
Discovering Hope
Counseling and Psychological Services

Remember, each step is as important as any other. The next small step you take is as important as the step that summits Everest.
~ Martha Beck
Psychological Evaluations
and Assessments
Unlocking Understanding:
Your Journey Through Psychological Testing
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Ever wondered what truly makes you you? Or perhaps you've been curious about the inner workings of your mind, seeking clarity and a path forward. Maybe, you are confused by complicated experiences and symptoms that seem to be holding you back. We believe that understanding is the first step towards growth, healing, and a more fulfilling life. Our comprehensive psychological evaluations and assessments are designed to illuminate your unique strengths, identify specific challenges, and offer insight to a path forward, and help realize the incredible potential within you.​​​​​

What is a Psychological Evaluation?
Think of a comprehensive psychological assessment as a highly personalized mental wellness roadmap.
It's much more than just a quick questionnaire; it's a deep dive into how you think, feel, experience and interact with the world around you. We use a blend of scientifically-backed tools – including thoughtful conversations, engaging activities and specialized tasks, along with formal questionnaires – to create a deep and insightful understanding of you. While diagnosis is a part of the process, it is less about labeling, and more about truly seeing you, in all your wonderful complexity! We explore various aspects of your psychological landscape, which might include:
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Cognitive Abilities: How your brain processes information, problem-solves, and learns (sometimes we call this "brain power" – but with a gentle touch!).
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Emotional Well-being: Understanding your emotional experiences, how you manage feelings, and your overall mood "climate."
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Behavioral Patterns: How you typically respond in different situations and interact with others.
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Personality Style: What makes your unique personality shine – your characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
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Social & Relational Dynamics: How you navigate the dance of human connection.
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Academic Abilities: How you learn and any challenges that may be getting in the way of your learning.

Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
~Dr. Seuss
The Benefits of Psychological Testing
The insights gained from an assessment can be incredibly powerful, offering a compass to navigate life's journey. Here are just a few ways it can help you:
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Clarifying Diagnoses: If you've been grappling with symptoms and seeking answers, an assessment can help provide clarity regarding conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning differences, or other mental health concerns. This isn't about fitting you into a box, but finding the right key for your unique lock!
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Tailoring Treatment Plans: With a clear understanding of your needs, we can create a treatment plan that's as unique as you are. No "one-size-fits-all" here – just strategies that truly resonate.
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Unlocking Personal Strengths: Discovering your innate talents and resilience can be incredibly empowering. We'll help you identify those sparkling qualities you might not even realize you possess!
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Enhancing Self-Understanding: Gain a deeper appreciation for your own narrative – why you do what you do, and how you can navigate challenges with greater ease and self-compassion.
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Improving Relationships: Understanding your own patterns can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling connections with others.
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Guiding Life Transitions: Whether it's career choices, educational paths, or personal growth, an assessment can provide valuable direction.

What is Involved in the Assessment Process?
We believe in making this journey as comfortable and illuminating as possible. While each assessment is uniquely tailored, here's a general overview of what you can expect:
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The Initial Consultation: We'll start with a conversation to understand your needs, concerns, and goals. This is your chance to share your story, provide any resources or collaborative contacts, and ask any questions you might have. Think of it as our "getting to know you" session.
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The Assessments: These are typically carried out over a couple of different appointments. These sessions consist of various activities, thought-provoking discussions, and questionnaires. We strive to make this process interesting and maybe even a bit fun! The length of these sessions will vary depending on the scope of your assessment.
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The Detective Work (Data Integration & Analysis): Our clinicians will then meticulously review all the information gathered. It's like piecing together a complex puzzle, creating a comprehensive picture.
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The Feedback Session: We'll sit down together to review the findings, discuss the insights, and answer your questions. We'll present the information in a clear, understandable way, offering practical recommendations and a clear path forward. This is your personal "eureka!" moment.
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Your Comprehensive Report: You'll receive a detailed, written report summarizing the findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and tailored recommendations. This report is yours to keep – a valuable resource for your ongoing journey of understanding and growth.

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
~Aristotle
Still have questions?
Check out our testing specific Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to many of your assessment related questions.