Psychological Assessment
Like a medical examination in which a physician evaluates a patient’s physical well-being by speaking with the patient and/or administering formal tests, a psychological assessment is a process through which a psychology professional evaluates a client’s psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being through open dialogue and formal testing. The assessment process may involve one or both of the following:
A series of face-to-face interviews during which the psychology professional meets with the client (and sometimes his/her family members) to gain a rich understanding of the client’s emotions, behaviors, thoughts, coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges, and personal strengths.
One or more standardized tests (both verbal and written) that the psychology professionals can use to gain more objective and data-driven insights regarding a client’s overall well-being.
With this information, the psychology professional can provide an appropriate diagnosis (if one is warranted) and work with the client and his/her family to set goals and develop an appropriate plan for positive change.