Have you ever wondered if your frequent days of feeling down or struggling to get motivated may be related to depression? Has your tendency to worry about things started to impact your daily life? Have you always felt a little different, but you can’t put your finger on why you feel that way? Psychological assessment may give you some of the answers you’re looking for. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so there’s no better time to discuss the many benefits of assessment for developing a deeper understanding of mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns and planning for the right therapy and other resources to live a more fulfilling life.
What Is Assessment?
Assessment is the process of using tests, observations, interviews, rating scales, and other evaluative tools to obtain a greater understanding of a person’s skills and abilities as well as pinpointing areas where support and resources may be beneficial.
Why Is Assessment Recommended?
In some cases, assessment is required as part of educational support planning, legal proceedings, or prior to medical procedures. In other cases, assessments are recommended by physicians or others who notice differences that may indicate a specific area of concern. Individuals can also elect to receive assessment if they notice specific symptom or have questions about their own skills or areas of struggle that they would like answers about. There are many different types of assessment, including:
- Psychological Assessment
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Psychoeducational Assessment
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment
How Can Assessment Help?
When we hear assessment, it’s natural to think of tests that have right and wrong answers, but assessment is about understanding not about grades. While assessments do answer specific questions about an individual, the main goal of assessment is to create a clear and complete picture of a person’s skills and abilities.
For example, psychological assessments are often recommended for people who are struggling with emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral disorders. While many people think that psychological assessment offers a specific diagnosis, what these evaluations actually offer is insight. They help individuals understand the severity of their mental health concerns as well as approaches that may help to alleviate the impact of these conditions on their daily life. Additionally, assessment results can offer information about how the individual’s inherent strengths can be utilized to overcome areas where they may be struggling. In short, psychological assessment isn’t about checking a diagnostic box saying an individual is struggling with depression or anxiety. Instead, it’s about offering information that will help people heal and live more satisfying lives every day. The same is true for all forms of assessment. They evaluate the individual as whole rather than trying to fit a person into a specific diagnosis.
Are You Interested in Learning More?
Whatever reason brought you to this blog to learn more about assessment, it’s a valid reason to consider assessment. If you’re interested in learning more about working with Northern Colorado Assessment Center, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be happy to help.
