The results of a psychological evaluation give a wide variety of findings. A comprehensive evaluation can give information on personality concerns, academic strengths and weaknessses, substance abuse problems (or predilictions), current stressors, possible family dynamic concerns, and potential future difficulties. Once a family member has this information, it is much easier to decide on the right type of treatment: residential treatment, family therapy, substance abuse treatment, etc.

Various neuropsychological and psychological test measures are designed to gather information about an individual from a specific aspect of their functioning such as their thinking and problem-solving, concentration and focus, impulse control, emotional distress, coping skills, behavioral problems, interpersonal relationships, and substance use, etc. This testing is most useful when there are multiple points of data, which come from multiple test measures, as well as multiple historical perspectives from the individuals in that person’s life (i.e., parents, self, current therapist, etc.). Thus, the varied tests given in a standard testing battery are designed to work together to provide information about the individual from each of these perspectives.

The various tests are as reliable as other medical tests one may be given by a medical provider (i.e., blood tests, MRI, urinalysis, physical movement, etc.) and are used to clarify symptoms and make meaningful diagnoses. As with medical issues, the data gathered from various tests are only meaningful when viewed in the context of what has been occurring in the life of the individual who is being assessed. Thus, historical information is always gathered from the parents, the individual, and current mental healthcare providers as part of the evaluation process. For this reason, the results are not likely to provide information that is a complete surprise to the individual or the parents. Rather, the results tend to confirm and clarify the experiences of the individual and those who are close to that person, while also providing needed detail to plan for the type of treatment and support that are most likely to be successful.

Therapy is an ongoing relationship between a therapist and a client. The therapist guides a client through supportive processes designed to help with change, healing, etc. Therapy can be done by a pychologist (PhD or PsyD) or a family therapist or social worker (MA, LCSW, etc).

For the most part (depending on your state), psychological tests are administered by a psychologist, and are one-time events. The psychologist meets with the individual, administers testing, gathers and interprets the data, provides verbal feedback to the parents and appropriate mental health providers, and creates/distributes a written report. The testing psychologist does not meet with the client for therapy once testing is completed.