How Does a Psychological Evaluation Work?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesTypesHow It WorksWhere to Get a Psychological Evaluation

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Uses

Types

How It Works

Where to Get a Psychological Evaluation

The role of the psychologist doing the evaluation is similar to a detective looking for clues to solve a mystery. The more clues that can be identified, the more information you’ll have to understand what’s going on and decide what options are best suited to help the person being evaluated.

A psychological evaluation should be considered in cases where there is uncertainty about the reasons you or someone you love is having problems with mood, behavior, or learning.

Is There a Mental Illness Test?

A psychological evaluation can help determine the following:

There are four primary types of psychological evaluation, including:

In addition, psychological testing may be part of assessments of aptitude or achievement in school, career or work counseling, development of management skills, and career planning.

A psychological evaluation may consist of a series of formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests as well as clinical interviews designed to identify and describe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.

Psychological assessments may be written or given orally, or administered via a computer. They may involve a series of questions to determine how often you or a loved one experience certain symptoms, or you may be prompted to choose statements that best describe how you think, feel, and behave.

Depending on the test, the process can take several hours to a full day, and may be completed during several different sessions.

Validity in Psychological Tests

While a psychological evaluation can provide valuable information, it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Since the number of tests needed often varies, it may be worthwhile to have an initial consultation with a psychologist to find out what tests are recommended and the overall cost and time involved.

Sometimes the best way to get this testing completed is through the school district for a student evaluation, or as part of the initial assessment process when a person is placed in aresidential treatment program.

Other settings where a psychological evaluation may be done include:

A Word From Verywell

A psychological evaluation can be an important tool in helping get a better handle on the problems you or your loved one are having. It may be helpful in providing detailed information to determine a proper diagnosis and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. Mental illnesses are treatable, and early intervention is key to managing symptoms and living a fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Psychiatric Evaluation: A Checkup for the Brain

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Understanding psychological testing and assessment. 2013.Drill R, Nakash O, DeFife J, Westen D.Assessment of clinical information: Comparison of the validity of a structured clinical interview (the SCID) and the clinical diagnostic interview.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Jun;203(6):459-62. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000300

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Understanding psychological testing and assessment. 2013.Drill R, Nakash O, DeFife J, Westen D.Assessment of clinical information: Comparison of the validity of a structured clinical interview (the SCID) and the clinical diagnostic interview.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Jun;203(6):459-62. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000300

American Psychological Association.Understanding psychological testing and assessment. 2013.Drill R, Nakash O, DeFife J, Westen D.Assessment of clinical information: Comparison of the validity of a structured clinical interview (the SCID) and the clinical diagnostic interview.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Jun;203(6):459-62. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000300

American Psychological Association.Understanding psychological testing and assessment. 2013.

Drill R, Nakash O, DeFife J, Westen D.Assessment of clinical information: Comparison of the validity of a structured clinical interview (the SCID) and the clinical diagnostic interview.J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Jun;203(6):459-62. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000300

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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