Psychological evaluations

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Diagnostic psychological evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted by licensed psychologists to understand an individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. The primary goal is to accurately diagnose any underlying mental health conditions or developmental disorders, which then informs the most effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic evaluations are essential for identifying a wide range of conditions, including:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Specific Learning Disorders
• Major Depressive Disorder and other Mood Disorders
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and other Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders
• Neurocognitive Disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)

A disability psychological evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional, typically a psychologist, to determine the nature and severity of a person's psychological condition and how it impacts their ability to function in daily life and work. These evaluations are often required for applications for disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or private long-term disability insurance claims.

Types of disability evaluations include:

• Veterans Administration (VA) Compensation & Pensions (C&P) Exams
• Injured on Duty (IOD) claims
• Workers' Compensation claims
• Short-term & long-term disability claims
• Social Security Disability evaluations
• Personal injury cases 

The primary goals of a disability psychological evaluation include:

• Diagnosis: Identifying and documenting any diagnosable mental disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder) according to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
• Functional Assessment: Determining the specific limitations imposed by the psychological condition on the individual's capacity to perform work-related activities, interact socially, manage personal care, and maintain concentration, persistence, and pace.
• Severity Determination: Assessing the degree to which the symptoms interfere with daily functioning and vocational capacity.
• Documentation: Providing objective, clinical evidence to support or refute a claim of psychological disability.