Psychological Testing and Assessment Reports
Psychologists receive extensive training in test construction and interpretation of test results. During their career, psychologists develop an in-depth understanding of a large variety of psychometric tools that can be used. Consequently, they meet the requirements for obtaining access to a wide variety of psychometric tools otherwise restricted from the general public. Testing can be used in a variety of informative and helpful ways.
In conjunction with a clinical interview, testing can be helpful in:
- Establishing or confirming a diagnosis which provides the foundation for designing a treatment plan for the patient.
- Insurance companies may request a psychological assessment to determine the current psychological functioning of the client. Testing is more objective and therefore the findings assist rehabilitation consultants in making informed, substantiated decisions. This could include authorization of further treatment and continued benefits.
- Legal representatives often advise their clients to undergo an assessment to obtain more insight into the history and the actions that have resulted in legal charges. This information can be helpful not only to the client but their legal representatives and the court. You should ask your lawyer to provide focus for the assessment by indicating what some of the questions they are expecting the assessment to address. This will be helpful to the psychologist.
The Assessment Process
The psychologist will explain the assessment process to you and how the results, usually in a form of a report, will be used. You will be encouraged to ask questions to ensure you fully understand the process. Your written permission and consent must be obtained. Your interview may take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. If you require an interpreter the interview takes longer. It would not be unusual for you to undergo close to 3 hours of testing. The psychologist will arrange for the scoring of the tests or inventories and carefully review your results. A report is written which contains the content of the interview material and the test findings. The report usually contains conclusions and recommendations.
