Psychodiagnostic Testing

If you or a loved one has been recommended for a psychodiagnostic assessment by a psychiatrist or a physician, you may have questions about what it entails. The assessment is a comprehensive examination of the psychological factors that might be obscuring a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. The resulting report is commonly used to answer specific referral questions, such as diagnostic clarification, co-occurring conditions, psychological disorders secondary to medical conditions or substance use, current psychosocial stressors, and adaptive ability.

A psychodiagnostic evaluation may be recommended in situations such as these:

• A client isn't responding to medication and diagnostic clarification is needed
• There is a history of trauma, particularly long-term exposure, and current symptoms may be partly attributable to those experiences
• Substance use is suspected to be contributing to, or resulting from, other psychological difficulties
• Interpersonal relationship issues are significantly affecting an individual's functioning
• The source of a child's behavioral or emotional problems is unclear to parents or teachers, especially if it is affecting academic performance
• There is a history of, or current concern about, self-harm or suicidal ideation

A psychodiagnostic evaluation is comprehensive and more time-intensive than testing for a specific referral question, such as ADHD testing. First, a licensed clinical psychologist conducts a one-hour intake session to gather all relevant history, background information, and current symptoms. Consultations with family members, teachers, or physicians are usually needed to develop a complete picture of the individual. The evaluation itself typically takes around six hours, which can be divided into two or three sessions. Because these evaluations are very thorough, the report usually takes six to eight weeks to complete. Once the report is finalized, our office will reach out to arrange a follow-up appointment, where you'll receive a copy of the report and have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.