Psychological Assessment
The Cedars is happy to provide comprehensive psychological and psycho-educational testing for children, adolescents, and adults. Based on the nature of the referral and the needs of each individual, clinicians develop a battery of tests to address areas of concern. Psychological evaluation is comprised of an in-depth clinical interview and may include administration of norm-referenced tests of cognition, personality functioning, behavioral rating scales, and various self-report measures assessing psychopathology. The goal of psychological assessment is to provide valuable information about an individual’s level of functioning in physical, behavioral, social, and emotional domains.
The clinical interview typically involves discussion with the individual and others, such as spouses, parents, teachers, case managers, and others who are familiar with the matter being addressed in the referral question. Observation of the individual referred in their natural setting, particularly in the case of children, can be important and may be part of a psychological evaluation. Interviews and observations are typically conducted prior to testing. After testing is completed clinicians evaluate the pattern of results obtained on testing together with behavioral observations and information provided by collateral sources. Findings are described and summarized in a psychological report and typically describes strengths and vulnerabilities together with recommendations designed to improve the referred individual’s quality of life. Reports are typically completed approximately two to four weeks following the final testing session.
Individuals referred for psychological evaluation are invited to return for a 45-minute review of findings. This is an opportunity for clinicians to answer questions and discuss recommendations and referrals. Recommendations and referrals for treatment may include testing accommodations, specific coping strategies, psychotherapy, medication review, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and behavioral treatment among others.
Referral Questions that may be answered by a psychological evaluation include:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Learning Disorders
- Intellectual Impairment
- Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders/Asperger’s Disorder
- Conduct Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Mood Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder