What does an adolescent psychological evaluation consist of?
As each adolescent and set of presenting concerns are unique, each evaluation must be tailored to address the particular primary referral issues. Depending on the referral issues, an evaluation can range from a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (e.g., traumatic brain injury, complicated learning difficulties) to an assessment of the teen’s emotional and personality functioning. In cases where Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and/or other learning difficulties are suspected, psychological testing of academic achievement levels in such areas as basic reading, reading comprehension, math skills, and problem-solving abilities is administered, along with emotional and personality testing. In each case, I generally ask to review available school records, relevant medical records, and obtain background information and rating scales from parents. Typically, I meet with the parents for about one hour. Then I meet with their teen (not necessarily on the same day) for one to two
