UTILIZING PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
Just as a pediatrician uses blood work and x-rays for medical decisions, I use psychological tests to guide my clinical work. This includes identifying challenges, identifying the source of these challenges, and providing treatment and recommendations. Tests help monitor progress and evaluate programs. I will always communicate the purpose of each test. Initial assessments provide a baseline of your child’s functioning, highlighting strengths and vulnerabilities. Gathering family and parent information helps understand your child’s context. After the initial assessment, I provide a brief verbal report summarizing emotional, interpersonal, behavioral, and functional strengths and vulnerabilities. Together, we determine the treatment plan, possibly involving your child in setting goals. Tests typically include multiple-choice and open-ended questions to refine understanding.
Potential risks include mild psychological discomfort and fatigue, but the benefits include more accurate understanding and treatments.
Areas assessed may include:
Potential risks include mild psychological discomfort and fatigue, but the benefits include more accurate understanding and treatments.
Areas assessed may include:
- Emotional functioning (e.g., happy, sad, mad, glad, anxious)
- Adaptive functioning (e.g., dressing self, tying shoes)
- Executive functioning (e.g., cognitive flexibility, impulsivity)
- Symptoms (e.g., depression, atypical thoughts, sleep impairment)
- Substance abuse history and behavior (when relevant, referred to experts and possible hospitalization)
- Safety concerns, suicidal ideation, or gestures (when relevant, referred to DBT coaches and possible hospitalization)