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Understanding Psychological Assessments
Psychological assessments utilize standardized tools to evaluate an individual's mental health and cognitive functioning. These assessments cover a wide range of aspects, including depression, anxiety, dementia, ADHD, and more in accordance with DSM-5. Evaluations delve into areas such as learning, personality, forensics, and neuropsychological function. The insights gained can be shared with various professionals, including doctors, educational institutions, employers, and governmental agencies in accordance with a care plan and consent.
Our General Psychological Assessments are a toolkit of systematic procedures used to measure and evaluate an individual's mental and emotional well-being and functionality. These assessments must be provided by a trained and registered professional governed by a College. General Psychological Assessments can be shared with other professionals including doctors, teachers, or employers for the following reasons:
- Dianosis of Mental Health Disorders or Conditions.
- Develop Treatment Plans for the Long-Term Success of the Individual.
- Monitor Progress and Changes in an Individual's Psychological Functioning over a Certain Period of Time.
- Vocational Planning for those Exploring Employment Options or those Affected by a Workplace Injury or Accident.
- Educational Planning to Investigate things like Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses.
- Legal Requirements such as the Impacts of Trauma, or Recommendations around Capacity and Time to Stand Trial.
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Applications.
- & More.
Our Approach to Psychological Assessments
Assessments at OK Clinical Therapy Group are provided by a Registered Clinical Social Worker or candidate for Registered Clinical Social Worker-RCSW, who is overseen by an RCSW., They are registered with the BC College of Social Workers, backed by the governments of both Canada and the USA’s Social Work Act. Our Social Workers utilize a holistic approach, working through a lens that includes each individual's biological, psychological, social, and spiritual assessment. Subsequently, their aim is to gather information about various aspects of an individual's cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, personality traits, and other factors. It is very important to separate counselling and evaluations. Evaluations are objective findings through interviews, reports and screening tools questions. Counselling is the actual treatment.
The process begins with the completion of a social work assessment which is a group of specifically designed questions that help with the initial stages of the patient's mental health investigation and potential diagnosis. From there an evaluation is conducted that is gleaned from the DSM-5 (referenced in the 'resources' section of this page) that looks at personal, historical, family, work/school (social) and cultural factors. If a provisional or definitive diagnosis is identified, then we move into recommendations that every individual will be able to take with them on their journey.
When to Consider a Psychological Assessment
Recognizing the appropriateness of a Psychological Assessment is pivotal when confronting life's challenges. Instances where pursuing such an evaluation may be beneficial include:
- Traumatic Experiences/Events: If you are enduring persistent symptoms of trauma, a Psychological Assessment can offer insights into your mental well-being.
- Learning Difficulties in Education: When a loved one, such as a child, exhibits signs of learning difficulties, a Psychological Assessment becomes essential. It can unveil potential learning disabilities, unlocking access to various educational supports, allowances, and assistance.
- Transitioning Through Life Changes: By undergoing a Psychological Assessment, individuals gain insights into their emotional state, coping mechanisms, and resilience levels. This knowledge becomes instrumental in developing personalized strategies to navigate the complexities such as divorce and career transitions. It equips them with valuable information to address the emotional impact of these changes and fosters a path toward emotional well-being as they embrace a new chapter in their life.
- Substance Use: If you are experiencing significant negative consequences (e.g. Health, Legal, Relationship, Work) as a result of your substance use, an assessment can help determine a recovery trajectory.
- Cognition: An assessment of a person's cognitive capacity can help determine intellectual functioning, problem-solving ability, and memory issues providing important information in seeking required support to optimize functioning.
In these scenarios, a Psychological Assessment serves as a valuable resource, offering insights and guidance for targeted support in areas such as mental health, education, employment, and recovery. Consideration of a Psychological Assessment is a proactive step toward gaining a deeper understanding of your unique challenges and facilitating a more informed path forward.
Why Choose
OK Clinical?
With a diverse team of clinicians, flexible appointments, and sliding fee scales, we’re helping to pave the way for more accessible, affordable counselling services for all.
Flexible
Appointments
Online Counselling Available
Accessibility
& Availability
Current Psychological Assessment Providers
Locations
Individuals can access all of our services virtually or in person. Thus the Psychological Assessment can be completed in its entirety virtually via video call. However, they can also be provided in person primarily at our Abbotsford, BC location. Similarly, depending on demand and workload, these assessments can be provided in the Okanagan upon request.
Getting Started with Psychological Assessments
Take the first step with the resources listed below and start your application. Please feel free to schedule a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. We can explore if a Psychological Assessment would be of benefit to you. Additionally, our dedicated team can provide insights and recommendations to guide you on your mental health journey.
Resources:
- APA-DSM 5 TR-Cultural Formulation Interview
- Psychological Assessments - National Library of Medicine