So, you or a loved one has been referred for psychological testing, and you’re probably wondering, “What’s this all about?” First off, take a deep breath. Psychological testing isn’t as scary as it sounds, if anything, it’s something to bring you peace.
Think of it like going to a doctor when you’re not feeling well. The doctor might order blood tests or X-rays to figure out what’s going on.
Similarly, psychological assessments help psychologists understand what’s happening in your mind so they can guide you toward the right treatment.
What’s in the Blog:
- Psychological testing helps diagnose issues ranging from learning disabilities to relationship problems.
- Testing and assessment are related but different; testing is formal and standardized, while assessment is broader.
- Psychological testing isn’t a pass-or-fail situation.
- Only licensed providers should conduct these evaluations.
- Some psychologists both test and treat, while others may refer you for treatment.
- Holistic therapies incorporate psychological assessments to treat the whole person.
- The evaluation in a holistic setting uses various tools to understand your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
- Psychological testing is a tool, not a judgment—it’s the first step toward getting the help you need.
Why Psychological Testing?
Psychologists use tests for various reasons. Maybe a child is struggling in school. Is it a learning disability, or perhaps something like ADHD? Or maybe someone is having issues at work or in their relationships. Could it be a problem with anger management or certain personality traits? Psychological tests help answer these questions.
What’s the Difference Between Testing and Assessment?
You’ll hear both terms—testing and assessment—when you’re going through this process.
While they’re related, they’re not the same. Testing involves formal tools like questionnaires that have been standardized. That means they’ve been designed to evaluate everyone in the same way, whether you’re in New York or New Mexico.
Assessment is a broader term. It includes these formal tests but can also involve interviews, reviewing medical records, and even talking to people close to you (with your permission, of course). The goal is to get a full picture of what’s going on.
What to Expect
Psychological testing isn’t a pass-or-fail situation. It’s more like a conversation with multiple choice questions thrown in.
You don’t need to study for it, and actually, trying to “game” the test is a bad idea. It can throw off the results and make it harder for the psychologist to help you.
Who Conducts the Testing?
Not just anyone can perform psychological assessments. You’ll want to see a licensed clinical psychologist for this.
They’re trained not just to administer these tests but also to interpret the results. Some psychologists will do the testing and then also provide treatment, like psychotherapy.
Others might refer you to a different specialist once they’ve diagnosed you.
Holistic Therapy and Psychological Evaluation
Now, let’s talk about holistic therapies. This approach looks at you as a whole person—your physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.
Psychological evaluation is a key part of this because it helps the psychotherapist understand any underlying issues you might have.
During the evaluation in a holistic therapy setting, the therapist will use various tests and tools to understand your behavior, thoughts, and feelings. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and how you’re feeling, and they’ll observe how you interact with others. All this information helps them figure out the best way to help you.
Final Thoughts
Psychological testing and assessment are tools to help you get the treatment you need.
They’re not something to fear or stress over. It’s not about labeling you; it’s about understanding you.
So, if you’ve been referred for testing, see it as the first step on your journey to feeling better.
