When we understand what we’re working with, we have a sense of control over our difficulties. Assessments can help the progress of counseling immensely. The data that assessments offer can help both the counselor and client narrow the field and help to focus the goals of counseling. Psychological testing is useful for guiding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment considerations. At Focus Forward we offer a range of assessments that are tailored to each individual’s needs. Common assessments include:

(1) symptom checklists to allow for baseline measurement of functioning at the beginning of counseling and regular, objective checkups to help us gauge progress throughout our work together;
(2) personality inventories to help you learn more about your strengths and limitations and how these will affect your progress within and beyond counseling;
(3) career counseling inventories to help you learn more about how your personality characteristics and career interests are likely to influence your satisfaction with various work settings and roles; and
(4) complete psychological evaluations to help determine intellectual functioning, academic abilities, behavioral and adaptive functioning, and interpersonal skills.

What is a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation includes the administration, scoring and interpretation, and written reports which provide valuable recommendations for treatment. We pride ourselves on providing feedback that is comprehensive and clear. We will sit down with you and take the time to explain the results, answer your questions, and provide insights that are specific to your particular needs. Ultimately we want you to have a clear understanding of your concerns and know which steps are needed to address those concerns.

Individuals can be self-referred for an evaluation, or more typically, can be referred by a parent, medical professional, or school official. FFCC can provide the following evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults:

Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without Hyperactivity)
Behavioral and Adaptive Functioning
Domestic Violence Assessment
Emotional & Behavioral Functioning
Intellectual & Academic Functioning
IQ and Academic Skills Assessment (for SAT, ACT, or GMAT preparation; college success; career development, etc.)
Parental Fitness Assessment
Psychosexual & Trauma Assessments
Substance Abuse & Dependence

An evaluation battery varies depending upon the referral question(s), and may include structured and collateral interviews, IQ and/or achievement test(s), measures of attention and behavior, projective tests, self-report measures, parent and teacher checklists, and a behavioral observation. One or two testing sessions may be required, depending on the number of tests/measures given. If required by your insurance company, your psychologist can answer any questions that you may have or provide specific names of tests that will be administered.

Have questions? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them!