The more we know about a client’s mental health, the more we can help them. Our doctoral-level clinicians offer valuable perspectives and expertise using the latest tools, methodologies, and research in psychological testing. Scroll to learn more.
Team
Assessments
PCH Assessment Center provides a range of psychological assessments, each led by evaluators with extensive experience in neuropsychological and psychological testing and interpretation.
Each assessment is tailored to the individual and includes a full psychological interview, including a psychosocial history, medication and drug history, developmental history, and educational and vocational history. All assessment results are thoroughly explored in direct feedback sessions with clients, their families, and referring clinicians. Our assessments include:
Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological evaluations are used to evaluate the relationship between brain function and behavior. Learn More
Psychoeducational Evaluation
A psychoeducational evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of a child or adolescent’s functioning in relation to their academic development, including learning. Learn More
Psychological Assessment
A comprehensive understanding of an individual’s emotional, behavioral, and personality functioning is provided through a psychological assessment. Learn More
Multidisciplinary Evaluation
A multidisciplinary evaluation is the most comprehensive assessment we offer, as it integrates neuropsychological and psychological testing with a psychiatric evaluation. Learn More
Vocational Assessment
A vocational assessment is useful in assisting clients in finding suitable career paths through a comprehensive measurement of cognitive, personality, and work indicators. Learn More
ADHD Assessment
PCH Assessment Center provides a tailored assessment focused on screening for attention capacity in order to confirm or deny a diagnosis of ADHD. Learn More
What We Evaluate
At PCH Assessment Center, we assess, evaluate, and provide guidance on a range of psychological conditions, including:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Personality Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Thought Disorders
- Language and Communication Issues
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Substance Use Disorders
- Complex and Developmental Trauma
- Executive Functioning Deficits
- Learning Disorders
- Medical and Developmental Issues that Impact Cognition
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Complex Psychiatric and Psychological Presentations
Process
1. Comprehensive Consultation
At PCH Assessment Center, we begin every evaluation process with a client consultation, as well as collaboration with family members and referral sources as indicated. After gathering information around circumstances leading to the assessment referral, the team will determine what type of assessment is indicated. The PCH Assessment Center will develop an individualized assessment, tailoring the testing process to presenting issues and the client’s needs. The team maintains an extensive inventory of assessment measures, including the most widely used, reliable, and valid testing materials.
2. Personalized Testing
The first phase of the assessment will include a comprehensive psychosocial interview with the client and administration of assessment measures. The administration phase takes place over several days, with each session ranging between two to four hours of testing. Our most comprehensive assessment typically requires between 12 to 15 hours of face-to-face sessions, while abbreviated evaluations may only require 5 to 6 hours. The PCH Assessment Center will provide the client with more information about scheduling at the time of the referral.
3. Interpretation
Once testing is complete, the evaluator will independently review and interpret information gathered through the assessment and obtain a consultation from the PCH Assessment Center team. During the scoring and interpretation phase, collateral consultations with relevant parties and a review of records will also be conducted.
4. Therapuetic Feedback
The assessment process concludes with a therapeutic feedback session, which allows the evaluator to share results of the assessment with the client, along with clinical impressions and recommendations. During the feedback session, family members and treatment providers may also be present if clinically indicated. The results of the assessment are also compiled in a comprehensive written report that will be disseminated to the client, family, treatment providers, medical professionals, and/or schools as needed.
The PCH Assessment Center team will continue to be available for consultation after the assessment is complete, as well as to offer assistance in implementing recommendations. PCH Assessment Center has access to a wide range of referral sources within the community, including clinicians, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, living situations, medical and neurological providers, and more.
FAQ
How do I determine which type of assessment is needed?
Before beginning an assessment, a PCH Assessment Center clinician will obtain information from the client, family member(s), and/or referring providers. Based on presenting problems, referral questions, and present levels of functioning, a specific evaluation will be recommended and anticipated costs will be discussed.
