Evaluations

Keystone Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health provides evaluations and diagnostic services that assess how a child or adolescent is functioning socially, emotionally, psychologically, and/or academically. A comprehensive psychological assessment offers valuable insight into an individual’s strengths and weaknesses across several areas, with the primary aim of informing recommendations that best address the child or adolescent’s needs.

What does a psychological evaluation address?

Keystone Center offers assessment services for various concerns, including behavioral, social, emotional, and/or learning difficulties. More specifically, Keystone Center uses assessment measures to assist in identifying symptoms associated with behavioral disorders, emotional disorders, learning disabilities, and giftedness.

What are the components of a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is a structured series of interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests. The assessment plan is developed based on the presenting concerns, individual needs, and age of the child or adolescent. An evaluation may include assessing some or all of the following: intelligence, academic achievement, memory and attention, and behavioral, emotional, and social development.

What should parents expect when completing a psychological evaluation for their child or adolescent?

An initial meeting with the parent(s) is conducted first to gather a thorough background history and detailed information regarding the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and primary areas of concern. Depending on individual need, some or all of the following will be completed: review of previous records, interview with and observation of the child or adolescent, parent/caregiver/teacher questionnaires regarding the child’s history and current functioning, and standardized tests to examine cognitive, educational, and social-emotional functioning. The results will be summarized into a detailed written report, and a follow-up appointment will be completed to review the results and discuss proposed recommendations.