Testing and Evaluation Therapists in New Plymouth
Compassionate Psychology
Psychologist, MA, NZPsS Member
Verified Verified
New Plymouth 4310
Waitlist for new clients
It brings me joy to support people to be the best version of themselves. I believe we are all capable of growing and developing at any stage of life and it can be tremendously beneficial to talk with a trained professional when navigating significant life changes. It would be my pleasure to walk with you through these difficult times and help you live your best life. Compassionate Psychology believes it is important for people to feel they always have choices and are provided with informed consent before engaging with services.
It brings me joy to support people to be the best version of themselves. I believe we are all capable of growing and developing at any stage of life and it can be tremendously beneficial to talk with a trained professional when navigating significant life changes. It would be my pleasure to walk with you through these difficult times and help you live your best life. Compassionate Psychology believes it is important for people to feel they always have choices and are provided with informed consent before engaging with services.
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Testing and Evaluation Counsellors
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a test or assessment most commonly administered by a trained psychologist that is intended to be used in the diagnosis of specific psychological conditions, such as ADHD, mood disorders, personality disorders, dementia or Alzheimer's, and learning disabilities. Psychological evaluations can help inform future treatment decisions and help direct clients to professionals and resources that may be most helpful, such as potential therapy options or additional school supports.
Can psychological evaluations be done on individuals of any age group?
Psychological evaluations are conducted on individuals of all ages and can be beneficial to individuals across the lifespan. However, specific types of evaluations may be most frequently conducted on individuals of certain age groups. For instance, ADHD or learning disability testing is often conducted in children ages 4-12--the period of time when ADHD symptoms most commonly emerge. In contrast, cognitive functioning assessments, such as those conducted to diagnose dementia, are most commonly conducted in elderly individuals. Clients should ensure that the psychologist they are seeing has specific expertise in conducting evaluations in their age group to ensure they receive a correct diagnosis.
How long does a psychological evaluation take?
Psychological evaluations vary in length depending on the test being administered and the goals of the evaluation; however, most evaluations are 2-4 hours in length. Some evaluations may take as long as 8 hours but can often be spread across multiple days. In some cases, clients will also attend an intake session or interview, which can help the psychologist assess client functioning outside of the testing environment.
How should I prepare for a psychological test and evaluation?
Individuals do not need to prepare for psychological tests or evaluations in most cases, as they are intended to measure a client's baseline psychological status without test-specific preparation. However, clients may want to brainstorm a list of questions for their psychologist about any tests they are receiving prior to the assessment, including what potential outcomes may mean for what next steps the client should take.