What is an Independent Psychological Assessment?
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Psychologists use tests, assessments and other instruments to determine a client's psychological or mental health issues. These assessments include social security exams as well as competency and sanity tests in criminal cases, and independent psychological assessments.
Evaluations
Psychologists use psychological evaluations to determine the health of a person's mind. These evaluations often help determine if you are fit to stand trial, however they can also be useful in a civil lawsuit involving the claim of a disability or injury. A reliable evaluation service will provide you with quality independent reports that can increase your chances of winning your case.
Psychological testing uses a variety methods, such as standardized tests and questions. These are used to assess the responses of an individual to the normative group. They are a good way to determine various conditions and symptoms such as depression and PTSD. They can also be used to test cognitive functioning. In general the tests are administered in a clinical setting by a trained psychologist.
It is important to recognize that not all tests are equally valid and reliable. Particularly, some tests are more appropriate for certain demographics and culture than others. Some people might have more difficulty taking tests that aren't designed or normed specifically for them.
These limitations can make the results of some assessments misleading or inaccurate. It is important to seek out an independent psychologist to make an objective evaluation of your mental health.
Individuals seeking a private evaluation will typically seek out an expert employed by an independent practice or agency. They have fewer cases, and can dedicate more time and attention to each client they evaluate. They can also customize the assessment to meet the specific needs of each client.
For example, a private psychologist can conduct a thorough clinical interview and include personality/emotional tests that are not usually part of the standard testing battery performed by school psychologists. They may also conduct additional interviews with other treatment providers, medical professionals teachers, family members and other professionals to gain a more complete picture of the person's mental health background.
Another benefit of private evaluations is that they are able to highlight strengths. Every person has areas that require improvement as well as weaknesses, but it's equally important to recognize their strengths in order to increase their effectiveness. This can be particularly helpful for those who have documented problems with their mental health, since it can help them use those strengths to mitigate their weaknesses.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the identification of the existence of a mental health disorder or condition, and is the most crucial element in psychological evaluation. The diagnosis is similar to the physical exam where X-rays or blood tests are used to determine the root of the symptoms. The diagnosis can influence the course of treatment, as well as the likelihood of recovery and the eligibility for benefits.
A variety of factors could influence the diagnostic practices of clinicians including reimbursement and authorization requirements (Garland et al. 2003). A number of studies have revealed that social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists differ in their views on the importance of diagnosis. Psychologists, for instance have fewer positive attitudes towards diagnosing and standardizing assessment tools than other practitioners.
The method of diagnosing is usually complex and requires a thorough examination and interview with the patient or their family. Clinicians employ a series of standard psychological tests to measure different aspects of behavior. They also apply their professional judgment when assessing the results. These results are then evaluated and interpreted to create a diagnosis. Certain of these standardized test measures are objective while others are more subjective. For example, unstructured measures that require open-ended answers are deemed to be less objective than standardized tests that require pre-determined answers that the test taker chooses from.
If you or your child is undergoing a psychological assessment it is crucial that you feel safe, heard and understood. You may want to bring someone along. This could be someone who shares your beliefs and is a family member or friend. You may also seek the help of an advocacy service provided by a mental-health organization or local council.
Treatment
Usually, tests are used to detect mental health conditions or problems that could be affecting an individual's emotional and behavioral functioning. Psychological evaluations are designed to identify the root cause of symptoms, so that the patient can receive the right treatment. Psychologists frequently suggest specific therapies or medications to help combat symptoms of depression, anxiety bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders that affect the way people feel and behaviors.
Psychological assessments are generally built on standard tests, and usually include observation of behavior. Self-report inventories, interviews with a clinician and self-report inventories are included. The psychologist will examine the results of these tests to form initial diagnostic impressions. The evaluation results can be used to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that will address both the immediate and long-term needs of the individual.
These getting a psychiatric assessment assessments are used frequently to determine mental disorders and learning disabilities in young children. For example, the assessment process can confirm that a child or teenager has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As an educator in the past I have discovered that many schools value and value independent psychological evaluations by private psychologists to support their 504 Plans or IEPs. The benefit of a private evaluation is that the clinician is able to tailor the assessment to suit the unique situation and concerns.
In some instances the referrals for neuropsychological assessments are made to assess more detailed aspects of psychological functioning. These types of evaluations can include tests of intelligence, academic performance, neurocognitive abilities and personality and emotional functioning. Psychologists who specialize in these assessments generally have more extensive post-doctorate training.
The results of an independent evaluation can sometimes be helpful in a personal injury lawsuit. A psychologist can conduct an independent medical examination (IME) in order to determine if your mental injuries are the result of work-related incidents. This type of IME will be conducted by a psychologist who is selected and paid by your employer's insurer. An IME can be conducted in person, through videoconference or a combination of the two. The psychologist will examine your medical records, make an array of observations and interviews with you, your medical professionals and other people who have knowledge of the incident.
Reports
The assessment process culminates with the creation of a written report presenting the findings of the independent psychological evaluation. The report will comprise an introduction with a brief description of the techniques used, and a comprehensive explanation of how you collected the information. To make the report more accessible for readers, jargons are explained in the text or mentioned in footnotes.
The report is based on an interview with a clinical person, a review of audio/visual information as well as collateral contacts and other objective evidence, like a the standardized test. IME assessors also interpret the results of psychological tests and should be administered by a person who understands the fundamentals of test construction and interpretation. SSA requires that such an expert have a doctorate in psychology and be certified to administer and interpret psychometric tests.
A report from an IME examines the impact of your injury on your ability to function at work and in other settings. It will include a mental health diagnosis, as well as suggestions for mental health care. It will also describe any barriers to recovery.