What are Psychological Assessments?

With exceptional mental health care, Mental Care Clinic supports people to improve their quality of life and well-being. Our psychological assessments are designed to help people achieve their personal goals and gain a deeper understanding of their lives through psychological intervention and clinical guidance.

Mental Health Assessment

Assessing an individual’s mental health is a way to determine if they are suffering from an underlying mental illness. It also helps to determine what impact their current symptoms have on their daily lives. Disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder, or borderline personality disorder may be diagnosed as mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder), anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder), or psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia).

It is recommended that individuals experiencing significant mental health concerns undergo a mental health assessment. This will enable them to determine how their mental health is affecting their everyday living, home environment, and social life. In addition to providing recommendations on treatment planning, interventions, and services, a mental health assessment assists in better understanding an individual’s current presentation.

 

  • In-depth clinical interview with the individual and any relevant informants

  • A psychometric assessment and/or a screener related to the concerns presented

  • Examining collateral documents

  • Notes and observations

Individuals who present with concerns will receive detailed reports outlining areas of concern, areas for support, and tailored recommendations to guide their future care. Diagnoses may be made where appropriate.

  • Assessments of school readiness and educational achievement

  • ADD/ADHD assessments

  • Assessments of autism spectrum disorders

  • Assessments of memory

  • An assessment of decision-making capacity

  • An assessment of risks

  • Assessing vocational skills

  • Evaluations of neuropsychological functioning

What’s included in the Assessment?

A typical assessment takes between three and four hours to complete; however, this can vary based on the referral need. This assessment process involves the following steps:

  • The first step is to conduct a clinical interview with the participant and their support system in order to understand their history, current difficulties, and mental state. Supports can provide further insight into a person’s current situation by being involved in the interview process.

  • There will then be a neuropsychological assessment battery incorporating a series of tests and questionnaires. In general, tests will be administered according to the reason for referral, with the goal of evaluating and clarifying the underlying causes. Cognitive skills can be evaluated through standardised paper/pencil, tangible, and/or computer tasks that assess attention, memory, intellectual and adaptive functioning, as well as general problem-solving abilities. Participants may also be observed for general behavioral and psychological presentations, as well as social and communication skills, as part of some assessments.

  • The results of the assessment sessions will be summarized, strategies and treatment recommendations for ongoing support will be provided in a detailed report within two weeks.

  • An additional feedback session will take place with the participant and their support, if needed, to discuss the report, explain the results, and advise on treatment options to improve quality of life.