Psychological Testing and Evaluations
Why Psychological Testing?
Symptoms of a psychological or neuropsychological disorder can sometimes be clear, however, oftentimes the issue is not as easy to pinpoint and requires testing to rule out certain conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis. Psychological testing is a way of evaluating behavioral patterns, social and emotional functioning, and intellectual abilities in order to understand the strengths and capabilities an individual may have, as well as the difficulties or impairments they may face. Testing can be used to help guide treatment as well as provide information to the individual, as well as family members, teachers, doctors, social workers, mental health professionals, and other care team members, so they are able to support and help that individual improve functioning through psychological testing.
What We Do
Nystrom & Associates is dedicated to providing quality psychological testing and individualized recommendations for children (ages 3+), adolescents, and adults. The assessment process includes an initial intake interview, during which background and current functioning information will be obtained. At the intake appointment, your provider will determine if you will be scheduled for one testing session (2-5 hours for general psychological testing, 6-7 hours for neuropsychological testing) or two or more shorter testing sessions (2-3 hours each). At the intake appointment, your provider will also discuss with you what the testing will address. Following the completion of testing, patients will return for a results session where the evaluation report will be reviewed and recommendations will be discussed.
Benefits of Testing
- Helps to clarify mental health diagnoses and provide insight
- Provides insight and understanding of strengths and weaknesses
- Help identify developmental delays
- Helps with identifying cognitive impairments or concerns (ex. memory concerns), and establishing baseline abilities
- Used to assess the level of focus and attention issues, and identify or rule out Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Used to assess academic ability and identify or rule out a learning disorder
- Helps with identifying autism spectrum disorders
- Helps guide treatment plan goals and lead to referrals for appropriate services
- Provides information for individuals to share when applying for social security or other disability services
- Helps provide information that may be helpful to obtain school services, such as an IEP or 504 Plan, early entrance into kindergarten, acceptance in the gifted/talented program
- May be required for employment, such as for a Police Officer
- Provides information regarding psychological functioning to determine appropriateness to participate in surgery
Types of Testing Provided by Nystrom
- Assess mental health concerns to help clarify diagnoses
- Provides insight and understanding of strengths and weaknesses
- Guides treatment goals and identifies referrals for appropriate services
- Identify possible personality disorder traits to explore further through therapy
- For ages 6 and up
- Assess ADHD symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention in both children and adults
Testing is likely not appropriate if currently using substances consistently — including drugs, alcohol, and/or other substances.
- Uses standardized measures, interview, and other sources of information to assess patients with brain injury, disease, or developmental concerns that impact behavior and/or thinking
- Helps identify how a problem with your brain is affecting your ability to reason, concentrate, solve problems, or remember
- Provided at select clinics
- For ages 3 and up
- Testing may be recommended if you have a disease that can affect the brain, such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumor
- Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease
- Epilepsy
- AIDS
- Amnesia
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Genetic Disorders
- Exposure to in utero alcohol or drug use
- Developmental delays
- Testing may also be recommended if:
- You have an injury that may have affected your brain, such as a concussion or a more serious brain injury
- You have a history of drug or alcohol abuse that may have affected your brain
- You have been exposed to poisons, chemicals, or pollution that can cause brain damage
- You have significant learning or processing issues, resulting in problems at school
- Assesses basic reading, writing, and/or math concerns
- If learning concerns includes more extensive issues including processing issues or possibly dyslexia, then a neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate
- Testing for early entrance into kindergarten (private pay but may be able to use HSA)
- Testing for gifted/talented program (private pay but may be able to use HSA)
- Help with 504 Plan or IEP planning, if testing is not already completed through school or additional testing is needed
- For ages 3 and up
- Offered at select clinics
- Bariatric surgery psychological evaluations (will include testing sessions)
- Spinal cord stimulus psychological assessments (likely one appointment including a clinical interview)
- Required for some police officers going through training
- Adoption
- Donating eggs
- Special Assessments
Psychological Testing Locations
We accept all insurances including medical assistance and other state health plans. A reduced rate for uninsured private pay patients is available. Forms for this program can be found on our Patient Forms page by clicking here.
