Comprehensive Psychology Services

What is a psychological test?

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Psychological testing, also known as a psychological evaluation or assessment,  is a way to find out about a person and their emotions, behavior, personality and capabilities. Psychological testing differs depending on a person's individual needs.  A variety of methods are used, and those methods can include a mix of written questions, diagnostic interviews with Dr. Gregory Van Dam, the doctor's clinical observations and impressions, and a review of medical and other records.  An evaluation may also include interviews with others, such as family members or employers.

Psychological testing is nearly always performed by a licensed psychologist, which is the only profession that is expertly trained to perform and interpret psychological tests. The testing instruments Dr. Van Dam uses are the most accurate, useful and widely accepted within the field of psychology.  After testing is complete, Dr. Van Dam can generate a full, written report and schedule a session to discuss the results and her recommendations.  He performs psychological testing on children (age 7 and up), adolescents, and adults.

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When is psychological testing needed?

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Not everyone needs psychological testing. But testing helps understand what a person is thinking and feeling, their underlying personality characteristics, intellectual strengths and limitations, coping skills or areas of weakness in coping, and why someone behaves the way they do. In clinically complex cases and/or cases in which it is hard for a person to articulate what problem he or she is experiencing, a psychological evaluation can be an invaluable resource for providing diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. Examples of situations where an evaluation might be beneficial include:

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• Pre-surgical Psychological Evaluations.

• Disability Evaluations

• Vocational Rehabilitation evaluations

• Determining the correct psychological diagnosis to help determine which medication would be most beneficial.

• To determine with certainty that one has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

• Distinguishing between Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which share some of the same symptoms.

• To gauge a child's IQ for school placement, to enter a gifted program, or other purposes.

• To satisfy the requirements for an adoption, including foreign and international adoptions.

• A child or teen is acting out or getting into trouble.

• A child, teen or adult is cutting or engaging in other self-harm.