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What is an Independent Psychological Assessment? A good hook is something that grabs the attention of your reader and keeps them interested in your subject. It could be an anecdote, a surprising fact, a question or a quote. Psychologists utilize tests and other assessment tools to assess the mental health of clients or emotional issues. These tests include social-security assessments, competency evaluations, sanity assessments in criminal cases, as well as independent psychological assessments. Evaluations Psychologists utilize psychological assessments to determine the mental health of a person. what happens in a psychiatric assessment can be used to determine if the person is able to stand trial or are injured. A reputable evaluation service can provide you with top-quality, unbiased reports which can improve your chances of winning your case. Psychological testing is a mix of methods, such as standardized tests and questions. These are used to compare an individual's responses to those of a normative group. They can be used for assessing various conditions and symptoms like depression and PTSD. They can also be used to test cognitive functioning. Generally the tests are administered in a clinic setting by a qualified psychologist. It is important to understand that not all tests are equally valid and reliable. Certain tests are more suited to certain demographics and cultures than others. Some people might have more difficulty taking tests that have not been designed or normed specifically for them. These limitations can result in incorrect or inaccurate results. It is important to find a psychologist who is independent to conduct an objective assessment of your mental health. Typically, those looking for a private psychological assessment are referred to a psychologist who is employed by a private practice or private agency. They have fewer cases and are able to devote more time and attention to every individual they evaluate. They can also customize the evaluation to address the specific needs of each customer. 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, or outside treatment providers to obtain an accurate picture of a person's mental health history. Private evaluations can also reveal strengths. Everyone has areas that require improvement as well as weaknesses, but it's important to recognize their strengths to increase their effectiveness. This is particularly beneficial for those with documented impairments to their mental health. They can use their strengths to counteract their weaknesses. Diagnosis The diagnosis is the determining of mental health issues or conditions and can be an important element in the assessment of psychological health. It is similar to a physical exam which is where X-rays and blood tests are utilized to determine the source of symptoms. The diagnosis can influence the course of treatment, and also the likelihood of recovery and the eligibility for benefits. Many factors, including reimbursement and authorization requirements, could influence the diagnostic practices of physicians (Garland et. al. 2003). Numerous studies have demonstrated that social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists have different attitudes toward the utility of diagnosis. Psychologists, in particular, have less positive attitudes towards diagnosing and standardizing assessment tools than other professionals. Often, the process of diagnosing is a complex one, and requires a thorough review of medical records and interviews with patients or family members. Clinicians use a battery standardized psychological tests to measure various aspects of behavior. They also use their professional judgment when assessing the results. These results are then analyzed and interpreted in order to establish a diagnosis. Some of these standardized tests are objective, while others are more subjective. Unstructured measures, such as ones that ask open-ended questions are viewed as less objective than standard tests that require pre-determined answers from which the test taker has the option to choose. It is crucial to be heard and understood when you or your child is undergoing an evaluation of their psychological health. It is possible to bring someone along. This could be a family member, friend, relative or advocate who can represent your interests and opinions. You may also seek the assistance of an advocacy service provided by a mental-health organization or local council. Treatment Typically, testing is used to identify mental health issues or disorders that may affect an individual's emotional and behavioral performance. The aim of psychological evaluations is to determine the source of symptoms so that the person can receive the proper treatment. Psychologists frequently prescribe specific drugs or therapies to help combat symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders that affect emotions and behaviors. Psychological assessments are generally based on standardized tests, and typically include behavioral observation. Self-report inventories, clinical interviews and self-report inventories can also be included. The psychologist will examine the results of these measures to form initial diagnostic impressions. The results of the evaluation will aid in the development of an entire treatment plan that will address the immediate and longer-term needs of an individual. These assessments are used frequently to determine mental disorders and learning disabilities in young children. For example, the assessment process can confirm that a child or teenager has Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a former advocate for education, I have found that many schools value and value independent psychological assessments conducted by private psychologists in support of their 504 Plans or IEPs. The advantage of a private assessment is that the clinician has the ability to customize the assessment to fit the specific situation and needs. Referrals for neuropsychological assessments are often used to evaluate specific aspects of psychological functioning. These kinds of assessments can include tests of intelligence, academic accomplishment as well as neurocognitive capabilities, personality and emotional functioning. Psychologists who specialize in these types of assessments typically have more post-doctoral training. The results of an independent assessment can be useful in a personal injury lawsuit. A psychologist can conduct an independent medical exam (IME) to assess whether your psychological injuries were the result of workplace incidents. This kind of IME is conducted by a psychologist who has been chosen and paid by the insurance company of your employer. An IME can take place in person, by videoconference or a combination. The psychologist will look over your medical records, conduct a series observations and interviews with yourself your medical professionals, your treatment providers, and others who are aware of the incident. Reports The assessment process culminates with the creation of a written report presenting the findings of the independent psychological evaluation. The report typically contains an introduction, a brief summary of the methods you used and a thorough description of how you gathered and analyzed the information. Complex terms are often explained in the text or included as footnotes to make the report easier to comprehend. The report is based upon an interview with a clinical person, review of audio/visual information, collateral contacts, and objective evidence, such as the standardized test. IME assessors also interpret the results of psychological testing that should be administered by a person who understands the fundamentals of test design and interpretation. SSA requires that an expert possess a doctoral degree in psychology and be licensed to administer and interpret psychometric tests. A report from an IME examines how your injury affects your ability to perform at work or in other settings. It will include the diagnosis of mental health, and suggestions for mental health care. It will also list any barriers to recovery.