Psychological Testing

Psychological testing helps to reveal how an individual thinks, learns, and functions in the world. It involves gathering information to better understand an individual's strengths, weaknesses, personality, and behavior and to accurately diagnose mental health conditions. The results of psychological testing can be used to help identify the best treatment interventions and assist in developing or fine-tuning therapy goals. Psychological testing can help to determine if an individual has a learning disability, AD/HD, or intellectual disability. IQ testing and/or academic achievement testing can also be provided for the school admissions process if it is required by a school to which a student is applying.

The psychological testing process consists of an intake appointment, one to two testing sessions, and a feedback meeting. The intake and feedback meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes. The feedback meeting is scheduled about two weeks after the final testing session.

At the intake appointment, Dr. Grote gathers information about the individual's background and current concerns and determines the type of evaluation that is most appropriate. Depending on the referral and diagnostic questions, additional information may be obtained from outside sources such as schools, family members, or other treatment providers (with the individual's written consent). Previous evaluations and other pertinent documentation, when available, are also reviewed.

After the intake appointment, there are typically one or two testing sessions that are scheduled. The testing appointments are usually two to three hours in length with breaks taken as needed. Once testing has been completed, the data collected is scored, interpreted, and explained in a psychological report. Dr. Grote reviews the information in the psychological report at the feedback meeting.

The psychological report includes pertinent background information about the individual, test scores, an explanation of what the test scores mean, a diagnosis or diagnoses (if applicable), and recommendations. The psychological report can be used as documentation of disability to obtain accommodations in school, during standardized tests (e.g., the ACT), or in the workplace.

If you have any questions about the testing process, please contact Dr. Grote at 720.262.7249.