Have you ever wanted to understand why your brain works the way that it does?
You’re not alone! Understanding how your brain works on a deeper level has many benefits, and psychological testing is one way to help increase that understanding.
What is psychological testing?
Psychological assessments are standardized tests done by psychologists to help evaluate mental health, cognitive abilities, learning challenges and disabilities, and behavioral concerns.
Psychological tests can help diagnose things like ADHD, mood disorders, and neurodivergence such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. The results of these tests can support more specialized treatment planning, accommodations for school or work, and a better understanding of your specific brain work.
You might benefit from psychological testing if:
- You or your child are struggling in school or socially, and you would like to know why
- You or your child are struggling with executive functions, like memory or organization
- You are not making the progress you’d like in therapy, and you want to know if something deeper is going on
- You’re concerned that you or your child has ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or another type of neurodivergence
- You’re having problems interpersonally and want support in understanding your personality type
- You need a psychological evaluation for immigration or other court-ordered reasons
- You think you or your child may have a learning disability and require accommodations for school or work
- You would like to better understand your (or your child’s) cognitive abilities and IQ
- You would like to track your progress and the effectiveness of your treatment over time
What to expect during psychological testing at GRC
The actual assessment is just one part of the psychological testing process. Here’s what to expect if you’re interested in a psychological evaluation:
- Initial contact: When you initially reach out to the practice that will perform the psychological testing. This step includes scheduling your sessions and understanding your insurance coverage and how payment will work.
- Intake appointment: Your intake appointment will help us understand what kind of evaluation you require so we can find the tests that best fit your needs. During this session, we’ll discuss your history, what’s bringing you in for your evaluation, and what you hope to get out of the process.
- The assessments: Once we have a full picture, we can begin the assessments themselves. The full process for assessments typically takes a few hours, over one or two different appointments.
- Final report with recommendations: Finally, within one or two weeks of your assessment, you will receive a written report and results. The exact time frame depends on the type of evaluation and the number of tests. We include a written report that contains
clear results and practical recommendations from our psychologists, including goals for therapy, accommodations for school or work, or referrals for additional services.
So, what exactly are the benefits of psychological testing on your mental health? Here are 7 reasons to consider a psychological evaluation at Grief Recovery Center in Houston:
Receive personalized insights
A psychological evaluation can help you understand how you think, feel, and function on a deeper level. If there are things you’ve been struggling with, testing can shine light on what’s going on. You will learn more about your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and challenges, and how they may be impacting your day-to-day life.
Get accurate diagnoses
Assessments can cut through the uncertainty and provide you with an accurate diagnosis so you can plan your next steps. Whether you’re looking for information to guide mental health treatment or school and workplace accommodations, an evaluation can provide the accurate information you need.
Obtain objective documentation
There are lots of reasons why you might need objective documentation from a psychologist, like for disability claims, workplace accommodations, legal cases, or academic support. Having an official report listing what kinds of support you or your child requires can make it easier for you to receive the help you need to thrive.
Support peace of mind
It’s scary to know something is going on but not be able to pinpoint exactly what it is. A psychological evaluation can not only give you answers, but also offer peace of mind for you and your family because your concerns are being addressed. Once you know what’s going on, it’s easier to develop a plan to address it, and the stress of the unknown can melt away.
Help align your treatment across providers
Sometimes it can feel like each healthcare provider works in a silo, and no one is on the same page. A psychological evaluation can be sent to your providers so that everyone who treats you has the same information to guide their treatment planning. Rather than you having to self-report what’s going on to every provider, the objective report can speak for itself and inform their treatment.
Feel affirmed and empowered
Understanding yourself better helps you move through the world with confidence. It’s affirming to be told, “You’re right, there is something going on.” Everyone’s brains work a little differently, so knowing your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses can help you feel more capable and confident in yourself.
Reduce stigma
There’s a lot of self-judgment and shame that goes along with mental health issues. A psychological evaluation is objective, not judgmental, and can help reinforce the idea that it’s okay to seek help for these challenges. Whatever is going on, there are many reasons for it, and it’s not your fault. Learning how to cope with shame can make it easier to be compassionate with yourself, especially when you have a psychologist’s report in front of you offering data and resources.
At Grief Recovery Center in Houston, our licensed psychologists provide a wide range of comprehensive evaluations for children, teens, and adults. Whether you are looking for answers for yourself, your child, or someone in your care, psychological testing can help you take the next step with confidence. Contact us today to get started.
- 7 Reasons to Explore Psychological Testing at Grief Recovery Center - September 12, 2025
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