview is conducted to gather background information, including the reason for seeking assessment, current symptoms, medical history, and relevant life events.
2
Selection of Assessment Tools
Based on the initial interview and the suspected diagnosis, the psychologist or mental health professional selects appropriate assessment tools. These tools can include:
3
Structured Clinical Interviews
These are standardized interviews with specific questions to assess symptoms and gather diagnostic information.
4
Psychological Tests
Psychological Tests: Various tests, such as personality assessments (e.g., MMPI-2), intelligence tests (e.g., WAIS), and projective tests (e.g., Rorschach), may be used to assess different aspects of mental health.
5
Behavioral Observations:
Observing the individual's behavior in a clinical setting or during specific tasks can provide valuable information.
6
Neuropsychological Tests
These tests assess cognitive function, memory, attention, and executive functioning.
Assessment of Daily Functioning: Evaluating an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and maintain social and occupational roles can be essential for some diagnoses.
7
Psychological Assessment Sessions
The individual undergoes one or more assessment sessions, during which they may participate in interviews, complete questionnaires, and perform tasks or tests. These sessions are typically conducted in a private and comfortable environment.
8
Analysis and Interpretation
The psychologist analyzes the data collected during the assessment process. This includes looking for patterns, identifying symptoms, and assessing the severity of the condition.
9
Diagnosis
Based on the assessment findings and the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the psychologist makes a formal diagnosis, if applicable. Diagnoses are used to classify and describe mental health conditions.
10
Feedback and Treatment Recommendations
The psychologist provides feedback to the individual/ Parent, discussing the assessment results and diagnosis. We also offer recommendations for treatment options, such as therapy, modifications in school curriculum, Exemptions , Home based changes etc
11
Treatment Planning
If a diagnosis is made, the psychologist and individual work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual. This plan may include therapy goals, strategies, and interventions.
Ongoing Assessment
In some cases, psychological assessment is an ongoing process to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.It's important to note that psychological assessment is a collaborative process between the family/ client seeking help and the mental health professional. The goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that promotes mental health and well-being.