If you've been struggling with mental health concerns that seem difficult to define, or if past treatments haven't yielded the results you'd hoped for, you might be a good candidate for a psychodiagnostic evaluation. People might find the idea of a psychodiagnostic evaluation (or even anything to do with a psychologist!) intimidating or mysterious, but this type of assessment provides a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into what may be driving your experiences and a path forward. I do psych evals with adults, and here is some information that you might find helpful if you’re considering an assessment.
What Exactly Is a Psychodiagnostic Evaluation?
Think of it as a comprehensive psychological detective mission focused on precisely understanding what's happening beneath the surface of how you think, feel, and behave. A psych eval goes beyond a few small questionnaires. In an adult psychodiagnostic eval, a skilled psychologist dives into:
Deep-Dive Interview(s): I will get to know you through a thorough exploration of your personal history, current symptoms, and everyday experiences. In some cases, it’s also important to interview someone close to you, who can speak to what they have observed; this could be a parent, partner, caregiver, or close friend. Obviously, this type of additional interview is only with your consent.
Testing and Measures: A carefully chosen battery of tests will shed light on your thought patterns, personality traits, and emotional states. This is tailored to your personal reasons for doing testing.
Medical Records: Sometimes, though not in every case, I will want to look at past medical records relevant to the evaluation, for example, a cognitive assessment you did while in school for testing accommodations or records related to therapy, a brain injury, or a hospital stay.
Why Seek a Psychodiagnostic Evaluation?
Several compelling reasons exist for seeking out a psychological evaluation:
Untangling Diagnostic Confusion:
Is it depression or bipolar disorder? Social anxiety or a posttraumatic stress disorder? A psychodiagnostic evaluation helps determine the accurate diagnosis (or diagnoses) even when the picture is complex. This is the number one reason I see adults for psych testing; they know something is going on and want to get a clear diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment Planning:
Diagnostic clarity and a deep understanding of your emotional and psychological landscape allow your psychologist to tailor a treatment plan to your needs. The right resources, education, therapy, medication (if appropriate), and support system become far more effective with a clear diagnosis.
Understanding and Validation:
In my experience, although it can be painful to get a psychological diagnosis, most people also feel a profound sense of relief when a diagnosis finally makes sense and validates their struggles. Understanding the nature of your mental health challenges is inherently empowering because it makes sense of things that have happened in your past and gives you a lens for understanding yourself. It can also help you give yourself some grace and compassion, rather than being hard on yourself for the ways you may be different from others in your life.
Identifying Strengths:
While focusing on challenges, a psychodiagnostic evaluation also illuminates your strengths and resilience. This creates a balanced, complete picture of who you are and the resources available to you in moving forward.
What Happens During the Evaluation Process?
Although a psych eval will be tailored to your specific needs, most psychodiagnostic evaluations generally involve:
Initial Intake: You'll collaborate with your psychologist on understanding your concerns and goals, as we gather background information.
The Evaluation Itself: This typically spans several hours, or sometimes multiple sessions, and includes the interview(s), testing elements, and possibly observations.
Results and Feedback: I will carefully analyze the information gathered and share my findings. This includes clear explanations of the diagnosis, potential contributing factors, and your unique areas of strength. In my practice, I spend a great deal of time and energy scoring and interpreting the test results and writing up a comprehensive report for you. Although it’s many hours of work, this is helpful, because then you always have a record of that day – what your history was up to that point, your presenting concerns that day, your test results at that time, and my professional recommendations in black and white. The report gives you a reference to guide your treatment and lifestyle changes, and acts as a great baseline for comparison in the future.
Recommendations: As mentioned, in the report, you'll receive tailored treatment recommendations, which might include specific therapies, medication options, lifestyle adjustments, recommended readings or other tools for understanding your diagnosis, or resources for additional support, such as a referral for executive coaching or a support group.
Common Fears and Misconceptions
Feeling a bit nervous about this process is perfectly normal! Here's why you can relax:
Judgment-Free Zone: I see evaluations as collaborative. I am not judging you but seeking to understand so I can help.
It's Not About Labels: While precise diagnosis is valuable, a diagnostic label doesn't define you. This is only a tool for unlocking personalized support and self-understanding. I also believe that finally getting the correct diagnosis, sometimes after years of misdiagnosis or imprecise care, can allow you to move beyond the label in a way that being in the dark can’t.
You're In Control: You participate every step of the way. You can ask questions, share what feels comfortable, take your time, and decline any tests you don't want to take.
Empowering Yourself: When to Consider an Evaluation
If any of these resonate, feel free to reach out to me about a psychodiagnostic evaluation:
Previous treatments haven't produced the desired outcome.
You suspect there's more going on than your current diagnosis suggests.
You want a truly personalized plan for improved mental health.
You long for a clearer understanding of yourself and your experiences.
You have adopted negative beliefs about yourself as a result of mental health challenges, and these beliefs hold you back at your job, in relationships, or from personal growth.
A Journey Worth Taking
While it requires an investment of time, money, and effort, a psychodiagnostic evaluation often proves incredibly beneficial. Think of it as an investment in yourself – a chance to understand unanswered questions that hold you back and step into the clarity that allows healing and growth. As a psychological evaluator in Los Angeles, Dr. Reger would be honored to provide support in better understanding your mental health concerns. You can start the evaluation process by following these simple steps:
Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment
Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation
Start addressing the mental health challenges affecting you most!
Other Services Offered by Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA
Psychological assessments aren’t the only service I offer. I know that you may encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological assessments. Other assessments include capacity assessments, cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more helpful support today!