Your therapist or medical doctor has recommended that you participate in a psychological assessment, but what exactly does that mean? The phrase “psychological assessment” is frequently used by professionals and patients, but is often misunderstood by those without in-depth psychiatric knowledge and training. This lack of understanding often leaves patients hesitant to invest the time and money necessary to complete the assessment.
So, what are the benefits of psychological assessment and should you pursue it? Eabon and Abrahamson (2022) suggest viewing psychological assessment in much the same way that you view medical testing. For example, if you have a physical problem, like a sore ankle, it is not uncommon for your doctor to order an x-ray, MRI, or other medical testing to determine the source of the problem. Ultimately, this testing will guide your provider in choosing the best treatment option for your problem. Similarly, psychological assessment can assist your provider in better determining the source of your mental health concerns, which will help to guide treatment.
Psychological assessment can serve a variety of purposes. It is often used to assist in diagnostic clarity and understanding of the symptoms that patients are experiencing. With improved diagnostic clarity, therapists can identify strategies that will best help patients to reduce their suffering and reach their goals. Assessments can also assist in identifying underlying cognitive disorders such as learning disorders, ADHD, memory problems, and/or cognitive decline.
However, understanding the generalized benefits of psychological assessment does not mean that you fully understand why assessment has been recommended for you. As such, it is important to ask your provider questions about why they are recommending an assessment for you. These questions can include, but are not limited to, “What is it that we hope to gain from this assessment,” “What are the goals of the assessment,” and “Will this assessment improve my understanding of myself and my treatment?”
Overall, psychological assessment can be extremely beneficial in providing diagnostic clarity, guiding treatment interventions, and increasing patients’ understanding of themselves. However, the choice to pursue a psychological assessment is a personal choice that should be fully discussed and explored with your provider.
About the Author
Dr. Montes is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-owner of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center in Chesapeake, VA.
References
Committee on Psychological Testing, Including Validity Testing, for
Social Security Administration Disability Determinations;
Board on the Health of Select Populations; Institute of
Medicine. Psychological Testing in the Service of Disability
Determination. Washington (DC): National Academies Press
(US); 2015 Jun 29. 3, Overview of Psychological Testing.
Eabon, M., & Abrahamson, D. (2022, August 18). Understanding psychological testing and assessment. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/testing-assessment-measurement/understanding