Starting the process of a psychological assessment can feel a little overwhelming. Many people imagine long tests or complicated questions, but the reality is that the process is designed to give you and your therapist the clearest picture of how your mind works and what you are going through.
At Malaty Therapy, psychological assessments are not about labeling or boxing people in. They are about understanding patterns, strengths, challenges, and the unique ways each person experiences the world.
Why someone might seek an assessment
There are many reasons people come to us for an assessment. Sometimes it is because a child is struggling in school and parents want to know if learning differences like ADHD or dyslexia might be playing a role. Other times an adult may be having trouble focusing at work, managing emotions, or making sense of mood swings, and they want to understand why.
Assessments can also help when there is uncertainty about a diagnosis or when a physician or school requests more clarity before moving forward with treatment or accommodations.
What the process looks like
The first step is usually a consultation where the psychologist talks with you about your history, concerns, and goals. This conversation helps guide the selection of the right set of tests.
The actual assessment might include structured interviews, standardized questionnaires, problem solving activities, or tasks that measure memory, attention, or language skills. Every assessment is different because every client’s situation is different.
How long it takes
Most assessments take place over several hours, sometimes split into more than one session. This gives the psychologist time to gather enough information without it becoming too tiring. After the testing is complete, the psychologist carefully reviews the results, compares them with what is typical for someone of your age, and looks for patterns that might explain what is going on.
The feedback session
One of the most important parts of the process is the feedback session. This is when you sit down with the psychologist to go over the results in clear, understandable language. You will not be handed a stack of numbers and left on your own. Instead, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of your strengths, areas that might need support, and practical recommendations that can be applied in daily life.
For parents, this often includes specific ways to help a child at home and in school. For adults, it can provide direction on therapy, coping skills, and even workplace strategies.
What happens next
An assessment is never the final step. It is a starting point. At Malaty Therapy, the results are used to create a plan that fits your needs. Sometimes that means beginning regular therapy sessions. Other times it might mean referrals to additional specialists or collaborating with your school or doctor to make sure you get the support you need.
Taking the first step
Choosing to do a psychological assessment is a sign that you are ready to better understand yourself or your child. It is not about finding out what is “wrong.” It is about finding out what is happening beneath the surface and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
At Malaty Therapy, our psychologists take time to listen, explain, and support you throughout the entire process. When you know what to expect, the assessment becomes less intimidating and more of a valuable opportunity to get the answers you need.