Psychological Testing & Diagnostic Evaluation
A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach to Adult Assessment
Psychological testing is most helpful when questions are complex, long-standing, or difficult to untangle through conversation alone. In my practice, assessment is used to better understand patterns of attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation, personality structure, and social functioning—particularly when symptoms overlap or have evolved over time.
Many adults pursue psychological evaluation after years of uncertainty. Some have tried therapy or medication with limited benefit. Others have suspected ADHD, autism, or another underlying condition but have never received a formal or comprehensive evaluation. Psychological testing offers a structured way to move beyond assumptions and toward clear, clinically grounded understanding.
Who Psychological Testing Is For
Psychological assessment may be appropriate if you:
- Suspect ADHD or autism later in adulthood
- Experience overlapping symptoms such as anxiety, trauma reactions, mood instability, or anger
- Feel “high-functioning” outwardly but internally overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected.
- Have received different diagnoses over time without clear resolution
- Want a deeper explanation of long-standing patterns affecting work, relationships, or daily life
- Need documentation to support treatment planning or accommodations
Testing is especially valuable when symptoms do not fit neatly into one category or when coping strategies have masked underlying difficulties for many years.
Areas of Assessment
Evaluations are tailored to the referral question and may include assessment of:
- Attention, executive functioning and working memory.
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum traits and social communication patterns
- Emotional regulation and stress response
- Mood and anxiety features
- Personality structures and coping styles
Assessment batteries are selected intentionally rather than generically, with attention to efficiency, validity, and clinical relevance.
Trauma-Informed & Clinically Nuanced
My assessment work is informed by ongoing clinical practice within the VA healthcare system, where complex trauma exposure and diagnostic overlap are common. This experience has shaped an approach that carefully considers how early experiences, chronic stress, and long-standing adaptations can influence test results and presentation.
Rather than relying on surface-level criteria, evaluations aim to distinguish between neurodevelopmental differences, trauma-related adaptations, mood or anxiety processes, and personality patterns—an essential step for accurate diagnosis and effective recommendations.
Relationship to Therapy
Psychological testing is the primary focus of my practice. Therapy is offered selectively and is often informed by assessment findings. Some individuals pursue testing to guide future treatment elsewhere; others use assessment as a foundation for targeted therapeutic work. Both paths are valid and discussed collaboratively.
Next Steps
If you are considering psychological testing and would like to explore whether an evaluation is appropriate for your concerns, please contact the practice to inquire about assessment availability and consultation options.
