🧠 What Is a Psychological Evaluation?

By Leonard Educational Evaluations, LLC., 06/01/2025

A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s mental health, cognitive abilities, behavior, emotions, and overall functioning. These evaluations are conducted by licensed professionals (typically psychologists) and are tailored to answer specific questions about learning, development, mental health, or behavior.  Whether you're a parent concerned about your child, a college student navigating academic or emotional challenges, or an adult exploring cognitive or emotional concerns, a psychological evaluation can offer clarity and direction.

Leonard Educational Evaluations can assist you with a Psychological Evaluation.  For nearly 20 years, our team so expert psychologists and educational specialists have conducted thousands of evaluations for various conditions.  We help children, college students, and schools throughout Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and New York City.  Contact us at www.LeonardEvaluation.com, Info@LeonardEvaluations.com, or 267-702-6328.

👶 For Parents: Understanding Your Child’s Needs

Children may struggle in school, at home, or with peers—but not all difficulties are obvious or easy to interpret. A psychological evaluation can help identify:

• Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD)
• Emotional or behavioral challenges (e.g., anxiety, aggression, depression)
• Developmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)
• Giftedness or high intellectual ability

Evaluations can include:

• Parent interviews
• Teacher input
• Classroom observations
• Standardized tests (e.g., IQ tests, academic achievement tests)
• Behavioral assessments

These insights inform Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, ensuring your child gets the support they need at school.

🎓 For College Students: Navigating Academic & Emotional Stress

College can be overwhelming—balancing academics, relationships, work, and independence. If you're struggling with:

• Concentration or memory issues
• Test anxiety or performance blocks
• Social anxiety or depression
• Time management or executive functioning difficulties

A psychological evaluation can help determine if you qualify for academic accommodations (e.g., extended testing time, note-taking assistance) or if therapy, medication, or coaching might be beneficial.  Many colleges accept documentation from licensed psychologists to authorize support through Disability Services.

👤 For Adults: Gaining Clarity & Direction

You’re never “too old” for a psychological evaluation. Adults often seek them to:

• Understand patterns in relationships or work
• Clarify diagnoses like ADHD, bipolar disorder, or PTSD
• Explore cognitive concerns such as memory decline
• Meet requirements for therapy, medication, or legal cases
• Support applications for disability benefits, employment accommodations, or licensure

Evaluations may include:

• Clinical interviews
• Personality assessments
• Neuropsychological testing
• Cognitive screening

Understanding yourself better can improve your mental health, work performance, and relationships.

🧾 What’s Included in the Evaluation Process?

A full psychological evaluation typically includes:

1. Clinical Interview – to understand your background, history, and current concerns.
2. Standardized Testing– depending on referral concerns, this may include:
   • Cognitive tests (e.g., IQ, memory, attention)
   • Academic tests (e.g., reading, math, writing)
   • Emotional/behavioral questionnaires
3. Feedback Session – to explain results and recommendations in plain language.
4. Comprehensive Written Report – with diagnoses (if applicable), strengths/weaknesses, and recommendations.

🛠️ What Can You Do With the Results?

Results from a psychological evaluation can help:

• Advocate for support at school or work
• Secure therapy, accommodations, or services
• Understand long-standing issues or symptoms
• Provide documentation for legal or medical processes
• Empower informed decisions for yourself or your child

📅 When Should You Consider Getting One?

Seek a psychological evaluation when:

• A child’s academic or behavioral issues persist despite interventions
• A college student struggles with stress, focus, or learning
• An adult notices changes in mood, behavior, or thinking
• There's a need for updated documentation for accommodations or services

💬 Final Thoughts

Psychological evaluations are powerful tools to uncover the why behind challenges and point the way forward. Whether you're a concerned parent, a college student seeking support, or an adult navigating complex issues, a thorough and compassionate evaluation can lead to greater understanding, effective treatment, and improved quality of life.

Leonard Educational Evaluations can assist you with a Psychological Evaluation.  For nearly 20 years, our team so expert psychologists and educational specialists have conducted thousands of evaluations for various conditions.  We help children, college students, and schools throughout Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and New York City.  Contact us at www.LeonardEvaluation.com, Info@LeonardEvaluations.com, or 267-702-6328.