What is an Independent Psychological Assessment?
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Psychologists employ tests and other assessment tools to evaluate the mental health of a client or emotional problems. These tests include social security examinations, competency and sanity evaluations in criminal cases and independent psychological tests.
Evaluations
Psychologists use psychological evaluations to determine the health of a person's mind. These assessments are usually used to determine if you are fit to stand trial, however they can also prove useful in civil lawsuits that involve an injury or disability claim. The right evaluation provider will provide you with quality, unbiased reports which can increase your chances of winning your case.
Psychological testing employs a variety of methods, such as standardized tests and questions. These are used to compare the individual's responses with the normative group. They can be used for assessing various symptoms and conditions such as depression and PTSD. They can also be used to test cognitive functioning. These tests are typically performed in a clinical setting by a psychologist.
It is crucial to realize that not all tests are equally reliable and accurate. Certain tests are more appropriate to certain cultures and demographics than others. Certain people might have more difficulty with tests which are not developed or normed specifically for them.
These limitations can make the results of some assessments misleading or inaccurate. It is important to find an independent psychologist to make an objective evaluation of your mental health.
Anyone who is seeking a private assessment will usually seek out an expert employed by an independent practice or agency. These professionals have smaller caseloads, and can dedicate more time and attention to every individual they evaluate. They can also tailor the evaluation to address the 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 can also conduct interviews with medical professionals, teachers and other family members as well as outside treatment providers to get an overall picture of a person's mental health history.
Another benefit of private assessments is that they are able to highlight strengths. Every person has areas that require improvement and weaknesses, but it's important to identify their strengths in order to make the most of them. This can be particularly helpful for those who have a history of impairments in their mental health, as it can help them use the strengths they have to overcome their weaknesses.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the process of determining the existence of a mental health disorder or condition and can be the most important aspect of mental health evaluation. The diagnosis is similar to a physical exam in which X-rays and blood tests are used to determine the cause of symptoms. The diagnosis can affect the treatment process and can affect the prognosis, eligibility to benefits, and the status of disability.
A variety of factors can influence the diagnostic practices of clinicians including reimbursement and authorization requirements (Garland et al. 2003). Numerous studies have demonstrated that social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists differ in their views on the importance of diagnosing. Psychiatrists, in particular, have less positive attitudes toward diagnosing and standardizing assessment tools than other professionals.
Often, the process of diagnosing is difficult and requires a thorough review of medical records and interviews with patients and their family members. Clinicians can utilize a battery of psychological tests that are standardized and assessments, which measure various aspects of behavior, however, they also apply their professional judgment in scoring the results. These results are then analyzed and interpreted to establish a diagnosis. Some of these tests are objective, while others are subjective. For example, unstructured measures that ask for open-ended questions are deemed to be less objective than standard tests that ask pre-determined answers that the test taker chooses from.
If you or your child are going through a psychological evaluation it is essential to feel secure, heard and understood. In this regard, you might want to think about having someone accompany you. This could be someone who represents your views and is a family member or friend. You may also seek the help of an advocacy service provided by a mental-health charity or your local council.
Treatment
Usually, tests are used to determine mental health issues or problems that may be impairing an individual's emotional and behavioral functioning. The aim of psychological evaluations is to determine the source of the symptoms so that the patient can receive the proper treatment. Psychiatric care providers typically suggest specific therapies or medications to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders that affect emotions and behavior.
Psychological assessments are generally made up of standardized tests and often include behavioral observation. They also include self-report inventories and clinical interviews. The psychologist will examine the results of these tests to form initial diagnostic impressions. The results of the assessment can be used to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will address both the immediate and long-term requirements of a person.
These assessments are used frequently to determine learning disabilities and psychological disorders in young children. For example, the assessment process can confirm that a child or teenager has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a former educational advocate I have discovered that a lot of schools appreciate and value independent psychological assessments by private psychologists to help support their 504 Plans or IEPs. The benefit of a private evaluation is that the clinician can tailor the assessment to suit the particular situation and concerns.
In some instances, referrals for neuropsychological evaluations are made in order to determine more detailed aspects of psychological functioning. These types of assessments could include tests of intelligence, academic performance as well as neurocognitive capabilities, personality and emotional functioning. Psychologists who specialize in these assessments generally have more extensive post-doctorate training.
The results of an independent evaluation could be beneficial in a personal injury lawsuit. A psychologist may conduct an independent medical exam (IME) in order to determine whether your psychological injuries are due to work-related events. This type of IME will be conducted by a psychologist who has been chosen and paid by the insurance company of your employer. An IME can be conducted in person, by video conference or a combination of the two. The psychologist will go through your medical records, make an assortment of interviews and observations with yourself as well as your treatment providers and other people who are familiar with the incident.
Reports
The process of assessment culminates in the preparation of a report, which summarizes the results of the independent psychological evaluation. The report will contain an introduction as well as a description and summary of the procedures used, and a detailed description on how you gathered the information. Complex terms are often explained within the text or included as footnotes to make the report easier to read.
The report is based upon a clinical interview with the person, a review of audio/visual materials, collateral contacts, and objective evidence, like a the standardized test. IME assessors also interpret the results of psychological tests, which should be administered by a person who understands the fundamentals of test construction and interpretation. The SSA requires the expert to hold an advanced degree in psychology, and be licensed to administer psychometric tests.
A report from an IME examines the impact of your injury on your ability to perform at work and in other environments. It will include the diagnosis of any psychological injuries or conditions and mental health care recommendations. It will also list any barriers to recovery.