Psychological problems are often complex. Many times people receive diagnoses, therapy, or medications based on a simplistic understanding of problems or by focusing too heavily on overt symptoms instead of getting a sense of the whole person. This practice can lead to adverse drug reactions and/or years of ineffective therapy. Clinical psychological assessment seeks to understand problems on deeper level. Patterns of responding to testing tasks are scientifically analyzed and combined with a person’s individual story to create a more in-depth picture of a person’s difficulties. This leads to more accurate diagnoses, better therapy, and understanding oneself apart from an often demoralizing diagnosis.

Assessment usually takes place over multiple meetings. First, a detailed history is gathered. Then a client will be asked to participate in various psychological tests – some paper and pencil, some responding to the psychologist. Finally, a detailed report is written and shared in a feedback session.

If you or your loved one are having academic difficulties, it is almost never due to a lack of motivation or laziness. People inherently want to learn – and unidentified obstacles get in the way. Everyone learns best in their own particular manner, and this does not always include traditional means. Sometimes academic stress is due to undiagnosed disabilities, including attention issues or Autism. It may also be due to a learning difference such as Dyslexia (difficulty decoding written words) or Dyscalculia (difficulty understanding mathematical concepts). Through an educational or intellectual assessment, Total Spectrum Counseling can help you determine your learning type and help guide you toward the path of reaching your full potential.

Many people experience significant anxiety about their career. Other individuals feel unhappy in their current career and are seeking change. Career assessment involves a detailed interview, assessment of intellectual strengths, and questionnaires to align personality characteristics and interests with a particular career path.

Many surgeons require a psychological assessment before performing body altering surgeries such as bariatric bands, plastic surgery, or gender affirming surgery. Total Spectrum Counseling is proud to offer a comprehensive evaluation for individuals seeking these services. We take a detailed history and utilize the best objective and projective tests to determine if a candidate can meet the demands of a life-altering procedure. For gender affirming surgery, Total Spectrum Counseling offers single session assessments.