Psychological testing is more focused on emotional and psychological factors that may be interfering in the life of an individual. Testing is often done to formalize diagnoses of anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. A more comprehensive picture of the individual may be needed in order to assist in devising a treatment plan. Testing often entails obtaining information from a variety of sources including personality questionnaires, projective tests, clinical interviews and behavioral observations. Some individuals may choose to be tested for both educational and psychological difficulties simultaneously. Individuals must be at least 3 years of age to be evaluated.
Psychoeducational testing is often requested to determine whether there is a learning disability or an attention problem (e.g., ADHD) that is interfering with performance at school or in the workplace. Psychoeducational testing usually involves administration of a test of intellectual ability and an achievement test. It is also likely to include questionnaires to be completed by the individual or by those who know the client, such as teachers or family members. Sometimes, when ADHD is being considered as a diagnosis, a computerized test is used. Other tests assessing specific abilities, such as reading, math or writing may also be given.
Either type of testing involves an initial one-hour consultation, which includes a clinical interview, to clarify the questions that will be addressed. At the conclusion of the consultation, the examiner can estimate how many hours will be needed for formal testing, scoring of test measures and writing the report. The cost of testing is largely determined by the amount of time it will take to do the testing, including the administration of the measures and the interpretation of the results. The psychologist conducting the testing is able to provide this information at the consultation.
Click here to learn more about the Psychiatry services offered by St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. For more information on testing services or to schedule an appointment at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute, please contact us at 314-289-9411. You can also choose to complete our online inquiry form. We look forward to speaking with you.