Psychological Evaluations

Before your therapist can recommend a suitable treatment program for mental health problems, you must complete a psychological evaluation. Specialized mental health practice Nurocoach has offices in Katy and Houston, Texas, and access to a nationwide network of experienced therapists via telehealth. They use proven tools to assess your condition and determine the most beneficial treatments. Call Nurocoach to learn more about psychological evaluations, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is a psychological evaluation?

You undergo a psychological evaluation before receiving treatment for mental health conditions. It ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.

Psychologists and counselors use various assessments to gather information about your behavior, thoughts, and emotions to understand your condition better.

What does a psychological evaluation involve?

Psychological evaluations employ a range of quizzes, questionnaires, checklists, and other tools. Most are norm-referenced, meaning everyone undergoes the same test, uninfluenced by the person running it. Research indicates that norm-referenced tests accurately identify specific disorders and their characteristics.

Your psychological evaluation also uses information from other sources, such as your medical records. Sometimes it’s helpful for providers to interview people well-known to the patient, like family members, work colleagues, friends, and teachers. This only happens with the patient’s full knowledge and approval.

What happens during a psychological evaluation?

Before a psychological evaluation, your Nurocoach provider selects suitable tests. For example, they might ask you to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) if you have symptoms of depression or the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) if you have signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Your provider discusses the tests before you complete them, so you know what to expect. It might sound daunting having to complete these tests, especially if you’re emotionally distressed, but there’s nothing to worry about.

The tests aren’t difficult, and there are no trick questions or right or wrong answers. You won’t be judged on what you say on the form, so just respond honestly.

The other central part of your psychological evaluation is the interview. Your therapist asks you to describe the problems that led you to seek help and any background information that might be useful. For instance, if you suffered a trauma or had difficulties in your childhood. They also ask about your current situation, such as relationships, work, and home environment.

What happens after a psychological evaluation?

When your psychological evaluation is complete, your therapist can discuss the next steps. They might recommend a medical checkup if you could have a hormonal disorder or other physical problem. They also propose a treatment plan containing the therapies they feel would benefit you most.

Call Nurocoach today to book an appointment or complete the online booking form to request an in-person or telehealth appointment.