The LodeStone Center offers in depth psychological evaluations and testing for most issues. It is not uncommon for therapist or other medical providers to refer people for testing to help find a clear diagnosis and provide treatment recommendations. We have a number of Clinical Psychologists that can provide these services for ages six and up. If you would like more information, or would like to request a testing intake with a Psychologist, you can either fill out the contact form on this page and we will get in touch with you or you can also call us directly at 847-802-4058.
What is Neuropsychological/Psychological Testing?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves assessment of an individual’s cognitive areas (i.e., memory, attention, executive function) that are sensitive to brain functioning. A psychological evaluation involves assessment of an individual’s behavior, personality, and general abilities to provide further clarification of one’s social-emotional functioning. Testing service findings identify primary and contributing factors to cognitive changes and provides support regarding recommendations to guide treatment and improve functioning in multiple areas of
one’s life.
What Kinds of Issues Are Referred?
Psychologists have the luxury of spending a significant amount of time assessing a person’s history, current functioning, and administering tests when needed to measure symptom severity. When symptom patterns could be one of many disorders, or when a person is experiencing a complex combination of problems, diagnostic testing can help provide a clear picture of what various factors are contributing to a person’s difficulty.
The Assessment Process:
Clinical Intake/Interview: You will meet for a diagnostic intake with a testing psychologist for a 50-60- minute appointment to describe the testing process in more detail along with obtaining a more in-depth developmental, behavioral, and diagnostic history to guide the evaluation. This aids in identifying appropriate testing instruments that will be used to individualize your testing evaluation.
Face-to-Face Testing: Testing can range from 4-6 hours and may range over the course of a few sessions upon request. Due to the nature of many of the tests, it is important to begin testing when one is fresh in the morning which results in daytime appointments for testing evaluations.
Collaboration: All testing psychologists collaborate with necessary parties involved in the testing process with consent. This may include, but not be limited to, parents, teachers, therapists, and/or prescribing physicians.
A Comprehensive Report: At the completion of testing and review of results, a comprehensive report is created to provide you with detailed information regarding the results. This evaluation will also provide clarification of diagnostic criteria along with recommendations to support the individual in all areas of their life.
Feedback Session: A final 60-minute session is provided to the individual, or guardians for minors, to review the results and report. The testing psychologist will answer any questions or provide further verbal clarification regarding the results of testing at this time. A copy of the comprehensive report is provided at the time of the feedback session.
What Can You Expect to Learn From Testing?
Evaluations and feedback will provide valuable information including:
-Diagnostic impressions
-An understanding of your strengths and areas of growth
-Recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs
How is This Useful to Therapists?
When you participate in therapy, detailed assessment of your mental health symptoms and personality traits can be very useful in giving your therapist the most information possible to help. Psychological testing can provide a lot of information in a short amount of time, saving weeks of therapy sessions devoted to learning about your personality style and symptom trends. It can also help distinguish between multiple clinical disorders that seem very similar, which helps your therapist accurately formulate a plan to help relieve your distress quickly.
Specialty Services Offered Include:
Autism Spectrum Evaluations
ADHD Evaluations
Dementia/Memory Deficit Evaluations
General Diagnostic Clarification
Gifted/IQ Testing
Learning Disability Evaluations
Meet Our Testing Psychologists:
Dr. Julie Peterson
Dr. Jordan Cart
Dr. Michelle Bidwell
Dr. Desiree Hawley
If you have any questions or concerns regarding psychological testing, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our psychologists. We are happy to answer questions, help look into your insurance benefits or explain how counseling might be beneficial to you. If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, contact us today.