Psychological Assessment

What is a Psychological Assessment?

A psychological assessment, sometimes called a psychological evaluation or psychological testing, is a process of discovery, using psychological tests, my expertise, your knowledge of your child or teen, and your child or teen’s knowledge of themselves, to better understand your child’s unique experience, strengths, and concerns. Often families seek out assessments when therapy or other supports are stalling or to make sure they understand the care their child or teen needs. An assessment is an opportunity to understand the challenges of your child or teen on a deeper level and to help convey who they are, as a whole person, to the other adults in their life, like those at school or medical professionals.

I approach assessment collaboratively, meaning you and your child or teen are an integral part of the process, from determining what questions we are looking to answer to making sense of the information gathered.

I also approach assessment from a neurodiverse-affirming, strengths-based, non-judgmental perspective. From an assessment, my goal is for your family to have a better understanding of the challenges of your child or teen, more compassion for everyone involved, and ideas and hope on how to move forward.

What does an assessment involve?

We’ll start with a brief, complimentary phone call to see if an assessment is what your child or teen needs.  Our first appointment will be an opportunity for parents and caregivers to share their concerns and observations.  When I meet with your child or teen, we will talk about what they want to be different, what is distressing them, and what they are hoping for in this experience.  Your child or teen will respond to questions and perform tasks specific to your family’s concerns. I will compile this information and work to answer your assessment questions. In our feedback appointment, we will use this information to create an understanding of why your child or teen is struggling and what will be helpful moving forward. Following this appointment, you will receive a report to share with other adults who are involved in the life of your child or teen and for you to refer to in the future.

What are some common questions you answer in assessments?

  • Why does my child/teen struggle with change and transitions?

  • Why is my child/teen acting differently?

  • Why isn’t therapy working?

  • What does my child/teen need at school to be successful?

  • Why is my child/teen so self-critical?

  • Does my child/teen have ADHD? (or anxiety, depression, OCD, etc.)

  • Is my child/teen autistic?