Diagnostic Assessment

The range of issues that can be addressed within a diagnostic assessment is broad, but some of the more common referral issues include the following:

Diagnostic clarity assists clients to receive the most beneficial resources specific to their individual needs. Recommendations for resources may span the mental health, educational, vocational, and other realms. An ancillary benefit of participating in a diagnostic assessment is the opportunity to identify personal strengths that may assist the client with navigating their experiences toward a successful outcome.

One element of the diagnostic assessment process is a comprehensive clinical interview. Topics discussed will span from birth through the present day, to include developmental, educational, employment, relationship, medical, and psychiatric factors. The comprehensive interview will also present an opportunity for the client to articulate their understanding of their current struggles, and to outline their personal goals. Information from the clinical interview will be incorporated into the final report and other documentation as indicated.

Psychological testing is used to supplement the information gathered during the clinical interviews and collateral record review. Psychological testing offers information about personality, cognitive, and intellectual functioning that cannot be gathered through an interview or a record review. Depending upon the reason for the evaluation, one or more diagnostic test may be administered to assist with diagnostic clarity. Some tests may focus on more generalized personality and abilities. All information gathered from the psychological testing process will be integrated into the final comprehensive report provided to the client.

Clients’ strengths and areas of needed improvement present differently in different settings and circumstances. Additionally, collateral sources, to include family members, employers, educators, friends, therapists, often have a different perspective of the client’s functioning depending on the nature and extent of the relationship. All information collected from collateral sources is considered valuable, and may emphasize strengths and abilities the client does not recognize. Information gathered from collateral sources will be integrated into the final comprehensive report provided to the client.

The timeline for completion varies depending on the client’s availability, the number of psychological tests to be administered, and the timeliness with which collateral information can be collected. The clinical interview can typically be completed in several hours across one or more days; however, some clients prefer to complete the interview in several, shorter spans of time to maximize attention, stamina, or energy, or to accommodate their personal schedule. Psychological testing may be completed across one or several days. Gathering collateral information should be accomplished across one to two days. Every effort will be made to complete the comprehensive evaluation within 14 calendar days of the conclusion of the interview and psychological testing process. Report completion time may be expedited in certain cases if clearly communicated at the outset of the evaluation process.