I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m should be able to handle this on my own. Aren’t people who go to a psychologist weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out are quite strong. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
Just how you would visit your physician with symptoms of a physical illness, going to a psychologist with symptoms of mental health is basically the same. A physician performs tests (e.g., blood work, x-rays, takes blood pressure), while a psychologist conducts an evaluation and uses standardized tests to understand more about your cognitive ability, academic functioning, mood and affect, social, and behavioral functioning. Similar to how a physician uses the results from medical tests to diagnose and create your treatment plan for health, a psychologist uses testing results to inform the diagnosis and develop recommendations and your road map for optimal mental health.
How long will it take?
For psychological evaluations, it can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Before testing starts, I will conduct a thorough interview including social, medical, familial, academic/occupational, and developmental history, as well as when certain concerning symptoms occur. This interview typically lasts for one hour. The length of time for testing varies depending on the amount of testing needed as well as the work ethic of the individual. (e.g., some can test without breaks, others are fatigued quickly, or multiple breaks may be needed to improve one’s attention and concentration). The goal is for you or your child to do their best; therefore, testing may be spread out over several sessions. Typically, testing lasts from 6 to 10 hours. Following the last day of testing, I will score and interpret all testing and write a comprehensive report. Within two to three weeks, I will schedule a feedback session for us to sit down together and review the results, diagnosis, and recommendations. This feedback session lasts approximately one hour.
Gifted testing is brief; and involves a short interview and intelligence testing only. Gifted testing lasts approximately three hours.
For therapy, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development,
I work full-time and can’t miss work OR I don’t want my child to miss any school. How will I ever complete so many hours of testing?
Finding help can be stressful, and scheduling appointments during the work/school week can be even tougher. To accommodate families, I provide testing and psychological evaluations on Saturday and Sunday, making it easier to complete an evaluation quickly without interfering with school or work.
Why do I need an evaluation, can’t I just do therapy?
The focus of a psychological evaluation is to provide an accurate diagnosis, if one is present, or to provide a thorough picture of what could be contributing your child’s difficulties. As part of evaluation, one of the recommendations might be to attend therapy. However, an evaluation will include a list of goals and objectives for the therapist to address and focus on with your child. In many ways, it gives the therapist a working game plan and can move along the process quicker.
Further, as part of an evaluation, I will spend approximately 10 hours with you and/or your child allowing me to gather a detailed look at the strengths and challenges. In therapy, it could take up to 10 weeks to gather the same kind of rich information.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
As part of a psychological evaluation, I may make a recommendation for consultation with a psychiatrist to assess for the appropriateness of medication. Having your results and report from the evaluation can provide valuable information for the psychiatrist for them to make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing a medication.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for testing or counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my approach to your specific needs.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. I work collaboratively; therefore, together we will explore and work toward your goals. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success