Psychoeducational Testing
Depending on the referral question, a psychological testing battery usually consists of an intelligence test, an achievement test, a computerized performance test, self-report inventories, projective and/or personality testing, and a clinical interview. This battery is required by schools and colleges to determine if accommodations or support services are warranted.
The most commonly used I.Q. tests are the current versions of the Wechsler tests, such as the WISC-V, the WPPSI-IV, and the WAIS-V, as well as the Stanford-Binet 5. Intelligence tests are used to assess cognitive strengths and weaknesses, including receptive and expressive verbal skills, nonverbal problem solving abilities, auditory memory, and processing speed.
Achievement tests help a psychologist assess a student’s learning style and current age and grade levels in terms of academic skills. More importantly, the possibility of a learning disability is ruled out by comparing the results of an I.Q. test to an achievement test. The most commonly used achievement test is the Woodcock-Johnson IV (Tests of Achievement). Psychologists also have the option of administering specialized tests such as the Gray Oral Reading Test - 5 (GORT-5) or the Test of Written Language - 4 (TOWL-4).
The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) is the most widely used computerized neuropsychological test to assess symptoms of inattention and impulsivity while ruling out ADHD.
Self-report inventories, as well as projective and personality testing, are administered to evaluate symptoms of depression, anxiety, coping abilities, and self-esteem.
Finally, a parent interview, including a detailed review of a student’s developmental, academic, family, psychosocial, medical and psychological history, and a separate clinical interview with the student, are both essential in any evaluation. I also ask that parents bring in xeroxed copies of report cards, standardized tests, and any previous evaluations.
Thus, a typical psychological testing battery consists of an initial parent interview (1½ hours), two or three testing sessions with a student (approximately 5-6 hours to administer all tests and conduct a clinical interview), and a parent feedback session (1½ hours). It then takes the psychologist approximately three hours to score, interpret, and write up the test results in a detailed report.
Psychological testing services are sometimes covered by medical insurance, and receipts can be also be submitted to medical or flex savings plans. Please call me to discuss your insurance benefits and payment issues.