Psychological evaluations are not a way to judge a teen’s character. They are important tools for understanding a child’s mental health and needs, helping them get the right support for a better life. These evaluations use various methods to determine what kind of help a teen requires, just like other medical tests do.
It is essential to recognize that many types of tests exist, and choosing the appropriate one can greatly help with treatment planning, address legal issues, and offer useful information in both clinical and legal contexts. Understanding these testing methods is key to achieving better results and implementing more effective interventions.
Knowing how these evaluations work, how they can support your teen, and when parents should take a closer look can help you and your teen get ready for what’s next and ease any worries or misunderstandings.
What are Psychological Tests
A Psychological Evaluation is a clinical step to identify behavioral, intellectual, and psychological signs that may indicate a mental health issue and to understand how serious these signs are. Teens can be moody and go through many changes in feelings and thoughts during puberty and early adulthood.
There are clear differences between normal teenage behavior and disordered thinking or actions, which can disrupt daily life and cause issues at home and school. These evaluations are not about forcing children into a specific mold or controlling them, but about helping children who are hurting and confused. It’s about recognizing and diagnosing disorders that need treatment, which often works best when addressed quickly and effectively.
It is about distinguishing between normal behaviors and thoughts that may harm a parent and signs of a serious mental health problem that could endanger the teen’s wellbeing. Assessments by psychologists or psychiatrists are always done by qualified medical experts.
When Is a Psychological Evaluation Necessary?
Psychological evaluations are usually the first step toward figuring out what might be going on with your teen. If your teenager is acting strange, has had a sudden change in mood and behavior, or continues to show signs of abnormal or irrational behavior for a consistent period across multiple settings, then they may need help.
Some signs that a teen might need a psychological evaluation include the following:
- Extreme worries and fears.
- Self-imposed isolation.
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss.
- Change in appetite.
- Risky behavior not tied to temperament, i.e. acting unusually carefree.
- Having difficulties with reality.
- Making confusing or strange statements repeatedly.
- Unexplained physical pains and recurring headaches.
What can a psychological Evaluation tell you about your teen?
A psychological evaluation gives a complete view of a teen’s physical and mental health. This includes interviews, tests, physical exams, and neurological checks. Medical professionals use this information to find the likely cause of any symptoms for treatment. A good psychological evaluation may include:
- Questions about family dynamics and relationships at home and school.
- A detailed family history, particularly regarding mental health and medical issues.
- Health history, including past episodes or diagnoses, current and past medications, and previous health concerns.
- Screening tests to evaluate behavioral and emotional health, physical health, neurological function, cognitive skills, and more.
- Environmental factors like the teen’s home life, upbringing, developmental history, trauma, or loss.
Where Can Psychological Evaluations Be Done?
Are you looking for the best psychological evaluation near me? Inner Acceptance Therapy is here, where you can access psychological evaluations. Our licensed and experienced mental health therapists and counselors can help improve your quality of life and find your true happiness!
I noticed during our last family reunion that one of my nephews seem to have significantly lost weight and has been looking rather anxious lately, so I was worried about the state of his mental health. I appreciate you informing us that psychological evaluations can help figure out what the problem could be, so we should consider it if we know someone with a sudden change in their mood and behavior. I’ll be sure to suggest this to my sister and help my nephew get proper psychological testing done soon.