What Is The Main Purpose of Psychological Testing?
If you are experiencing symptoms of either a psychological condition or other mental health issue, you probably have done extensive research to find the “why” behind them. Perhaps you are struggling with challenges in school or work because of an inability to focus or accomplish tasks, or you are suffering in your relationships because of an inability to relate and connect with your peers. You may also be struggling to moderate your emotions or control your extreme mood swings and intense changes in your mental stability. Regardless of what your symptoms are, there is most likely a deeper reason behind them that you are eager and hopeful to address. Through psychological testing, you are given the opportunity to do just that. Psychological testing and evaluation is there to identify your symptoms and challenges and find the root cause, to help you receive the best treatment.
What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing is a series of assessments performed by a licensed clinical psychologist. This testing is used to identify a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and mental functioning, in order to determine what psychological conditions they are suffering from. Psychological testing and evaluations are always performed by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist, who are expertly trained and educated in the administering of these comprehensive assessments.
The process of psychological testing is comprised of several types of assessments that allow for the psychologist to gather a wide array of information on an individual’s psychological function. The methods used in this testing process are not the same for everyone and are carefully and intentionally selected by the psychologist to best suit the needs of the patient. Psychological testing is most commonly used in children and adolescents but is also performed on adults in order to reach a diagnosis later in life.
Through psychological testing and evaluation, you can be assessed for the diagnosis for:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Schizophrenia
Addiction or substance abuse issues
Personality Disorders
Learning disabilities
In addition to psychological testing, there is another type of testing referred to as neuropsychological testing, which is used to identify and diagnose psychological issues and illnesses. Neuropsychological testing focuses more on issues that are a result of traumatic events and injuries to the brain, medical psychological diagnoses, and other neurocognitive disorders.
Through neuropsychological testing, you will be assessed for:
Traumatic brain injury
Memory disorders (Alzheimer’s)
Intellectual disabilities
Neurocognitive disorders
If you are experiencing symptoms or traits of any of the above-mentioned conditions and are seeking answers, formal psychological testing could be extremely beneficial to you. The goal of psychological testing is for your provider to gather as much information about your mental, psychological, behavioral, and cognitive functioning, to reach the most comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.
The Purpose of Psychological Testing
The symptoms of psychological issues and mental health conditions can be clear and easy to recognize. Whether they are acting as a barrier in your ability to function in school, your career or even your relationships, the impact of your condition is evident. What isn’t clear, and why psychological testing is so useful, is the condition that is creating those challenges.
Psychological assessments are incredibly useful and necessary for many people suffering with psychological issues that have gone untreated.
Get a better understanding of the patient’s strengths and weaknesses.
Through the testing process, your psychologist will assess the areas in which you succeed, and the areas in which you struggle the most. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses in these areas will allow your psychologist to understand how you are experiencing life and the world around you.
2. Fully evaluate their mental, cognitive, and behavioral function.
Psychological tests are performed using several types of assessments that all serve different, equally valuable purposes. There are tests to evaluate your behavior, cognitive function, as well as your mental and emotional state among many other things.
3. Identify what exactly is impacting their ability to perform and thrive
With the information they have gathered, the psychologist can then look deeper into the “why”. After seeing where you are and are not functioning at full capacity, they can better evaluate what might be creating those challenges.
4. Determine if there is a psychological condition or diagnosis that needs to be given
In a situation where there is a psychological condition present, the psychologist will reach that conclusion using all of the detailed results they gathered in the testing process. They will then create a comprehensive report that explains those results as well as the formal diagnosis. This is truly the most significant purpose of psychological testing.
5. Formulate a plan on how best to treat the condition
Depending on what the patient is facing, the clinical psychologist will collaborate with them in planning the next steps. When you receive a diagnosis, there is a common feeling of, “well, what now?”. Your psychologist will help to know what the most beneficial treatment is and how to approach that treatment plan.
6. Initiate treatment with the support of a psychologist
With the support of your psychologist and any other mental health provider or physician you have in your team, you can then begin the path to healing. Whether that treatment is psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy or “talk” therapy, or another form of behavioral treatment, after you have received your report from your psychologist you will be able to embark on your treatment plan.
After reading this information, you may have concluded that psychological testing and evaluation is the next best step for you. We understand that the process of initiating, scheduling, and beginning your psychological testing can be intimidating and overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to your mental health provider or other physician as soon as you feel comfortable. They will be able to support you in finding the right resources and testing administrator.
If you are seeking psychological and neuropsychological testing in Oregon, Insight Northwest Counseling is here to support you. We have a wonderful and experienced psychologists, Laura O’Connor and Isolde Hughes, on staff who can provide your assessments and offer you the best support. Reach out and schedule your appointment with us today.