9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Independent Psychological Assessment
9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Independent Psychological Assessment
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What is an Independent Psychological Assessment?
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Psychologists use tests, assessments and other instruments to determine a client's psychological or mental issues. These tests include social-security assessments as well as competency evaluations, the sanity test in criminal cases, and independent psychological assessment.
Evaluations
Psychologists employ psychological tests to determine the health of a person's mind. These tests can be used to determine if a person is fit to stand trial or are injured. The right evaluation provider can provide accurate, impartial reports that can significantly improve your chances of winning your case.
Psychological testing is a mix of methods, including standardized tests and questions. These tests are used to compare the responses of an individual to the normal population. They can be used to evaluate various symptoms and conditions such as depression and PTSD. They can also be used to test cognitive functioning. These tests are usually performed in a clinical setting by a psychologist.
It is important to understand that not all tests are of equal validity and accuracy. Some tests are better suited to certain demographics and cultures than others. For example, some people may be more likely to have difficulties with tests that haven't been developed or normed for them.
These limitations can render the results of certain assessments incorrect or misleading. It is essential to find an independent psychologist to perform an objective assessment of your mental health.
Typically, individuals looking for a private psychological assessment seek out a specialist who is employed by a private practice or private agency. These professionals have smaller caseloads and can devote more time and attention to each client they evaluate. They can also tailor their evaluation to meet the needs of each person.
For example, a private psychologist can conduct a thorough clinical interview and include personality/emotional tests that are not usually part of the standard testing battery performed by school psychologists. They may also conduct interviews with medical professionals, teachers and other family members or outside treatment providers to gain a more complete picture of an individual's mental history.
Private evaluations can also highlight strengths. Everyone has weaknesses and areas where they require improvement, but it is equally important to identify which strengths they have so they can take advantage of these strengths. This can be especially helpful for those who have been diagnosed with issues with their mental health, since it will help them utilize the strengths they have to overcome their weaknesses.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the identification of mental health disorders or condition and can be the most important element in psychological evaluation. The diagnosis is similar to the physical exam in which X-rays and blood tests are used to determine a cause for symptoms. The diagnosis can affect the treatment process and can affect the prognosis, eligibility for benefits, and disability status.
Many factors can influence the diagnostic practices of clinicians, including the need for reimbursement and authorization (Garland et al. 2003). In several studies, it was shown that social workers and psychologists have different attitudes towards the value of diagnosis. Psychologists in particular have a negative attitude towards diagnosing and the standard assessment tools as compared to other practitioners.
The process of diagnosing a patient is often complex and requires a thorough review and interview with the patient or their family. Clinicians can use a variety of psychological tests that are standardized and assessments, which evaluate different aspects of behavior, however, they also apply their professional judgment in scoring the results. These results are then evaluated and interpreted to establish an assessment. Some of these standardized tests are objective, while others are subjective. For instance, unstructured tests that require open-ended answers are deemed to be less objective than standard tests that have pre-determined questions from which the respondent chooses.
If you or your child is undergoing a psychological examination it is crucial that you feel safe, heard and understood. You may want to bring someone along. This could be a friend, relative or advocate who could represent your views and interests. You may also seek the assistance of an advocacy service provided by a mental health charity or your local council.
Treatment
Testing is usually used to determine mental health conditions or problems which may affect a person's emotional or behavioral functioning. Psychological assessments are designed to determine the root of the problem and ensure that the patient receives the right treatment. Psychologists typically recommend specific medications or therapy to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression bipolar disorder as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders that affect the way people feel and behavior.
Psychological evaluations usually include the use of standardized tests and observations of behavior. They can also include self-report inventories and clinical interviews. The psychologist will evaluate these tests to determine a first diagnosis. The evaluation results will assist in the creation of a comprehensive treatment program that will address the immediate and longer-term needs of an individual.
These assessments are most commonly used to determine mental disorders and learning difficulties in children. For example, the assessment process can confirm that a child or teenager has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As an educator in the past I have observed that a lot of schools appreciate and value independent psychological assessments by private psychologists to support their 504 Plans or IEPs. The benefit of a private evaluation is that the psychologist has the ability to customize the assessment to fit the particular situation and concerns.
In some cases the referrals for neuropsychological assessments are made to assess more detailed aspects of psychological functioning. These types of evaluations can include tests of intelligence, academic achievement aptitude, neurocognitive abilities, emotional and personality functioning. Psychologists who specialize in these types of assessments typically have more extensive postdoctoral training.
Sometimes, the results of an independent psychological examination can be useful in the case of a personal injury lawsuit. A psychologist can perform an independent medical exam (IME) to determine whether your psychological injuries were the result of workplace incidents. This type of IME is performed by a psychologist who has been selected and paid by your insurance company's employer. An IME could be conducted in person, by videoconference or a combination. The psychologist will review your medical records, and conduct an array of observations and interviews with you, your treatment providers and other people who are familiar with the incident.
Reports
The process of assessment culminates in the preparation of a written report that presents the findings of the independent psychological evaluation. The report will include an introduction as well as a description and summary of the techniques employed, as well as a thorough explanation of how you collected the information. Complex terms are often explained in the text or listed as footnotes to make the report easier to read.
The report is based on a clinical interview with the individual and a review of medical records, audio/visual materials including collateral contacts, as well as objective evidence such as standardized tests. IME assessors interpret the general psychiatric assessment results of psychological tests. They must be administered and interpreted by a person who is familiar with the fundamentals of test construction. The SSA requires the expert to have a doctorate in psychology and be certified to administer psychometric tests.
An IME report examines the effects of injury on the ability to function in work and other situations. It will include a diagnosis of any psychological injuries or illnesses as well as mental health recommendations. It will also describe any barriers to recovery.