When Is It Time to Receive A Psychological Evaluation?

Psych evaluations can help determine if you or a loved one is suffering from a physical disorder, a mental illness, or a substance abuse disorder. How do you know when and if it’s the right time to take the step of talking to your doctor or psychologist about a psychological assessment?

The Basics & Benefits of Psychological Evaluations

Psychological evaluations, also known as psychological tests, are used to diagnose illnesses that have an impact on memory, behaviors, and thought processes. They must be administered by a psychologist and can be completed on children or adults. Psych evaluations involve thorough screenings and assessments that can be written or given orally.

There are four types of psychological evaluations: Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ), Behavioral Assessment, Clinical Interview, and Personality Assessment. These evaluations may help psychologists get more information about an individual’s personality, how they view the world, the root causes of any emotional problems, reasons for any aggressive behavior, coping styles, and more.

When Do You Need to Get A Psych Evaluation?

Psych evaluations are recommended for individuals who show signs of certain conditions but don’t have a diagnosis. These assessments can help diagnose Alzheimer’s, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, dementia, head trauma, intellectual disabilities, personality disorders, schizophrenia, stroke, substance abuse disorders and more. Here are some signs that it may be time for an individual to receive a psych evaluation:

They’re having issues in school or work
They’re displaying changes in mood or behavior
The experience memory loss
They experienced physical issues like a stroke
They use substances like alcohol, pain medication, or illicit drugs in excess

Of course, the signs for whether or not someone needs a psych evaluation depends on the person. The individual must agree to see a psychologist and receive an evaluation. Once they do, the psychologist will tailor the test to the person’s needs and give them clear instructions regarding next steps.

The Process of A Psychological Evaluation

There are multiple methods for completing psychological evaluations. However, they will usually consist of a series of structured standardized tests, questionnaires, and interviews that are designed to identify or diagnose certain disorders or disabilities.

Essentially, a psychologist’s role in psychological assessments is to serve as a detective. They find clues that they piece together to solve an overall mystery. The more clues they identify, the more they’ll be able to understand what an individual is going through. Once the psychologist completes a full evaluation, they will develop a customized plan for the patient.

The plan will vary based on the type of diagnosis that an individual receives. Treatment options may include certain medications, different types of psychotherapy, education resources, group meetings, and more. Psych evaluations are primarily completed in residential substance abuse treatment centers. However, they’re also available in emergency departments, home care services, inpatient units, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, and prisons.

If you’re interested in psychological evaluations for yourself or a family member, contact our team of substance abuse treatment representatives to learn more or get started with an assessment. If necessary, we will create a treatment plan to help you or your loved one begin recovery. Contact us by calling 267.209.7312.