Clinical conversation
Your concerns, history, context, and what you hope to understand.
Start with a clear answer.
I bring together your history and concerns. I provide you with a clear picture of what is happening and specific recommendations for what would help.
Making sense of the full picture
A psychodiagnostic assessment brings together your concerns, history, current functioning, and relevant clinical information. An assessment may help clarify symptoms, identify a diagnosis when appropriate, provide a case conceptualization or formulation, and guide treatment or referrals.
Assessment may be useful for questions related to eating, body image, mood, anxiety, trauma, or other concerns affecting daily life.
Inquire about assessmentAssessment is optional. You do not need an assessment or formal diagnosis to begin psychotherapy.
What it may include
Relevant measures
Evidence-informed questionnaires or tools may be used when helpful.
Feedback and next steps
Findings are explained clearly, with recommendations for care.
Written report
Depending on the purpose and scope of the assessment, you may receive a written report summarizing findings and recommendations.
Common questions
Should I do this, or just start therapy?
Most people can start therapy without an assessment. An assessment is useful when you are looking for diagnostic clarification, when having a diagnosis would help you, or when you need something documented.
What kinds of questions can an assessment answer?
Whether what you are experiencing has a name, why previous treatment has not worked, whether something has been missed or mislabelled, and what kind of care actually fits. I build the assessment around your question rather than a standard battery.
How long does it take?
It depends on the scope, but assessments generally range from 60 to 90 minutes. Preparing your assessment report follows.
Do I need a diagnosis?
A diagnosis can be a useful tool and a way of getting clarity, but it may not be necessary, or what you are looking for right now. You are in control of what gets written down and who sees it.
Can I use the report for school, work, or insurance?
I have completed comprehensive assessments for school reports before, though I may not be able to offer that level of assessment at the moment. Tell me what the report is for and I can point you toward where it can be done.
Does an assessment mean we then do therapy together?
No. My recommendations point to whatever would genuinely help, which is sometimes me and sometimes someone else. You are free to take the answers and the plan anywhere.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can reach out yourself, and your doctor or therapist can also send me a note.
Not sure whether assessment is the right starting point?
A brief consult call can help clarify the next step. Fifteen minutes, free.