Psychological Evaluation
Sometimes, the first step toward understanding is asking better questions.
Psychological evaluation can help clarify questions about psychological functioning, diagnosis, capacity, behavior, risk, and other areas of concern. My approach to evaluation is thoughtful, comprehensive, and grounded in an understanding of the individual within the broader context of their life and circumstances.
What Questions Can an Evaluation Help Answer?
Psychological evaluations can serve different purposes. The questions being asked determine the type of evaluation, the information gathered, and the methods used. Below are some of the questions an evaluation may help address.
UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING
For questions about diagnosis, symptoms, behavior, and overall psychological functioning.
UNDERSTANDING CAPACITY, RESPONSIBILITY, AND RISK
For questions involving legal capacity, criminal responsibility, risk, or other forensic concerns.
UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE AND PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS
For questions involving workplace functioning, fitness for duty, discrimination, harassment, or civil matters.
An evaluation may help explore questions such as:
- What psychological concerns may be affecting current functioning?
- Is diagnostic clarification needed?
- How are psychological symptoms affecting daily life?
- How might substance use be affecting psychological functioning?
Related services: Psychological Evaluation & Diagnostic Clarification • Substance Use Evaluation
An evaluation may help explore questions such as:
- Is an individual able to understand and participate in legal proceedings?
- What psychological factors may be relevant to criminal responsibility or mitigation?
- What factors may contribute to violence or reoffending risk?
- How does psychological functioning relate to a specific legal question?
Related services: Competency/Capacity • Criminal Responsibility/Mitigation • Risk Evaluation • Domestic Violence • Psychosexual Evaluation
An evaluation may help explore questions such as:
- Is an individual psychologically fit to perform specific duties?
- How might psychological factors relate to workplace functioning?
- What psychological questions may be relevant to a civil matter?
- How might psychological expertise help clarify concerns involving discrimination or harassment?
Related services: Fitness for Duty • Employment Discrimination/Harassment • Civil Competency/Capacity
What Does the Evaluation Process Involve?
The evaluation process varies depending on the questions being addressed. Most evaluations involve several steps designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual and the concerns being evaluated.
CLARIFY the question
GATHER information
UNDERSTAND the bigger picture
COMMUNICATE the findings
We begin with the question.
Every evaluation begins by understanding what needs to be answered. We discuss the purpose of the evaluation, the concerns involved, and the specific questions that will guide the process.
This is important because the evaluation should be shaped by the question—not the other way around.
We gather information.
Depending on the type of evaluation, this may involve clinical interviews, psychological testing, records review, and other relevant sources of information.
The specific methods used will depend on the purpose of the evaluation and the questions being addressed.
We put the pieces together.
Information gathered during the evaluation is considered as a whole. Psychological functioning is understood within the context of an individual’s experiences, circumstances, relationships, and environment.
This is where evaluation becomes more than simply completing a test or checking boxes.
We answer the question.
The evaluation concludes with findings that address the purpose of the evaluation. Depending on the type of evaluation, this may include recommendations or other information relevant to the questions being considered.
The goal is to provide a thoughtful, clear understanding of the issues the evaluation was designed to address.
Have questions about whether an evaluation is right for you?
You do not need to know exactly which type of evaluation you need before reaching out. We can begin by discussing the question you are hoping to answer.