Psychological Assessment
Services
Psychological Testing Overview
Comprehensive psychological testing involves administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests, as well as providing a clear and detailed report of findings and recommendations. It is useful in determining or clarifying the psychological basis for behavior, diagnoses, informing medical and/or mental health treatment options, assisting in possible educational aide, and much more. There are several different types of testing that our practice offers. We provide full psychological, psycho-educational, and pre-employment/fitness testing services. Other specific types of assessment may be available. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
We do not require referrals for psychological testing. However, if you have been referred for a specific purpose please let us know, as this will aid in our ability to provide the necessary information and documentation.
Estimated Costs of Psychological Testing 2023 can be viewed here.
Types of Assessment
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Psychological testing tends to be more comprehensive, yet tailored to the referral question(s). This type of testing may include various cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social, and adaptive assessment measures. An individual may seek psychological testing to provide an accurate diagnosis or understand the basis of their behaviors. For instance, many behaviors may look like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but in fact be better explained by anxiety, trauma, oppositional/defiant behavior, or an organic medical condition. Understanding the underlying basis for behavior can better inform treatment options.
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Psycho-educational testing typically involves academic, intellectual, adaptive, and other types of assessments depending on the referral question(s). For instance, parents may request this type of testing to determine whether their child has a specific type of learning disability such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), or dyscalculia (mathematics). Parents are encouraged to share the evaluation results with schools and medical providers. Recommendations are customized to each individual.
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Some employers (particularly those in public safety, defense, and sensitive governmental fields) require applicants to undergo a pre-employment psychological evaluation to assess their emotional stability and mental fitness for the position. Specific requirements and psychological test batteries are determined based on employer requirements.
What to expect in a psychological assessment
In your first meeting, the psychologist will speak with you about the reason for the psychological assessment request, who is needing the information (and copies of the report), the capacity of the client to complete the testing, payment source, and other important issues. Some basic information will be collected at that time, including a valid e-mail address, so we can send you a link to the client portal. When you enter the client portal, you will be able to complete our initial paperwork online, as Shoreline Mental Health & Performance is completely paperless in this regard. You will be required to enter valid credit card information as well as a picture of a valid photo ID. At this time, the psychologist will provide an overview of the psychological test battery and expected cost. We require 50% to be paid up front before testing begins and the remaining 50% to be paid when report is complete.
On the initial date of testing, the psychologist will conduct a clinical diagnostic interview, wherein a full history is taken of your symptoms as well as other medical, psychological, academic, vocational, and social concerns. You will be scheduled to complete testing measures (either in session with your psychologist or online via the testing portal).
Upon completion of the testing, the psychologist spends several hours scoring and interpreting the tests, reviewing any relevant records, and writing up the psychological evaluation report. Much of this specialized work is done behind the scenes but is part of the cost of the evaluation. Once the report is complete, your psychologist will schedule a feedback session with you to review and discuss the results. In this session, you will be given a copy of the finalized report. If you need the report to be sent to a third party, you will be required to complete a Release of Information form before the report is sent to any other provider, employer, or agency. Final payment of any account balance is required before report is released to you or any third party.