At STG, we refer to a psychological assessment as a psychodiagnostic examination. This is a way of investigating strengths and weaknesses in the area of intelligence, personal functioning, and social functioning. It consists of several interviews and the administration of questionnaires and other research material.
Psychological assessment is one of the ways to collect information about a person. Scientific research has shown that a psychological assessment has important advantages over a subjective judgment based on, for example, intuition, feeling or individual experience. With psychological assessment, the aim is to obtain as objective a picture as possible of the person to be examined.
Psychological Assessment focuses on more than just a diagnosis.
Whereas many psychological assessments only focus on a diagnosis, STG Psychodiagnostic assessment looks beyond a diagnosis. STG uses a psychodiagnostic model – the collaboration between diagnostician/treatment practitioner and client – to determine strengths to move forward. The purpose of a psychodiagnostic assessment is to learn more about yourself and the challenges that interfere with moving forward. The clinician and the client work together to discover the missing puzzle pieces to understand where your problems come from and how these can be minimized or remediated.
The aim of a psychodiagnostic assessment is therefore to gain more insight into your complaints and/or problems, often in conjunction with insight into how your psychological, biological, and sociological strengths work together. After a psychodiagnostic assessment, we have more insight into your problems, your strengths and vulnerabilities, so that we can tailor your treatment more to what you need in your situation.
An STG psychodiagnostic assessment can help you change your understanding of yourself, others and the world. In all cases, a psychodiagnostic assessment contains an individualized treatment plan to assist the client with learning the most effective ways to move forward.
A psychodiagnostic assessment typically includes many of the following components:
- Clinical Interview: A mental health professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview to gather information about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and history.
- Psychological Tests: Various standardized psychological tests and assessments may be used to help diagnose a condition and provide additional information about the individual’s functioning.
- Review of Medical and Psychological Records: The mental health professional may review any relevant medical or psychological records to gather additional information.
- Observation: Observing an individual’s behaviour and demeanour can provide additional information about their symptoms and level of functioning.
- Self-Report Questionnaires: Self-report questionnaires may be used to assess the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, as well as any symptoms.
- Interview with Family and Friends: The mental health professional may interview family members or friends to gather additional information about the individual’s behaviour and history.
The specific components of a psychodiagnostic assessment may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and questions. The goal of an STG Psychodiagnostic assessment is to gather comprehensive information to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
