Psychological evaluations are not a form of indictment or judgment upon a teen’s personality or self. They are a crucial clinical tool for assessing a child’s well-being and psychological needs, representing a critical step towards accessing the care they need to lead a better life.
Psychological evaluations utilize different tools to identify a teen’s need for mental health treatment. These evaluations are part of a broader process known as psychological assessment, which encompasses various methods used to evaluate mental illness. They are no different from any other sort of medical diagnostic procedure.
Understanding how these evaluations take place, how they might help your teen, and when they become something for parents to investigate can help you and your teen prepare for what might come next and assuage any fears or misconceptions.
When Is Psychological Testing Necessary?
Psychological testing is typically the first step in determining what might be causing issues with your teen. If your teenager is acting strange, has had a sudden change in mood and behavior, or continues to show signs of strange or irrational behavior for a consistent period across multiple settings (i.e., they are moody and irritable at home as well as at school, or have been struggling with low mood for multiple weeks without end, or have begun a streak of risky and dangerous behaviors despite clear consequences), then they may need help.
Some more evident signs that a teen might need psychological testing include:
- Self-imposed isolation.
- Extreme worries and fears.
- Unexplained physical pains and recurring headaches.
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss, changes in appetite.
- Risky behavior not tied to temperament, i.e., acting unusually carefree.
- Often discussing or soliloquizing about suicide, death, and disappearing.
- Trouble forming friendships and attachments, acting strangely around others.
- They no longer enjoy the things they used to enjoy without finding new hobbies.
- Persistent sadness or loss of interest, which may indicate depression.
- Having difficulties with reality, making confusing or strange statements repeatedly.
- Consistent and repeated nightmares and strange thoughts, delusions, hearing/seeing things.
- Signs of substance abuse (late-night drinking, hiding drinking, drug paraphernalia, recreational prescription medication use).
- There are sudden changes in memory and cognitive skills, trouble telling time and doing simple tasks, or trouble focusing on a single thing at a time; executive functioning may also be affected.
- Struggles with academic performance or difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics may suggest a learning disability.
- Delays in reaching developmental milestones or difficulties with social interaction may indicate the presence of developmental disorders.
Parents or teens may have concerns about these issues and should seek professional help from a psychologist if worried.
What Can a Psychological Evaluation Tell Me About My Teen’s Mental Health?
Psychological evaluations include a series of interviews, written tests, physical examinations, and neurological assessments to determine a teen’s overall physical and mental health, and to draw a comprehensive picture that helps medical professionals trace their symptoms back to a plausible origin for treatment. Common elements of a complete psychological evaluation may include:
- Asking questions about family dynamics and relationships at home and school.
- A detailed family history, especially regarding psychiatric health, but also medical history.
- Health history, including prior episodes or diagnoses, current and prior medication, and previous health conditions.
- Gathering all the information, including medical records, is crucial to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment.
- Screening tests are used to assess behavioral and emotional health, physical health, neurological functioning, cognitive ability, and other aspects of overall well-being. These tests are designed to measure various aspects of mental and cognitive functioning.
- Environmental details, including a teen’s home environment and upbringing, developmental history, instances of trauma or grief, and so on.
Test results from these assessments help identify both cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which inform diagnosis and treatment. Evaluations also assess thought processes, feelings, and how the person thinks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s mental state.
A psychological evaluation helps mental health professionals determine the individual’s needs, which is essential to tailoring an individualized treatment plan. Treatment plans are developed based on the needs of patients as determined by the assessment. Whether you’re interested in teen mental health treatment, teen substance abuse treatment, or adolescent dual diagnosis treatment, the first step to exploring treatment starts with a psychological evaluation.
What are Teen Psychological Evaluations Like?
The evaluation process typically begins with an initial consultation, during which a professional meets with the client to understand their concerns and outline the next steps in a supportive and personalized manner.
Psychological evaluations are meant to be neither overwhelming nor immediately intrusive. Most of the assessment takes place in the form of questions, whether they serve to learn more about a teen’s family history or determine their cognitive abilities and symptoms.
Testing sessions are often structured and conducted in a supportive environment. Depending on the complexity of the case, these testing sessions may be scheduled over multiple days. They can last several hours to ensure a thorough and comfortable evaluation process, especially for children.
Evaluations usually start with the least serious and least intrusive question first – things like how the school has been, what kind of interests a teen has, and whether they have been having trouble with their friends. Eventually, questions may delve into deeper self-harm and anxiety, sexuality and drug use, victimization, and family dynamics.
