Psychological Testing and Assessments

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What is Psychological Testing?

Psychological testing is a way for mental health professionals to better understand how you think, feel, learn, and behave. It can help diagnose emotional or learning problems, guide treatment, or assist with school, work and home settings. Evaluation services at WCHP will provide information about strengths, patterns, and provide strategies to improve functioning.

A comprehensive evaluation examines multiple domains of functioning to provide a complete picture of an individual’s cognitive, academic, attentional, and social-emotional profile. A comprehensive approach can serve to identify connections and patterns that would otherwise be missed. An evaluation will provide in-depth recommendations for home, school, and therapeutic settings that address the range of your child's needs.

Testing Available at WHCP

  • Cognitive Abilities: Thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills

  • Attention & Executive Functioning: Focus, organization, planning, and self-regulation

  • Social-Emotional Functioning/Differential Diagnosis:

    • Emotional regulation, social skills, and psychological well-being

  • Developmental Evaluation:

    • Evaluation of developmental milestones and functioning

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder:

    • Evaluation of developmental history, social communication, and behavioral patterns

  • Academic Achievement: Reading, writing, math, and other academic skills

We work with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, and adults. For evaluations of children younger than 3, we can provide referrals to appropriate developmental specialists


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FAQs

Why Might I Be Referred for Testing?

Your doctor, therapist, educational team, or another provider might refer you for testing to:

  • Understand symptoms like anxiety, depression, or attention issues

  • Diagnose conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or learning challenges

  • Identify strengths and challenges in thinking, memory, or learning

  • Assist with school or workplace accommodations

Consider an evaluation if your child is struggling academically despite effort, showing significant behavioral or emotional challenges at school or home, or if teachers have expressed concerns about learning or attention. An evaluation may also be helpful if you suspect your child might have a learning difference, ADHD, autism, or other developmental variation that's affecting their progress or well-being.


Why is Testing Beneficial?

  • Holistic Insight: Gain a thorough understanding of your child’s learning profile
    • Clear Diagnosis: Pinpoint specific learning or developmental challenges
    • Personalized Strategies: Receive actionable recommendations tailored to your child’s needs
    • Support for Advocacy: Obtain documentation to help secure school services and accommodations
    • Highlighting Strengths: Identify areas of strength that can be nurtured and built upon
    • Future Planning: Create a long-term plan for educational and developmental growth

Is Testing Confidential?

Yes, your privacy is important. Your results are protected by confidentiality laws. They will only be shared with others if you give permission or if legally required.


What Does Testing Involve?

  • A clinical interview: A review of history and current concerns

  • Questionnaires: Answering questions about your emotions, behavior, or relationships

  • Cognitive or IQ Tests: Tasks to understand how you think, solve problems, and apply memory abilities

  • Achievement Tests: Assessing academic skills like reading or math

  • Behavior Checklists: Forms for you, a parent, or a teacher to fill out

  • Play based observations (Specific to Autism evaluations)

How Long Will It Take?

Testing can last anywhere from 1 to 6+ hours, sometimes split over multiple days. Breaks will be given as needed. You'll be told ahead of time what to expect. For comprehensive evaluations, the entire process typically takes 4-8 weeks from the initial parent meeting to the final report. Focused screenings usually take 3-4 weeks to complete. This timeline allows for thorough assessment, analysis of results, and preparation of personalized recommendations.
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Will I Get the Results?

 Your psychologist will schedule a feedback session to go over the results

  • You will receive a written report (or it will be sent to the referring provider with your permission) along with recommendations for treatment accomodations and support