Psychological Evaluation
Bay Area Psychology offers a variety of comprehensive psychological, neuropsychological and forensic evaluations to address specific questions, help guide treatment planning, and clarify diagnosis. The following are examples of the types of formal psychological evaluations that are provided:
- Intellectual Functioning
- Academic Functioning (i.e. learning disability, gifted)
- Attention/Concentration
- Behavioral Functioning
- Emotional and Personality Functioning
- Forensic Evaluations (i.e. criminal and family courts)
- Vocational/Rehabilitation
- Dementia evaluations and other neurocognitive disorders
- Medical and pre-surgical psychological evaluations (i.e. bariatric, fertility, pain management)
- Assessment of activities of daily living (i.e. one’s ability to live independently, drive, care for their medical needs, manage their finances, perform grooming/hygiene independently, etc.)
Here are some examples of common reasons people seek evaluations:
- Why is my child acting out at home or in school?
- Do I, or my child, have a learning disability, ADHD, or other mood disorder?
- Am I, or is my child, achieving at an appropriate level in school or at work?
- Are accommodations available for standardized testing (i.e. SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE).
- Could my child benefit from the gifted program in their school?
- How can I help my child who struggles with his/her peers?
- What is the best time-sharing arrangement for our children?
What to expect:
Typically, psychological evaluations are done over multiple sessions. During the intake appointment, detailed information regarding the current concerns as well as background information regarding relevant medical, developmental, social, academic, employment, and family history is gathered. If the client is under the age of 18, the first appointment is only with their parent(s) or caregiver(s).
At the conclusion of the intake appointment, the appointment(s) for testing are scheduled. The evaluation procedures are chosen specifically to address the primarily concern(s) and referral question(s). Common measures used include, intelligence tests, academic achievement tests, emotional measures, and personality/behavioral tests. When necessary, behavioral observations can be done at a child’s school. When available, medical, mental health and school records are reviewed. When appropriate, and with written consent, collateral information is gathered from family members, teachers, and other treating clinicians.
Once the evaluation is complete, a feedback session is scheduled to discuss the test results and treatment recommendations. At this time, you would receive a written copy of the evaluation. When requested, and with written consent, a copy of the report will be sent to referral sources.