The Assessment Process – What Are The Steps?

1. Meet Dr. Turner

   The first step is to talk with Dr. Turner about your interest in having an assessment.  A complimentary consultation is offered to accomplish this.  Together, you and Dr. Turner will determine if the assessment services she provides will meet your needs.  Dr. Turner will give you referrals if she feels other professionals are better suited to assist you.

2. Determine what questions you have

   If Dr. Turner has determined she can assist you - - and if you would like to proceed, the second step is to ask any questions you have. People usually have questions about:

   • What the results will and won’t be able to tell them
   • The kinds of information that will be collected
   • How certain tests work
   • The timeline for the assessment – (what will happen when)
   • How feedback will be presented
   • Access to and ownership of the final report
   • Confidentiality
   • How to prepare or “study” for assessment tests
   • Cost and payment due dates
   • Legal issues
3. Forms

   The third step is to complete intake, consent, policy, procedure, and disclosure forms. The content of these forms helps you be well informed prior to the assessment process. If you are uncomfortable with aspects of the forms or certain policies, you are encouraged to discuss this with Dr. Turner. You always have the right to change your mind at any time. Dr. Turner cannot initiate the assessment until all forms are completed and signed.

4. Scheduale your indepth interview

   The fourth step is to schedule your appointments for in-depth interviews, testing, receipt of the assessment report, and discussion of the findings and conclusions. Dr. Turner may request that you gather relevant documents for her to review. In addition, she may request to speak with others who are directly involved. However, Dr. Turner cannot speak to anyone or acquire records without your written permission.

5. The Interview

   During interview appointments, Dr. Turner will listen carefully to your history and ask your permission to take notes. You will be encouraged to talk freely. In addition, you will be guided through a structured interview. Dr. Turner is widely recognized for her gentle style that puts people at ease. Dr. Turner does not believe in rushing. You will be encouraged to take all the time you need to convey the information you want Dr. Turner to know.

   Testing usually follows the interview sessions. (However, this is not always the case.) There is no way to “study” for assessment tests. The only preparations are:

• Wear comfortable clothing and “dress in layers”.
• Eat a good meal before testing appointments.
• Get enough sleep the nights before testing appointments.
• Schedule your testing appointments at those times of the day when you are at your best and when there are no “back-to-back” obligations. (Testing appointments often run over or under by 30 minutes.)
• Keep in mind that most people describe their assessment experience as enjoyable and interesting. It is not unlikely that you will too.
6. Dr. Turner will compile your tests

   Once the testing sessions are complete, Dr. Turner will spend the next two to three weeks developing a formal report. Assessment reports are made up of different sections. The sections contained in any given report are determined by the particular questions being addressed. A comprehensive psychological assessment typically contains the following sections:

• Confidentiality
• Reasons for the Assessment
• Personal History (from medical, psychological, social, educational, legal, and experiential perspectives)
• Information Provided by Others (if appropriate permission to dialogue was secured)
• Observations (by Dr. Turner)
• Discussion of the Test Results
• Discussion of the Diagnostic Formulation
• The Diagnostic Formulation
• Recommended Courses of Action
• Prognosis
7. You will receive your copy of your results

   You will be given a copy of the assessment report to keep. Dr. Turner must also, by law, retain a copy. Together, you and Dr. Turner will discuss the assessment findings. Again, Dr. Turner does not believe in rushing. You will have all the time you need to discuss any questions you have. Dr. Turner wants clients to feel solid in their understanding of the results. She tries to minimize the use of jargon and is always happy to explain. When all of your questions have been answered, and when you feel satisfied with your understanding of the results and their implications, the assessment process is complete.

   Sometimes Dr. Turner is asked to mail portions of assessment reports to other parties. This can only be done if written permission is provided. Sometimes people ask Dr. Turner to draft letters to involved parties. Depending upon the scope of such letters, additional fees may apply. If new questions arise, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Turner. She is extremely committed to providing you with the highest level of service.

© 2009 Dr. Eva Turner  | All rights reserved.