The Benefits of the Psychological Testing Program at Muir Wood

Psychological testing can reveal underlying mental health or learning problems that are either not observed or are underreported. Testing can often put these pieces together with those that are observed and diagnosed to complete the puzzle of why an individual chooses to turn to substances as a way to cope with problems, or why an individual keeps using or abusing even after dire consequences or curtailing interventions have taken place. Psychological testing often gets to the root of a mental health or learning problem sooner than psychotherapy or can confirm a suspected problem seen in psychotherapy sooner rather than later.

It is not necessary to be free of medications. In most cases, individuals who are taking their prescribed medications as directed are functioning as well as or better than their normal un-medicated state, so their test performance is a more accurate assessment of their current functioning. It is strongly advisable for the resident to be free of illicit substances and not in a state of withdrawal when the tests are administered. The testing is likely to be invalid if the individual being tested is under the influence of any illicit substances, because the substances will have a negative effect on mental acuity, attention, concentration, and memory. This will invalidate the intelligence and achievement tests. The Personality and projective tests will also reflect differences in the resident’s approach to coping and problem solving, and in their ability to use their imagination while under the influence. The results may show such symptoms as withdrawal from social interactions, depression, or increased anxiety and paranoia that is not evident when they are free of substances.

It takes 4-6 hours to administer the tests, which can take place on one or two days. Scoring, interpreting and report writing take two weeks; however, a preliminary report is sent to the Treatment, Clinical and Medical Teams within 48 hours after administration once most of the tests have been scored.

The testing is an assessment of the individual’s current functioning, so it can often provide information about how the individual is managing strong emotions, like anger and fear, and it can often shed light on the individual’s difficulties with emotional management. Interpersonal skills are assessed by the projective tests and by observation and interaction with the resident. It is important to note that psychological testing is not treatment, but it can provide information that is helpful to the treatment team, helpful in obtaining re-authorization for treatment by insurance, and to inform and support discharge planning for residents.

The final testing report is given to parents. While it is not always possible to meet with parents in person, we regularly provide feedback about the final report to parents, as well as to the resident, after the parents have been given the final report. We strongly recommend that the resident not see the final report. It is for parents and professional clinicians only. We also welcome and provide meetings and phone consultations with parents about the report when requested (in addition to the feedback session).

Psychological testing is one of the tools used to diagnose ADD/ADHD, impulse control difficulties and oppositional defiant behavior. No one test is used to give a specific diagnosis. Information from other tests and other sources – intake assessment, history, Treatment and Clinical team reports and impressions – to inform diagnosis. Information from the testing can be used for treatment planning.

If a resident has specific learning disabilities or seems to show signs of a specific mental disorder, the testing can elicit information that would help to inform the Treatment Team.