Psychological Evaluations

A psychological evaluation is part of an overall assessment. This includes a clinical interview, a battery of cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and personality and psychopathology tests and self-report measures, a review of records, a collateral interview with family/friends/doctors/therapists, analysis of data, and report writing.

These evaluations are typically used to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment for therapeutic purposes (i.e., if you are in therapy). Clinical psychologists typically perform these types of evaluations. Psychologists will administer tests and measures for various issues related to an individual’s psychological, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Specifically, a clinical psychologist will select the appropriate tests based on the referral question. (Do I have Bipolar Disorder?)

Testing day is a long day. It is best to rest the night before. During the testing sessions, we will complete various tests that examine cognitive abilities, problem solving, verbal and nonverbal abilities, memory, attention and perhaps social perception and abilities. Individuals are encouraged to take breaks and can end testing at any time. They are also encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, and to bring snacks and drinks.

Each insurance plan is different. We call for benefits prior to your intake. We send a financial responsibility email before scheduling. We try to be as transparent about the process as we can. There are some policies that cover 100% and others that do not. The best way to know is let us look up your benefits for you.

The short answer is it depends. Each evaluation comes with a specific question and to answer those questions are different for each person. However, Dr. Serravalle works hard to complete the process as quickly as possible. Usually between 4-8 weeks.

Similar to the psychological evaluation, the neuropsychological evaluation is part of an overall assessment. However, there are a few differences here. First, the psychologist conducting the neuropsychological evaluation must be specifically trained in neuropsychological tests and measures.

At a minimum, they are licensed psychologists in their state and can practice independently and hold the equivalent of two full-time years of experience and specialized training in neuropsychology and related neurosciences. At least one of the years must be obtained post-doc, and both years are supervised by a clinical neuropsychologist.

Secondly, neuropsychologists use their in-depth knowledge of brain-behavior relationships to assess and evaluate patients with neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and cognitive conditions. They use tests, puzzles, and game-like activities to evaluate different cognitive areas of the brain, such as attention, memory, language, executive functioning, visual-spatial relations, motor skills, and intelligence. This evaluation is looking at the whole person, not just psychological functioning. The results will aid in understanding the underlying neurocognitive processes and their relation to an individual’s behaviors.

The short answer is anything. Typically, they are used in healthcare, legal, education and for personal knowledge. They can be used to guide treatment, inform education and occupational settings for accommodations.

• Dr. Serravalle is not a forensic psychologist and therefore does not complete evaluations for custody, fitness for duty, competency, workmen’s comp or malpractice. Through her work with DPA she has met and worked with many forensic psychologist and can refer you to them.

The purpose of this evaluation is to provide an in-depth study of the cognitive/intellectual processes and current academic levels of functioning. This evaluation might also include an assessment of memory and executive functioning. The outcome is not a diagnosis but the ways in which any deficits or strengths impact the learning environment. The results may indicate learning giftedness as well as learning disorders. This type of evaluation usually informs IEP, 504 and accommodations for school. These evaluations are not covered by insurance.

The purpose of this type of evaluation to determine a
level of risk. The evaluation is examines one’s history, static and protective factors as well as current psychological functioning. They often require collateral data/participation. These assessments are not covered by insurance.