What Is a Psychological Evaluation?

Sometimes knowing that something doesn't feel right isn't the same as understanding why.

A psychological evaluation is an in-depth assessment designed to help better understand a person's emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and psychological functioning.

Unlike a single questionnaire or therapy session, a psychological evaluation brings together information from different sources to develop a more complete picture of the individual.

Depending on the reason for the evaluation, the process may include a clinical interview, standardized psychological testing, review of relevant records, behavioral observations, and other assessment measures.

Psychological Testing & Specialized Evaluations

Sometimes therapy is only one part of understanding what is happening.

Aristotle Psychological offers a range of psychological assessment and evaluation services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Services may include:

Psychological Evaluations
Comprehensive evaluation of emotional, behavioral, and psychological functioning.

ADHD & Psychoeducational Evaluations
Assessment designed to better understand attention, learning, behavioral, and educational concerns.

Neuropsychological Testing
Evaluation of cognitive functioning when clinically appropriate.

Forensic & Court-Related Evaluations
Specialized psychological evaluations for certain legal and forensic matters.

Career & Occupational Evaluations
Assessment and consultation regarding occupational functioning and career-related concerns.

Model brain connected to colorful wires.

Psychological Readiness for Medical Procedures

Certain medical procedures may require or recommend a psychological evaluation as part of the preparation and approval process. At Aristotle Psychological & Biofeedback Services, we provide pre-procedure psychological evaluations designed to assess psychological readiness, identify factors that may affect treatment outcomes, and help patients and their medical providers make informed decisions about care.

Evaluations May Include

Bariatric Surgery Evaluations | Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluations | Pain Management Procedure Evaluations | Other Pre-Surgical & Medical Procedure Evaluations

Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation

Psychological evaluation is often an important part of preparing for bariatric or weight-loss surgery.

The evaluation is not designed to judge whether someone "deserves" surgery. Instead, it helps assess psychological readiness for the significant behavioral, emotional, and lifestyle changes that can accompany bariatric treatment.

Depending on the individual and requirements of the referring medical provider, the evaluation may explore:

Following the evaluation, appropriate documentation or a psychological report may be provided to the referring medical or surgical team.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Psychological Evaluations

Patients being considered for a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) may be referred for psychological evaluation before undergoing the procedure.

Chronic pain affects more than the body. It can influence mood, sleep, relationships, activity levels, coping, and overall quality of life.

A psychological evaluation helps provide a broader understanding of the patient's experience with chronic pain and psychological readiness for the procedure.

The evaluation may consider:

Findings may be communicated to the referring pain management specialist or medical provider with appropriate authorization.

Other Pre-Surgical & Medical Procedure Evaluations

Psychological evaluation may also be requested before other medical procedures or interventions.

When appropriate, Aristotle Psychological can work with the referring physician or healthcare provider to understand the reason for referral and the psychological information needed as part of the patient's treatment planning.

Because requirements vary by procedure and medical provider, we encourage patients to provide any forms, referral information, or specific evaluation requirements from their treating medical team when scheduling.