Starting therapy can help you turn the page to a better phase of life, but it can also be intimidating and even a little scary, especially if you’ve never sought help before. It doesn’t make it any easier that many therapists start the process by giving you a psychological evaluation.
With that said, you shouldn’t be spooked by these tests, as they only serve to help your therapist offer you the best treatment protocol for your situation. The following sections explore what therapists do with psychological testing and assessments.
What to Expect Before Therapy Begins
When you start therapy, you’ll usually have an initial consultation to introduce you to the process. At this appointment, you and your therapist will discuss your goals and concerns. It’s important to be as open and honest as you can during this introductory phase, as it will set the stage for everything to come.
Next, your therapist will have you take one or more psychological (“psy”) assessments. If the reason you’re seeking therapy is anxiety or depression, you’ll probably start by taking a depression battery test. This test involves questions about mood, appetite, sleep patterns, energy levels and other common indicators of depression. By answering these questions honestly and thoroughly, you can help your therapist understand the nature and severity of your symptoms, which will allow them to better treat your condition.
What Is Psychological Testing Like?
The process of psychological testing can vary based on the type of test being administered and the condition being treated. The important thing to remember is that these tests weren’t created to intimidate you or make you uncomfortable but to help you get better.
You’ll take the tests in your therapist’s office, and they’ll help ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed before the assessment begins. Depending on the test, you might take it on a computer or with pencil and paper. Sometimes you get the results right away; in other cases, the tests will be evaluated by a third-party expert and you’ll receive your results later.
Some psychological evaluations are more interactive — your therapist will ask you questions and observe your responses. Again, don’t be intimidated by this or try to respond with answers you think they want to hear. Also, be sure not to hold back on a response because you’re embarrassed or ashamed of it. The more honest and genuine you are with your answers, the more effective your treatment will be.
Why Do Therapists Use Psychological Evaluations?
In order for your therapist to develop an effective treatment protocol catered to your specific needs, they need a full understanding of your mental health and well-being. One of the fastest and most accurate ways for them to gain this understanding is through a well-designed psychological assessment.
Evaluations work primarily in two ways. First, they help your therapist diagnose your specific mental health issue. Based on your answers to the questions — and in some cases, your body language and other cues as you respond to them — your therapist can accurately determine the conditions that need to be treated.
Second, assessments help your therapist put together the best treatment regimen for your diagnosed condition. Just because two patients have the same condition doesn’t mean they’ll both respond the same to a particular form of treatment. A thorough assessment can help your therapist uncover unique aspects of your personality and psychological history that will allow them to tailor a protocol specifically to you.
Why It’s Important to Continue Seeking Help
Therapy doesn’t end once you’ve taken your assessments, received your diagnosis and begun your treatment protocol. To have the best chance of success from therapy, it’s important to continue seeking help — even when you feel like your condition is under control.
Mental illness isn’t a bug like a cold or the flu that you can knock out with a few meds and get on with your life. It’s a lifelong battle, and you’re going to have many ups and downs as life throws different challenges your way. Ongoing therapy can give you the support you need to manage the inevitable bumps in the road.
There’s another reason to continue seeking help: Therapy goes way beyond symptom relief. It can help foster personal growth, resilience and self-awareness, even after you’ve conquered the issue you initially sought help for.
If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health challenges, MHH can help you access a therapist who’ll tailor your treatment protocol to help you feel like yourself again. Contact us today.