Psychological Testing

Neuropsychological testing is a specialized psychological evaluation that helps us understand your symptoms and how they relate to your brain’s current functionality. The testing serves a number of purposes, including to gain a diagnosis regarding specific conditions, to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to determine the best treatment plan moving forward in order to maximize your opportunity for success.

Psychological assessments at Seattle Christian Counseling include four phases: Interview, Testing, Analysis and Feedback.

Types of Psychological Tests

There are many different types of neuropsychological tests that can be done, such as:

• Achievement and aptitude tests
• Intelligence tests
• Neuropsychological tests
• Occupational tests
• Personality tests
• Specific clinical tests

Based on your presenting symptoms and needs, your therapist will likely evaluate areas including:

• Cognitive functioning
• Intellectual processing
• Reasoning and problem-solving
• Concentration levels and attention span
• Language skills
• Mood
• Personality

We cater the testing to fit your individual situation, and the degree to which each area is examined will vary from person to person.

The thought of undergoing psychological testing may sound intimidating. If you’re feeling apprehensive, you’re not alone. In general, psychological testing and assessments are pretty straight forward and easy. These tests are nothing to fear and definitely not something for which you have to study or prepare. In fact, you might be tempted to take tests online. That’s usually not a good idea and can impede your actual test results, especially if you are taking a specific psychological disorder test.

Some tests are completed in a Q and A style between you and your care provider. At other times, testing is done electronically using computerized forms. In either case, these questions are usually very simple to answer and you will be given clear instructions on how to take the tests for best results.

Psychological Testing and Assessments at Seattle Christian Counseling Include:

• Clinical Interview – This helps us gather important background information about your life, personal history, professional background and family history including questions about different stages in your life and mental health issues that run in your family.
• Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ) – IQ testing measures common components of intelligence. This is useful for helping determine things like learning disabilities or developmental delays.
• Personality Assessment – Personality tests are used to help you and your care provider better understand who you are. These tests also help determine personality dysfunctions and disorders.
• Behavioral Assessment – This is done to paint a picture of your thoughts, behaviors and triggers. This is accomplished through natural observation and you might be asked to keep a journal for recording things like your moods and how you react to them.

As mentioned above, a typical neuropsychological evaluation begins with an intake interview. During this initial appointment, your therapist will ask you to describe any symptoms, concerns and other information that may be helpful for the neuropsychologist to know before testing.

Often, the testing session will take place on another day and will include written tests, problem solving, puzzles and answering questions. Some portions of the test will be more challenging than others and normally the assessment takes between three and four hours to complete if evaluating cognitive and memory changes or five to seven hours for a learning disability evaluation.

Once the testing session is done, the neuropsychologist will record the data, evaluate and interpret the results and write a full report with findings and recommendations. This usually takes a few weeks to complete, after which time you will meet for a final appointment to discuss the results and consider the next steps in treatment.

Discussing Your Results

Once the evaluation is complete, we will go over the results with you so that you understand what they mean. From there we will talk about treatment options. You may be referred to Christian counseling or your therapist may recommend that you consider psychiatric medications. Either way, we will uphold your Christian values to reach a treatment plan with which you feel comfortable.

At Seattle Christian Counseling, our hope is to provide a safe and compassionate place for people to get help. You may have mixed emotions when it comes to psychological testing and treatment. Maybe you are fed up with living a life that is hindered or maybe you are on the fence about whether or not psychiatric treatment is for you – wherever you are, we are here to give you support while keeping you informed each step of the way.

We Provide Diagnosis and Treatment for:

• Anxiety and Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Addiction
• OCD
• ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sleep Disorders
• Thought Disorders
• Traumatic Experience
• Child and Adolescent Behavior Problems
• Early Childhood and Learning Disabilities

Seattle Christian Counseling is a safe place for children, teens and adults to find the answers they desire. If you’re tired of struggling with unwanted thoughts or behaviors, have difficulty regulating your mood or if you or your child have a hard time with things like concentration, academic or work performance or impulse control, now’s the time to get the answers and relief you need. The results of neuropsychological testing can enable you to better understand yourself and your condition and can be used by doctors and psychologists to guide treatment plans. As well as revealing limitations, testing will shed light on your strengths and abilities; therefore, neuropsychological assessment can empower you to use your own gifts to overcome weaknesses. Ultimately, testing is for the purpose of guiding treatment plans and supporting your health and well-being.

Psychological Testing Can:

• Evaluate intellectual functioning.
• Identify learning styles and screen for learning disorders.
• Find a diagnosis for complex mental illness symptoms.
• Assess for developmental delays, intellectual giftedness or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Provide understanding as to why a person might have difficulty with relationships.
• Determine why a person might struggle to function well at work or school or have trouble managing impulsive behavior.

Faith-Based Treatment You Can Trust

Are you worried about psychiatric care interfering with your faith and beliefs? The trained professionals at Seattle Christian Counseling commit to respecting your Christian values. We offer a holistic approach to healing with the goal of seeing you enjoy lasting results that correspond to your needs and faith convictions.

As a parent, what is my role in the testing process?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. Any insights you can provide about your concerns or observations prior to testing will be helpful. We will do our best to provide the best assessment based on the information you provide. Depending on the age of your child, you may or may not be present during the testing and assessment.

Can I go back to work or school after I’m done?

Depending on the psychological testing and assessment you require, the process can take some time. Often people say they feel tired afterward. While there is no danger in returning to work or school, you might plan to take the day off just in case.

How can I prepare my child for psychological testing?

Listen to your child’s feelings and concerns. They may be afraid that something is wrong. Try to assure them that they aren’t being tested because they are bad, but because you need help understanding why they are having difficulty. Assure them that many other kids get tested and try to answer any questions they may have.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

To learn more about Christian psychological testing and assessments or to schedule with us, give us a call at (206) 388-3929.