Can Psychological Testing Solve a Treatment Puzzle?
At Expand Psychology, one of our primary services is comprehensive psychological testing to help people of all ages better understand their strengths and challenges. Our evaluations address learning and developmental needs, attention and behavior, autism, and emotional well-being. When people ask why we place such a strong emphasis on testing, the answer is simple: having clarity can change lives.
Quite often I receive calls from clients who have had years of therapy, received ineffective work or school accommodations, or who have even taken medication for a diagnosis that feels unclear, incomplete or inaccurate. For some, their psychological history has many complex parts – family history, cultural background, neurobiology and more.
When someone is struggling or feels stuck in treatment, comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered. Assessments are not just about confirming a diagnosis, they feature a wholistic deep dive that helps create a nuanced road map, enabling us to reach our destinations quickly and accurately.
Take, for example, the subtle but critical differences between anxiety and ADHD. Both have similar symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, restlessness or underperformance in school or at work. However, treatment strategies are quite different. A thorough assessment provides the precise information needed to distinguish between the two, ensuring that therapy, educational or work accommodations, and any medications are specifically tailored to the individual.
Psychological testing is an invaluable tool when a person is not responding to their current treatment. For instance, if a child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not making the expected progress with a standard therapeutic approach, further testing may reveal that a co-occurring condition like ADHD, emotional regulation challenges or another form of neurodivergence is creating an obstacle. We use new insights to adjust the treatment plan.
Psychological testing guides us to the most effective therapeutic path and gives clients a clear, objective picture of themselves, their challenges and their strengths.
Dr. Katie O’Meara is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience across hospital, forensic and community settings. For two decades, she has led The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment, and her visionary leadership has guided its growth to Expand Psychology, offering a wider range of services across the lifespan.
“For 20 years, our trusted and respected mental health practice has provided high-quality, evidence-based, integrative therapy and assessments. We specialize in psychological assessments and therapy for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism and complex trauma along with specialized support for parenting, co-parenting and divorce-related family challenges.”