Why might someone seek a psychological evaluation?

Most people seek psychological evaluation in order to obtain or confirm a psychological diagnosis, such as ADHD, personality disorders, learning disabilities, or depression. Elderly individuals at risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may also undergo psychological evaluation to assess overall cognitive functioning. Correct diagnosis of these conditions can be very important to ensure effective treatment, as decisions surrounding medication management, therapeutic support, or school/ work accommodations can all be informed by the results of a psychological evaluation.

Can psychological evaluations diagnose mental health conditions?

Psychological evaluations can help in the diagnosis of mental health conditions. However, they are often best used within a broader diagnostic context. For instance, many psychologists that conduct psychological evaluations will also encourage a physical evaluation to rule out potential health-related causes of the mental health condition, or they may assess the relationships of the individual undergoing the evaluation. In the context of these other assessments, psychological evaluations can provide valuable diagnostic guidance for clients.

Who conducts psychological evaluations and assessments?

Psychologists are the primary professionals who perform psychological evaluations and assessments. Such psychologists hold a doctorate-level degree (PsyD or PhD) in the field of psychology and thus have extensive knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for various psychological conditions. In some cases, clients may seek a psychiatric assessment—typically conducted by a Medical Doctor (MD) specializing in Psychiatry or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—which are more focused on potential medication management for mental health conditions.

Does insurance cover psychological evaluations?

Many insurance plans do cover psychological evaluations; however, some plans may have specific criteria that the client must meet in order for the evaluation to be covered. Clients may have to prove the medical necessity of the evaluation or meet certain diagnostic criteria in order to receive insurance coverage. Insurance may also not cover certain types of evaluations, such as education-related evaluations used to assess whether a child has a learning disability. Clients must also ensure that their therapist is in-network with their insurance; even if a client's insurance does cover psychological evaluations, they may not be able to use this benefit if they are seeing a psychologist who is not in-network with their insurance.