What is a psychological assessment?

A psychological assessment is a process of gathering and analyzing information about an individual's psychological functioning. It involves the use of various standardized tests, questionnaires, and interviews to evaluate a person's cognitive abilities, emotional state, personality traits, and behavioral patterns. The goal of a psychological assessment is to paint a comprehensive picture of an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and overall psychological well-being. This information is crucial in diagnosing and understanding mental health conditions, providing personalized treatment recommendations, and fostering growth and self-awareness.

Why complete a psychological assessment?

A psychological assessment serves as a valuable tool for anyone seeking greater self-awareness and personal growth. It can shed light on underlying patterns, behaviors, and cognitive processes that may be hindering one's progress or causing distress. It offers a roadmap to uncover strengths, weaknesses, and areas of potential growth, empowering individuals to make informed choices in various aspects of their lives, such as relationships, academic and career paths, and personal development.

Who can participate in a psychological assessment?

At Flying Colours Psychological Services, we complete assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. However, we do not complete assessments for children under the age of 8.

How will I know what kind of assessment would be best for me or my child?

During your first appointment, we will have a detailed conversation to fully explore and understand your goals for the psychological assessment. This conversation will help us get a complete understanding of the specific information and insights you're looking for. Based on what you want to achieve, we will provide expert recommendations on the type of assessment that would be most helpful for you. Together, we will carefully evaluate and consider different options to find the assessment approach that suits your needs. By the end of this first session, we will make a joint decision on the best way to proceed.

How should I prepare for a psychological assessment?

Preparing for a psychological assessment is an essential step in ensuring an accurate evaluation. As a client, there are several key things to consider before the assessment. First and foremost, it is imperative to gather relevant information and documents such as medical records, previous assessment reports, and any relevant background history. This will provide the psychologist with a comprehensive understanding of your situation. It is also crucial to set clear goals for what you hope to achieve. Additionally, taking care of your physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating well, and minimizing stress will help optimize your performance during the assessment. If you require glasses or a hearing aid, please ensure you have these with you. It's important to be open and honest during the assessment. This helps the evaluation be more accurate and effective.

Many parents are unsure of how to explain to their child what a psychological assessment is. However, it is best to prepare your child by talking to them about what they can expect. This will help them to feel less anxious.

Let your child know that this is not a physical exam, like going to the doctor. Emphasize that there will be puzzles and games to play. Even though there are school-like activities, ensure your child knows that they are not being graded. All we ask is that they try their best.

What can I expect from the assessment process?

1. First Appointment - We will discuss what is bringing you in. You will be asked questions to better understand your main concerns. Depending on the age of the client, we may complete this first appointment with parent(s)/guardian(s). At the end of this appointment, we will determine how best to proceed. Several questionnaires may be requested to be completed before or during the assessment process.

2. File Review - When doing an assessment, it's very important to gather all the necessary information about the person's background. This includes not just their education, but also any other psychological tests they've taken before. We carefully look at important papers like report cards and previous reports. With this detailed knowledge, we can customize the evaluation to make sure it's accurate and helpful.

3. Testing Activities - The client who is being tested will visit our office for one or more testing sessions. The number of sessions depends on the client and their needs. During these appointments, they will complete testing activities over the course of one or more hours.

4. Interpretation and Report Writing - We gather all the necessary information, including test results, personal history, and completed questionnaires. Then, we carefully interpret and analyze every detail, sometimes even consulting with experienced peers for additional insights. This meticulous approach allows us to create a comprehensive report that addresses your concerns and provides valuable recommendations and guidance. Rest assured, our goal is to provide you with the most helpful and informative report possible.

5. Debrief Session - At this appointment, we will give you detailed information about the results of the assessment. We want you to fully understand your strengths and weaknesses so you can make realistic goals and a plan for getting support. We consider your unique qualities and diagnosis, so our recommendations are personalized to you. You will receive a copy of the report at this appointment.