Will the evaluator review my records during the assessment?
Yes. Reviewing relevant records is an important part of the evaluation process. Clients are encouraged to share any psychiatric, medical, or educational records that are useful in our information gathering process. If records are not easily accessible, the staff at PCH Assessment Center will assist in locating records with a client’s consent.
Who will be contacted during the assessment process?
Collateral interviews with relevant parties, including family members, current or past treatment providers, and/or medical professionals are encouraged in order to form a comprehensive understanding of the client, incorporating multiple perspectives. Such additional contacts outside of PCH Center would require consent from the client.
What should I expect in the assessment process?
All testing is conducted on an individual basis between you and the evaluator, as opposed to a group environment. The evaluation will occur in a comfortable office space with minimal distraction. The assessment process takes place over several sessions, which are structured around your individual needs. Sessions typically range from two to four hours, with breaks as needed. During the evaluation, you will engage in a comprehensive interview, complete a series of hands-on tasks including problem solving, and respond to questionnaires, among additional tasks.
How can I prepare for an assessment?
You are encouraged to sleep well prior to your assessment sessions and arrive well-nourished. Clients have access to snacks and beverages throughout the day, and breaks for meals are welcomed. Maintaining a period of sobriety prior to and during the assessment is also advised in order to obtain an accurate assessment of functioning. Clients are also encouraged to refrain from researching or mentally preparing for an evaluation, which can impact the accuracy of our information-gathering process.
What does a typical assessment measure?
Each assessment process is individualized based on the client’s presenting problems and referral questions for the evaluation. Generally, however, an assessment could include:
- Cognitive and intellectual ability
- Academic achievement
- Attention capacity and executive functioning skills
- Memory and learning
- Auditory processing
- Developmental functioning and adaptive skills
- Vocational interests
- Social, emotional, behavioral and personality functioning
- Substance use
- Thought process
- Coping capacity
How can a comprehensive assessment be helpful?
A properly conducted assessment can help with the following:
- Provide diagnostic clarification and identify barriers to treatment
- Identify underlying neuropsychological problems, such as attention, executive function, learning, or memory
- Evaluate functioning in response to medical or neurological conditions, including a history of traumatic brain injury or concussions
- Determine the impact of substance abuse on brain function
- Assess intellectual functioning, including evaluations for giftedness or intellectual disability
- Identify an underlying learning disorder that may be contributing to academic or vocational challenges
- Assess emotional functioning, coping capacity, thought process, and personality styles
- Provide an understanding of developmental and adaptive functioning
- Assist in identifying vocational pursuits consistent with areas of ability and interest
- Provide recommendations for treatment and additional resources within the community
How are assessment measures scored and interpreted?
Our PCH Assessment Center clinicians are highly skilled in the scoring and interpretation of testing measures. After the administration is complete, an evaluator independently scores each measure and reviews the collected data with an additional member of the PCH Assessment Center team. Standardized measures are scored and interpreted using normative data, while projective personality assessments involve qualitative clinical analysis.
How will my results be shared with me?
After all pieces of information are gathered and PCH Assessment Center formulates impressions, results of the assessment are discussed through a therapeutic verbal feedback session. The feedback session may include family members and/or treatment providers as indicated. A discussion of assessment findings and recommendations is provided. Following the feedback session, the assessment process concludes with a comprehensive written report, including background information, results of testing, clinical impressions, and detailed recommendations. With your consent, we can share your results with relevant parties as well.
Will PCH Assessment Center be available for additional consultation after the assessment?
Yes. After the assessment process is complete, the PCH Assessment Center team will remain available for consultation, assistance with implementing recommendations, and future re-testing, if needed.
Our Programs
Contact PCH Treatment Center
The Problem With Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry
At PCH, we witness the problems caused by overdiagnosing mental issues on a daily basis. Here’s what those problems look like and what we’re doing to solve them. What Is...
