Psychological Evaluations offer a systematic and comprehensive portrait of a person's psychological functioning. They can be useful in identifying
underlying factors that inhibit growth. They may identify strengths in the person's level of functioning upon which to base improvements. They
are most often used with regard to a) educational questions, b) health concerns, c) identifying qualified candidates for high trust or high risk jobs,
d) brain impairments and c) determination of disabilities. As fluid as a living person is, each of us behaves and functions in fairly predictable fashion. An evaluation of these patterns may efficiently verify the accuracy and reliability of day to day encounters. A brief description follows.
Educational or Learning Evaluations State law requires public school districts to provide testing services to help children or students who have learning problems to succeed in school. However, these services are not always available. Difficulties processing information, retaining and using it are among the most common problems. Some students have focal reading, writing and mathematics problems. Sometimes a developmental disorder such as Asperger's disorder may inhibit a student's social or emotional functioning making it difficulty for them to apply what they have learned in work or school settings. An evaluation of the specific problems can help the students and teachers succeed. A diagnosis from a psychologist or medical doctor will help the parents or the adult obtain services which are afforded to them by law.
Forensic evaluations: Vary according to the question posed by the legal authority or the court and will be detailed on another webpage on this website.
Neuropsychological Evaluations Whether it be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder either the primarily inattentive type or the combined hyperactive type, a closed head injury due to an accident or other trauma, toxic exposure, stroke, or other impairment to brain functioning, a neuropsychologist can measure capacity on standardized tests using proven methods in order to make inferences on brain dysfunction that scans cannot see. Diagnosis, targeted referrals to medical providers or descriptions of a person's current functional abilities help the patient and their family members know how to adjust to the new level of functioning and more rapidly discover what improvements can be made.
Adoptions: In order to protect children who are available for adoption, prospective parents must be evaluated to screen for maladaptive strategies of living that could endanger the child.
Pre-employment screening Person's in high trust occupations such as clergy, public safety officers, (police, correctional or custody officers, fire), air traffic controllers, airport personnel, airline pilots, and executives for large corporations are required to take a psychological evaluation to be certain no underlying maladaptive function are present that could put the public at risk.
Candidates for ordination or pastors Candidates for ordination in most main line denominations must undergo a psychological evaluation in order both to screen for maladaptive strategies of functioning and to identify areas for personal growth. At times, pastoral staff, missionaries or leaders have interpersonal difficulties that hinder the overall mission of the organization. An evaluation with recommendations can help move the organization forward together.
Public Safety Officers Officers for state highway patrol, police and sherrif's departments, fire departments, airport personnel, correctional or custody officers must be screened for maladaptive personality functioning that would prevent them from functioning in the best interests of the public.
Disability determination At a time when the population is aging and when work is not available more people apply for disability who may be able to work. again A disability evaluation helps identify more precisely the exact nature of the claimed disability, the prognosis and the length of time away from work.