What to expect during a Psychological Assessment
Port Elizabeth | Eastern Cape
If you or your child have not experienced psychometric assessment before, you may have no idea what to expect, how long the process will take or what will come out of it. So let’s unpack the process in six steps.
1
Before the intake interview
Prior to your appointment you will be told which documents you need to bring with. These are important for the integration of assessment results, as well as the choice of assessments to be used. Documents you have to bring in will include the client’s birth certificate or ID, medical aid information (if applicable), school reports and relevant teacher’s notes (if applicable). If a previous assessment has been conducted, a copy of that assessment report will be needed.
2
The intake interview
The intake interview is the first step in assessing the client. The goal is to gain a variety of information that will assist in choosing the appropriate psychometric tests. This information can include the client’s history, school report, information provided by teachers and parents and, information from previous assessments and interventions. The intake interview is open ended, relaxed and informal. I encourage clients or parents to discuss any information that they view as relevant. This appointment usually takes an hour.
3
The assessment
Assessments will be conducted on a separate day and may have to be conducted over multiple sessions (2-3 days). Assessments will usually take place in the morning to ensure clients are not tired and are fresh and alert. Time will be given for clients to voice any concerns, ask questions and reduce any feelings of anxiety. Sessions usually range from 1-4 hours, depending on the tests, but you will be informed in advance how much time will be needed.
4
Scoring and Report Writing
This stage entails scoring, interpreting and integrating the results from the various assessments along with the information gathered from the intake interview. A comprehensive report will then be compiled for the client or their parent/legal guardian. If a referral is suggested based on the results, a copy of the report will be given to you along with a referral letter. This is to ensure you have all the necessary information if you do choose to pursue further intervention. This process can take 1-2 weeks to complete.
5
Feedback Session
We will go through the report together and explanations will be provided for each assessment result and recommendation made.
This can take 30 minutes to an hour however, this step is very important and I urge that clients do not feel rushed. Ensure you ask questions, ask for clarification and discuss the report and its recommendations until you fully understand and are satisfied.
6
What next?
Individuals can only be assessed on the same tests after 2 years have passed. Therefore you will not require any further appointments with me. However, I welcome staying in contact and receiving updates on you or your child. I would love to hear about progress or changes that have occurred.