Assessments

Information to come

Health psychology assessment uses various instruments to provide information about an individual’s psychological functioning related to a medical illness and/or surgical procedure.  Psychologists conduct pre-surgical readiness, assess risk for distress, substance use and dependence, medication compliance, negative health habits, motivation to improve, pain management, pre-existing psychological disorders, and coping skills.  Psychologists are trained to evaluate for psychological target areas of concern either pre-or-post surgery and assist in treatment planning.  Standardized assessment results are combined with information obtained through self-report, collateral interviews, and behavioral observations in order to provide a comprehensive report regarding mental, emotional, and interpersonal functioning.

Neuropsychological testing uses various tests in order to provide information about an individual’s intellectual and neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses. Areas of brain functioning typically assessed through neuropsychological testing include: intelligence, academic achievement, memory, attention/concentration, motor and sensory skills, ability to think quickly, visual-spatial ability, problem solving skills, mental organization, and ability to plan and carry out complex tasks. Neuropsychological testing plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of a number of conditions, including: cognitive deficits resulting from chronic mental illness, substance use and abuse, head injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, epilepsy, developmental disability, learning disabilities, ADHD, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Psycholegal evaluation consists of the objective assessment and diagnosis of mental/psychological and neuropsychological conditions that are foundational to relevant psycholegal issues. TAPA Clinical Associates may be retained by counsel or the courts to conduct an objective psychological assessment of an individual’s psychological and/or neurocognitive functioning as it pertains to specific legal criteria relevant to legal allegations and charges. A comprehensive written report is then prepared that addresses pertinent psychological facts and offers an opinion on the psycholegal issues(s) assessed.  Psycholegal assessments also often play critical roles in non-criminal legal matters including settling civil disputes, personal injury, worker’s compensation, harassment claims, disability claims, child custody determination, and personnel screening. If requested, TAPA psychologists can serve as expert witnesses, working with the client’s legal team.

Psychological testing utilizes scientifically-designed tests in order to provide information regarding a person’s basic personality style, identify areas of personal strength and weakness, coping skills, and potential diagnoses and appropriate treatment planning. Standardized assessment/test results are combined with information obtained through self-report, collateral interviews, and behavioral observations in order to provide a comprehensive report regarding mental, emotional, and interpersonal functioning.

Information to come