PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

What Is A Psychological Assessment?

A psychological assessment is the comprehensive process of integrating data from psychological tests with a patient’s presenting concerns, their history, and the psychologist’s analysis of these data sources based upon their clinical expertise. At Bryce Gibbs PhD & Associates, we acquire our data from intellectual, cognitive, academic/achievement, and emotion/personality tests. These tests are typically administered by a psychometrist over a 4 to 7 hour period. After the test day is complete, a clinician with expertise in the analysis of psychological test data interprets the test findings and produces a comprehensive report. This report addresses the patient’s presenting concerns, often provides a diagnosis, and outlines recommendations for treatment. Common recommendations include pharmaceutical suggestions, types of academic accommodations that may be necessary, and modes of therapy that may be indicated such as play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Also, the report data can guide tutoring and organizational/executive functioning support.

Common assessment instruments

  • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition (WAIS-IV)
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th Edition (WISC-V)
  • Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th Edition (WPPSI-IV)
  • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 4th Edition (WIAT-4)
  • Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, 4th Edition (WJ-IV)
  • Integrated Visual-Auditory Continuous Performance Test, 2nd Edition (IVA-2)
  • Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)
  • SCAN-3:C Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders for Children
  • Children’s Color Trails Test (CCTT)
  • Comprehensive Trail-making Test (CTMT)
  • Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders (DSMD)
  • Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
  • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd and 3rd Editions (MMPI-2&MMPI-3)
  • Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, 4th Edition (MCMI-IV)
  • Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory, 2nd Edition (MACI-II)
  • Millon Preadolescent Clinical Inventory (M-PACI)

How are Dr. Gibbs’ assessments different?

Our clinic is known for writing high quality, detailed assessment reports that paint a clear, understandable portrait of a patient’s cognitive, neuropsychological, academic-achievement, and emotional-personality functioning. Once contacted, we can get a client scheduled quickly, provide the assessment, and provide fast report turnaround times. This can be done in-person or virtually for out-of-state clients.

When should I consider a psychological assessment?

If you are a college student whose grades are slipping, cannot focus, or are feeling anxious and depressed such that you are struggling in school, then an assessment may be warranted. If you are the parent of a child in elementary school, middle school, high school, or college and they are struggling with social, emotional, or academic issues then an assessment may be warranted for purposes of differential diagnosis and treatment planning. Finally, adults who are faltering at work and feel they cannot focus or are forgetful would likely benefit from an assessment. Whereas psychiatrists often make diagnosis after a simple interview, psychologists utilize psychological tests to elucidate maladaptive patterns in a patient’s life with data. In other words, an assessment is the most reliable and accurate way to achieve a psychological diagnosis, especially important in the case of children who may need powerful medications. Common diagnostic categories that stem from assessments include ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, depression, anxiety, OCD, autism, and bipolar disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, then effective treatment recommendations and referrals to the best providers can be made so healing can begin. In sum, a psychological assessment is a powerful tool used to develop a comprehensive treatment plan so that time is not wasted, and psychological health can be achieved and maintained.

If you or a loved one need a psychological assessment, then do not hesitate to contact Bryce Gibbs PhD & Associates.

Every service we provide starts with a psychoeducational assessment battery

Your testing process will be supervised by a psychologist and the assessment will begin with a clinical interview to get necessary background info. After, you will be tested by a psychometrician who will administer intellectual, academic, attention, emotion, and personality measures.

Bryce Gibbs Phd Psychological Testing and Assessment in Austin

Is often overlooked

Though ADHD symptoms are easily recognizable in many people, they are not as apparent in high achieving college students who put in grueling hours to achieve their grades, leaving them beleaguered and taxed. These students often lack sleep and are very susceptible to developing anxiety and depressive disorders that compound their ADHD symptoms. For these students, academic accommodations are essential.

Contact us about ADHD