Revised: May 21, 2014

By: Michael G. Conner, Psy.D, Clinical, Medical & Family Psychologist
More Information: www.CrisisCounseling.com
Phone: 541 388-5660

Therapeutic Psychological Assessments are psychological evaluation procedures that are designed to assist in decision making and to produce diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.  Therapeutic Psychological  Assessments are a specialized clinical service.  

How does it work?…

Therapeutic Psychological Assessments evaluate psychological processes and bring about change by combining the most powerful aspects of psychological assessment and psychotherapy into a single integrated process. The process provides feedback that is personally relevant to families, couples, adults and teenagers.

What is the result?…

The procedure is designed to support character development, strategic behavior changes, as well as increased  motivation for self-directed change. In addition, the assessment provides objective data necessary for diagnosis, training or educational placements or treatment. Planning and referrals following the evaluation can be facilitated more effectively.  Following a therapeutic evaluation, families, couples, adults or teenagers should have a clear understanding of their strengths, weakness, needs and psychological nature.

What impact does it have on psychotherapy or counseling?…

The impact can be a more efficient use of time spent in current and future therapy. Therapeutic Psychological Assessment can be an "intensifier" and can help participants recognize, understand and work through difficult issues. Feedback is designed to help make informed decisions and to restore a more positive relationship between family members and couples.  Treatment, counseling, conflict resolution and educational decisions can be facilitated.

How is it different from a traditional psychological assessment?…

• The goal is to promote understanding, facilitate decision making, and to bring about change, not just make a diagnosis.  Psychological functions can be evaluated to assess performance, impairment or improvement over time.

• The purpose is to identify abilities, as well as aspects of behavior and personality that must be acknowledged in order for change can occur.  The assessment is intended to provide direction and guidance.

• The procedure is collaborative between the psychologist and family members, couples, adults or  teenagers.

• The focus of attention is  evaluating psychological functions, fostering a relationship that will influence the situation, support therapy, assist in future decisions, and to promote self-directed change.

Comments and Feedback…

"I’m more aware of how I behave in front of other people."

"The assessment helped me organize my thoughts about myself."

"I am more aware of why people react to me the way they do."

"I have changed the way I think about my problems."

"I have a better understanding of why my child behaves the way they do."

"This evaluation changed everything.  We were able to find medical help for a problems that was never recognized until now."