A psychological evaluation, or psychological testing, is a thorough process of assessment and screening administered by a psychologist. The role of the psychologist doing the evaluation is like a detective looking for clues to solve a mystery. The more clues that can be identified, the more information you'll have to understand what's going on and decide what options are best suited to help them.

 

Typically, Dr. Pita's assessments include:

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• A review of records

• Comprehensive clinical history

• Mental Status Examination

• Battery of Psychological Tests

• DSM V Diagnosis

• Comprehensive recommendations based on the results of the assessment

• A Written Report

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WHO NEEDS A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

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Psychological evaluations are useful for numerous reasons:  

1. Uncertainty about the reasons you or someone you love is having problems with mood, behavior, or learning.  

2. Court proceedings such as in custody hearings, divorce proceedings, criminal and civil litigation, and juvenile court such as certifications and sex offender assessments.

3. To determine a diagnosis, assessment of personality, to guide therapy, to gain personal awareness of your personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.

4. Determining readiness for medical pre-surgical evaluations with recommendations for addressing areas of Pre-surgical concern and enhancing post-surgical success.

5. Measuring academic functioning and as a risk assessment to satisfy requirements to regain entry into school.

 

 

Psychological evaluations are powerful tools in diagnosing a variety of mental health conditions or illnesses that effect emotional health, thought processes, and behaviors, including:

• Anxiety

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Bipolar disorder

• Depression

• Intellectual disability

• Personality disorders

• Schizophrenia

• Conduct Disorders

• Psychopathology

• Substance use disorders

• Social anxiety

• Relationship issues

• Self-esteem

• Coping Skills

• Thought disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive issues

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Often, Dr. Pita uses assessments to enhance psychotherapy services and court testimony, and as a help in determining the following: 

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• The severity of symptoms of depression or anxiety

• The presence of a learning disability

• Academic strengths and weaknesses

• Root causes of emotional problems

• Positive and negative coping styles

• Reasons for aggressive behavior

• Information about how you view the world

• Issues or conflicts you may be struggling with

• Insight into your personality style

• Presurgical Readiness as in Bariatric surgery

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Types of Psychological Assessment used by Dr. Pita 

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Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ): An assessment of intellectual functioning, or IQ test, measures a person’s cognitive abilities and provides a score that is intended to serve as a measure of an individual's intellectual abilities and potential

 

Behavioral Assessment: A behavioral assessment is used to assess a wide variety of behaviors and emotions. It's particularly useful when it is unclear what might be causing problematic behaviors or symptoms.

 

Clinical Interview: A clinical interview is a tool that helps psychologists make an accurate diagnosis of a variety of mental illnesses. 

 

Personality Assessment: A personality assessment will allow you to learn the components of your personality so we can understand areas of concern and the best way to treat them. 

 

Forensic Evaluations:  These evaluations are court driven.  A judge may, for example, order personality, intelligence or other specialized assessments in court proceedings such as child custody, divorce, criminal or juvenile offenses, certifications, and civil litigation.