The Counseling and Psychology Clinic of Louisiana


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Assessment Services

Psychological Assessment.

Psychologists differ from other mental health practitioners in that they apply psychological science in their assessments of human functioning. Psychological assessment is based on an area of psychological science known as psychometrics. Psychologists are able to assess psychopathology, healthy and unhealthy personality traits, intelligence, memory, attention, concentration, executive functioning and other neuropsychological abilities and deficits, adaptive living abilities, career interests and aptitudes, and even psychophysiological measures of sexual interests.

Psychological testing provides for a more thorough and meaningful understanding of an individual’s competencies, abilities, and interests than can be obtained through a simple interview. Diagnoses and treatment recommendations that are based on psychological testing are driven by objective findings instead of subjective opinion. We design our psychological evaluations to address specific referral questions, and we present the information gathered from our assessment in clear and understandable language.

Psychiatrists and other physicians, counselors, social workers, teachers, lawyers, judges, probation/parole officers and other professionals routinely refer people to Dr. Williams for assistance in formulating diagnoses, assisting with decision making, and in developing treatment recommendations. Psychological testing greatly assists in the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, mental retardation, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance dependence disorders, pain disorders and other somataform disorders, thought disorders, dissociative disorders, paraphillias, personality disorders, and neuropsychological disorders such as dementia. Testing also provides for a meaningful way to track treatment progress over time for both psychological and medical interventions. We provide a number of assessments including:

 

Pain Assessments

Psychological Assessment for Chronic Pain Conditions

Psychological assessments are routinely performed with chronic pain patients.  These assessments are designed to provide both the referring physician and the patient with useful information.  These assessments make recommendations regarding:

  • Suitability for opioid treatments
  • Psychological contraindications for spinal chord stimulator placement
  • Symptom magnification and possible malingering
  • Mental health issues that complicate medical interventions
  • The degree of patient somatization noted
  • Psychological functioning and work abilities
  • Treatment recommendations


Forensic Assessments

Psychological Evaluations for the Court

Dr. Williams provides a variety of forensic psychological evaluations.  These evaluations include:

  • Custody Evaluations
  • Competency Evaluations
  • Fitness for Duty Evaluations
  • Independent Psychological Examinations
  • Sexual Risk Assessments
  • Violence Risk Assessments
  • Alcohol and Drug Assessments
  • Juvenile Offender Evaluations
  • Disability Determinations Evaluations
  • Malingering Evaluations 
  • Return to Work Evaluations for Worker's Compensation

 


ADHD, Learning Disorder, and Behavioral Disorder Assessments

Other Psychological Assessment

Dr. Williams and his staff also provide a number of other psychological evaluations. We use psychological testing to diagnose ADHD and Learning Disorders. We assess behavioral problems in pre-adolescents, adolescents, and adults. We are able to assess a wide range of areas such as:

  • Concentration and Attention
  • Intellectual Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Memory Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Academic Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Behavioral Functioning
  • Psychophysiologic measures of sexual interest
  • Psychopathology
  • Healthy and unhealthy personality functioning
  • Vocational Aptitides, Skills, and Preferences
  • Relationship Dynamics