12725 Ventura Boulevard, Suite K, Studio City, CA 91604
For more information call (310) 739-7344
Testing / Assessment
Psychological assessment is a comprehensive process that can answer any number of questions about a person. It involves the integration of information from multiple sources, such as standardized tests of intelligence, achievement and/or personality as well as personal interviews. Collateral information is also collected about personal, occupational, or medical history. This information is often obtained from records or interviews with parents, teachers, therapists, social workers and physicians. Typical areas of focus for psychological assessment are to provide clarification of a diagnosis; assess a particular area of functioning or disability; make recommendations for treatment; assist with academic/work accommodations and facilitate career planning.
A psycho-educational assessment has the specific focus of using standardized tests in an effort to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses across many areas of functioning such as cognitive development, academic achievement, adaptive functioning, visual perceptual, motor coordination, visual motor integration, behavior and social-emotional development. The main goal of a psycho-educational assessment is to provide the best estimate of a child's skill level and make recommendations aimed at improving a child's overall level of functioning.
Common reasons for children to be referred for psychological testing/assessment:
- A teacher expresses concern about areas of academic progress
- A child's school specifically suggests that a child be tested to determine if a learning disability is present
- A child is displaying behaviors that a parent worries is not normal for their age or developmental level
- A child was previously diagnosed with a learning disability and is now in need of an updated evaluation, as she/he will be taking standardized tests and is in need of accommodations.
- A child is applying for admission into a gifted program (GATE)
Common reasons adults seek psychological testing/assessment:
- Identification of a learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other mental health issue which is impairing one's functioning at home, school or at work
- To help clarify mental health diagnosis and augment individual treatment
- Intelligence testing for personal interest
- To assist with career planning
- To receive appropriate school/work accommodations such as with testing for GED, SAT, GRE's etc.
Preparing your child for testing:
- Talk to your child about doing the best they can--this should be their only requirement.
- Make sure your child knows that the testing is to help everyone learn more about their strengths and weakness and how to help them do better at home or school.
- Prior to attending a testing session please ensure that your child has a good night's sleep, is wearing comfortable clothing and has had a healthy well balanced meal.
- If your child wears glasses, please be sure to send them with your child.
- You may also want to send a healthy snack along with your child, as we will be taking breaks.
Parent Interviews:
As parents, you know your child better than anyone. For this reason I believe it is imperative to set up the initial appointment with you, without your child present. During this clinical interview I will ask you a variety of questions regarding the cognitive, academic, social and emotional functioning of your child. We will cover the reason you are seeking the current assessment/evaluation, what areas of concern you have for your child, background history regarding your child's development (such as medical, mental health, academic and peer relationship history). We will also discuss aspects of your family in order to gain a better understanding of any important genetic issues, intergenerational patterns of behavior, and/or familial stressors that may be impacting your child's functioning.
In order to get information on specific symptoms, behaviors or areas of interest, you may be asked to complete various questionnaires as part of this process. Also, if you have any academic, medical or mental health reports that you think would be helpful please bring them with you for this appointment.