Are you new to therapy or want to look into different types of treatment for your recovery? You may have a few questions about the first steps to take? One of them may be about the mental health evaluation, which is a common, yet misunderstood initial step.
 
Yes, it can sound a bit intimidating, but this is a simple way for a psychologist, psychiatrist,  or other healthcare provider to know more about what you are currently going through. So read on to learn more about the mental health evaluation so you know what to expect!

A mental health evaluation is like a psychological assessment. A medical professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or even family doctor, will perform the assessment. 
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The evaluation could involve various components, including:
 
            •           Verbally answering questions
            •           Taking a physical test
            •           Completing  questionnaires
 
This is the first step and initial line of defense when looking for treatment for mental illnesses.  Other evaluation tools may also help professionals gain insight into one's personality.
 
No medical health professional will ever judge you for the results. They plan to work with you to help you understand and manage the symptoms that impact your life.
 
It may be a bit more comforting if you think of it as taking a medical test for a physical illness.  Let’s say, you suffer from physical symptoms. A doctor would order blood tests or X-rays to understand what causes your symptoms and develop a treatment plan for it.
 
Mental health evaluations do the same thing, with mental health professionals utilizing tools and tests to measure and observe behavior. Once they have the results, they will diagnose you and find appropriate treatments accordingly to the specific issues you have.

Mental health evaluations may have different components, such as behavioral observations, checklists, formal questionnaires, interviews, surveys, and more. The depth of the mental health evaluation will depend on the patient and what has to be assessed.
 
Usually, these evaluations take between 20-90 minutes, depending on why you are being evaluated. They can be done in-person or virtually, depending on your situation. Mental health evaluations online are becoming more common. 
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​To help you get a gist of what to expect from mental health evaluations, here are the different types:
 
       •          Physical exams are done to help determine if you have a physical disorder or neurological issue
       •         Lab tests may be done, such as blood work or a urine test to, again, rule out physical disorders. You might also be asked about medicine, drug, and alcohol use to confirm that the symptoms you experience aren’t side effects
       •       The medical health professional will ask about your mental health history and personal history. They’ll ask how long you’ve been experiencing such symptoms, the medical history of mental health, psychiatric treatments received, as well as personal history and traumas
          •           Mental evaluations will discuss your symptoms in more detail, focusing on your behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Your healthcare provider will observe how you appear and behave as he/she asks you questions to get more detail
       •       The cognitive evaluation is different from the mental evaluation, with your healthcare provider gauging your ability to recall information, use sound reasoning, and to think clearly. 
         •        Self-evaluations or self-assessments are done to get to know your thoughts, emotions, among other symptoms before getting support. This will help figure out what therapy you need as well as a preferred communication style.
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Mental health evaluations are crucial to help determine what diagnosis you may have and what you need to treat your symptoms. Just make sure that a licensed professional will administer the assessments to get an accurate response and positive result.
 
If you would like to receive a mental health evaluation, do reach out to our office to find out more

​Have you ever wondered, “what is neuropsychological testing and who is it done for?”
 
Read on to find out and immerse yourself into the world of neuropsychology, which combines our brain and behavior!
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​Clinical neuropsychology is a field that has historical origins in psychology and neurology. A neuropsychologist would assess one’s brain functioning through structured and systematic observation of behavior. This is where neuropsychological tests come along.

Neuropsychological tests are designed to help examine different cognitive abilities, such as one's speed of information processing, attention, language, memory, as well as executive functions, all of which necessary for behavior.

Neuropsychological testing began in the 20th century, which was when the modern field of neuropsychology started to emerge. It was Ralph Reitan, an American neuropsychologist, who stated the importance of such tests to help guide the systematic observations of the relationship between the brain and one’s behavior. 
 
Before using neuroimaging techniques such as the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, professionals focused on the diagnosis. Because there weren’t many non-surgical methods to observe brain lesions and structural abnormalities in the living, the tests were the only way to see what part of the brain affected the patient.
 
When testing one’s cognitive abilities and examining their patterns of performance in various cognitive areas, neuropsychologists will be able to make inferences regarding the underlying brain function.
 
They would be able to help identify syndromes and disorders associated with that particular area of their brain. Furthermore, these tests can also be used as screening tests, for medical professionals to see if they require more extensive diagnostic evaluations. It can also be used in elderly people who have memory issues, so doctors can identify those who are more at risk for dementia compared to those who experience the typical age-related memory problems.
 
The tests are a vital part of assessing and treating neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injuries, as well as dementia. Furthermore, neuropsychological testing is a vital tool to examine the effects of different toxic substances and medical conditions on how the brain functions.

​One would require these tests when their doctor finds out if a neurological disease or recent injury might have affected their brain.
 
For instance, a concussion, or for patients suspected to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Other conditions that may affect the brain (and require neuropsychological testing) include:
 
            •           Alzheimer’s disease
            •           Dementia
            •           Epilepsy
            •           Stroke
 
And other neurological conditions, both minor and severe.

​What Is the Procedure Like?
There are different kinds of tests that can be done, depending on your medical history, the particular symptoms experienced, as well as the potential diagnosis.
 
One of the most common types of neuropsychological testing is a mere screening test. It's also known as mini-mental exams, which are usually taken during your first neurological office visit, then taken yearly afterward.
 
If it is clinically indicated, then you may take a computerized test, with the results collecting valid and accurate brain and behavioral clinical endpoints. These would give medical professionals information between the patient’s brain function (from the central nervous system) and behavioral/neurocognitive dysfunction.
 
Again, if clinically indicated, then there may be formal neuropsychological testing required, with a neuropsychologist. This is done in patients who have more serious causes of brain trauma and injury, or neurodegenerative diseases.
 
Wrapping It Up
I hope that this quick and informative guide answered your question, "what is neuropsychological testing?" Let this be the beginning of learning more about the wonders of neuropsychology and the connections between our mind and the way we act!