Gathering as much information as possible is essential to rule out any number of potential causes for strange behavior and symptoms, including simple explanations such as complex grief and anger at the loss of a loved one or physical conditions manifesting psychiatric symptoms. In some cases, a neuropsychological assessment may be included to provide a more detailed evaluation of cognitive functioning, which often involves more comprehensive testing and analysis.
Many psychiatric evaluations occur within a residential program, where parents can take their teens to seek both a diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Depending on how an assessment begins and transpires, multiple sessions might be needed for a professional to reach a conclusive diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatments.
Common Types of Psychological Evaluation
A psychological assessment is an umbrella term that encompasses various types of evaluations designed to understand a teen’s mental, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Psychological evaluations can be split into four general types: an assessment of a teen’s behavior, an assessment of their temperament and environment, an assessment of their basic cognitive capabilities, and an assessment of applicable symptoms and potential disorders.
Behavioral Assessment
This process is used to assess a teen’s behavioral changes and draw a picture of how they respond to certain questions to get a clearer view of their mindset and emotions.
Personality Assessment
This process is used to learn more about a teen’s temperament and inclinations and how they are affected by their upbringing and environment.
Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
This process is used to test a teen’s cognitive function. Norm-referenced tests are often used in this context to compare a teen’s abilities to those of their peers, providing objective measures of ability or functioning. It is generally used more often to diagnose potential cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s, or to determine the extent of a stroke’s damage.
Neuropsychological Evaluation
This specialized assessment is used to diagnose cognitive and neurological issues, involving comprehensive testing to identify problems related to brain function and differentiate them from psychiatric conditions.
Clinical Interview
This is a general term for the appointments and questions centered around identifying symptoms and eventually diagnosing a potential disorder in teens with signs of serious mental health issues.
These types are a rough summarization of the psychological evaluation. Medical professionals can go into thorough detail to finetune treatment and determine additional steps such as family therapy, career and life skills training, and more. A mental health assessment is a comprehensive process that may include several of these evaluation types to diagnose mental health conditions and create personalized treatment plans.
The Role of a Family Member during a Psychological Assessment
Family members play a crucial role in the mental health evaluation process, often serving as both a source of information and a pillar of support for their loved one.
When a person is undergoing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, mental health professionals frequently rely on family members to provide detailed accounts of the patient’s symptoms, behaviors, and emotional well-being. This firsthand perspective can be invaluable in determining an accurate diagnosis and crafting a treatment plan that truly addresses the patient’s needs.
During clinical interviews, family members may be asked about the patient’s family history and medical history, as well as any patterns of behavior or changes they have observed in the patient. This information helps mental health professionals gain a deeper understanding of the patient’s mental illness and the context in which symptoms have developed. By sharing their observations and experiences, family members contribute to a more thorough evaluation process, helping to ensure that no critical details are overlooked.
Beyond providing information, family members offer essential emotional support throughout the psychiatric evaluation. Their presence can help the person feel more comfortable and understood, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of security during what can be a stressful time. Family members can also encourage their loved ones to engage honestly with mental health professionals, which is vital for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
In addition, the evaluation process can be an opportunity for family members to learn more about mental illness and how best to support their loved one. Mental health professionals may offer guidance on coping strategies, therapy options, and mental health resources tailored to the family’s unique situation. This collaborative approach empowers families to play an active role in their loved one’s ongoing care and recovery.
Sometimes, family members may need to advocate for their loved ones, ensuring that they receive appropriate treatment and support. This may involve participating in therapy sessions, assisting with the implementation of the treatment plan at home, or seeking additional mental health resources as needed.
Ultimately, the involvement of family members in the mental health evaluation process is vital. Their insights, support, and advocacy can make a significant difference in the patient’s journey toward improved emotional well-being and recovery from a mental health disorder. By working closely with mental health professionals, families help create a strong foundation for effective treatment and lasting positive change.
Where Can Psychological Evaluations Be Done?
Aside from the previously mentioned treatment centers and residential programs, psychological evaluations can be referred by pediatricians, doctors, or primary care providers to psychiatric practices.
A therapist may also recommend a psychological evaluation to understand a client’s needs better and tailor treatment accordingly. Other places that offer psychiatric evaluations include hospitals, home care services, nursing homes, care facilities, and outpatient program facilities.
As part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, blood tests may be conducted to rule out underlying medical conditions that could impact mental health.
Contact Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers for a free assessment today.
