Preparing Your Child (or Yourself) for a Psychological Evaluation
As discussed in the blog post “What to Expect During a Psychological Assessment,” psychological assessments are valuable tools for clarifying mental health diagnoses. They provide meaningful insight into strengths and challenges, often helping individuals better understand themselves. Still, the process can feel a bit nerve-wracking since it involves sharing personal history and participating in structured testing.
The good news is that many people find evaluations not only helpful but also reassuring—leading to clearer answers and practical recommendations for treatment, resources, and symptom management. Feeling prepared ahead of time can make the process smoother and reduce anxiety for both children and adults.
What to Expect in the Evaluation Process
A psychological evaluation usually includes three main parts:
Clinical Interview
Testing Session(s)
Feedback Session
Each stage has its own purpose and challenges, and knowing what to expect can ease much of the uncertainty.
Step One: The Clinical Interview
The evaluation typically begins with a clinical interview. This is where your clinician gathers background information about your history, daily functioning, and emotional well-being.
It’s normal to feel vulnerable when discussing sensitive topics. However, being open and honest is essential, as it helps the clinician tailor the evaluation to your unique needs. If preparing a child, talk with them beforehand about the importance of sharing their experiences openly. Reassure them that this is a safe space—not a place for judgment or punishment. Instead, frame it as an opportunity to better understand and support them.
Step Two: Testing Sessions
By the time you return for testing, you or your child will already be familiar with the clinician, which often helps ease initial nerves. Testing can feel mentally tiring, and some tasks may seem difficult or frustrating—that’s normal.
Remind your child (or yourself) that these tasks aren’t about passing or failing. Instead, the goal is to get a full picture of strengths, challenges, and ways to offer support. Encourage steady effort, honesty, and self-care during testing. Most clinicians will welcome breaks and may suggest bringing water or snacks to stay comfortable.
Step Three: Waiting for Feedback
After testing, there is a waiting period before the feedback session. This can bring up feelings of anticipation, anxiety, or impatience. To prepare, ask your clinician in advance about the expected timeline. Keep in mind that compiling a thorough and accurate report takes time and care.
Step Four: The Feedback Session
In the final step, your clinician reviews the results of the evaluation with you. This session typically includes a summary of performance, any diagnoses (if applicable), and personalized recommendations.
Feedback sessions can be both validating and emotional. Sometimes results align with expectations; other times, they may surprise you. It’s natural to feel a mix of relief, disappointment, or even confusion. Use this opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and consider how the findings can guide treatment, personal growth, or academic and workplace support.
Final Thoughts
While the specific tests used during an evaluation can’t always be disclosed beforehand, understanding the overall process helps you and your child feel more confident and prepared. Remember—the purpose of a psychological evaluation is not to judge or grade you, but to provide clarity, support, and recommendations for your well-being.
If you have further questions or concerns about preparing for your evaluation, our testing specialists are always happy to guide you through the process.