A psychological evaluation is a vital component of effective treatment for a number of mental health and/or learning disorders. Evaluations allow our psychologists to uncover a patient’s strengths and challenges and pave the way for a proper diagnosis that can kickstart intervention and strategies for healing.

At Bluebonnet Counseling Center, our psychological evaluations include a clinical interview with a psychologist, as well as psychological testing which may include personality testing, cognitive testing, academic testing, play-based assessments, and a psychologist-led feedback session that answers the question, “Where do we go from here?”

There are various behavioral patterns that may warrant a psychological evaluation. Many times, these patterns can be seen in children and may indicate autism or other disorder. Some of these behaviors include:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Learning differences
• Emotional dysregulation
• Depression
• Trauma, etc.

Healing and recovery can’t begin until the root causes of your mental health issues are brought to light. Our evaluations are always conducted with the end goal of helping you or your loved one improve their mental state and overall quality of life.

What to Expect During a Psychological Test – For Children/Adolescent
• Testing can typically take between 2 to 3 hours. Please clear your child’s schedule appropriately for their appointment.

• Adequate sleep is important the night before testing. You can help ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep by following their normal routine, getting them to bed early, keeping them from watching scary movies or programming and making sure they avoid caffeine.

• A good breakfast can help your child perform to their best abilities. Please make sure your child enjoys a nutritious breakfast the morning of testing.
All medications should be taken as usual on the testing day unless your clinician has specified otherwise.

• Packing a water bottle or snack for your child can help make them more comfortable during testing.
Please avoid telling your child when testing will end. This can help keep your child from getting distracted and/or feeling anxious during the evaluation.

• Please refrain from bringing tablets or other devices for your child. An iPad will be provided during breaks when appropriate.

Testing may include:
• Psychological testing is usually administered by a licensed psychometrician. Dr. Perez will administer portions of the testing in some cases.

• Dr. Perez will always try to meet with your child one-on-one during the testing day. In some cases, a follow-up is arranged for a different day. Dr. Perez always conducts the clinical interview and feedback session.

• A variety of techniques are used for psychological testing. These might include answering questions out loud, completing puzzles or building designs, memory games, reading, writing, spelling, and math.