Diagnostic Assessment

One question you may have is about diagnostic assessments. The diagnostic assessment is a tool that is used to consider several variables that may be affecting your mental health and determine a mental health diagnosis. A diagnostic assessment consists of a thorough clinical interview, contacting collateral sources, and possibly questionnaires and psychological testing.

A clinical interview is when you sit down and chat with the professional about all sorts of different things going on in your life. From your symptoms, to your stressors, strengths, to history of care, the clinical interview entails many necessary things about you or your child. The professional may also want to contact your child’s school or medical provider to get records from them. For adults, professionals may want medical records or records from past care providers. Of course, it is up to you who you want the professional to contact. They will need your written permission for any outside source they contact. Finally, a piece of the diagnostic assessment may be various questionnaires or psychological tests that the professional will determine as needed following the clinical interview. These will vary based on your concerns and the diagnostic question.

The diagnostic assessment process is not something to worry about but a way to have the professional get to know you better and recommend services that would best fit your needs. If you have more questions on this please reach out to us at Inspired Success Psychological Services (inspiredsuccessps.com).