Conducting Psychological Assessment (eBook)

A. JORDAN WRIGHT, PHD, is a full-time faculty member in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the Director of Mental Health Services at The HOPE Program, a nonprofit organization serving individuals in poverty. Dr. Wright's primary areas of interest are the process of psychological assessment and the eradication of poverty. He is the Co-Director of Psychological Assessment Services of New York (PASNY).

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

PART I CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT.

Introduction: The Hypothesis Testing Model.

The Hypothesis Testing Model.

Step 1: Clinical Assessment.

Step 2: Selecting Tests.

Step 3: Testing.

Step 4: Integration of All Data.

Step 5: Writing the Assessment Report.

Step 6: Providing Feedback.

Summary.

Chapter 1 Clinical Interviewing and Hypothesis Building.

The Clinical Interview.

Presenting Problem and Its History.

Symptomatic Evaluation.

Psychosocial Evaluation.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Summary.

Chapter 2 Selecting Tests.

General Considerations.

Why Test?

The Multimethod Approach.

Test Characteristics.

Practical Considerations

Psychological Assessment Measures.

Summary.

Chapter 3 Testing.

Preparing for Testing.

Testing.

Scoring Tests.

Interpreting Tests.

Summary.

Chapter 4 Integrating Data.

Step 1: Accumulating the Data.

Step 2: Identifying Themes.

Step 3: Organizing the Data.

Step 4: Conceptualizing.

Summary.

Chapter 5 Writing Reports.

The Report Format.

Identifying Information.

Source of Referral and Referral Questions.

Measures Administered.

Notes on Testing.

Description of Patient.

Presenting Problem.

Background Information.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Behavioral Observations.

Overall Interpretation of Test Findings.

Cognitive Functioning.

Personality and Emotional Functioning.

Vocational Functioning.

Summary.

Diagnostic Impressions.

Recommendations.

Signatures.

Appendices.

Summary.

Chapter 6 Providing Feedback.

To Whom Am I Giving Feedback?

Do I Give a Copy of the Report?

How Should the Session Be Structured?

Should I Disclose the Diagnosis?

How is the Session Going?

How Will I Follow Up?

Summary.

PART II CASE STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT.

Introduction: Case Studies in Psychological Assessment.

Chapter 7 An Underachieving Woman.

The Clinical Interview.

Review of Neuropsychological Evaluation.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

Chapter 8 A Recovering Alcoholic.

The Clinical Interview.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

Chapter 9 A Young Man Who Steals.

The Clinical Interview.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

Chapter 10 A Boy in Foster Care.

The Clinical Interview.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

Chapter 11 An Anxious Girl.

The Clinical Interview.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

Chapter 12 An Aggressive Boy.

The Clinical Interview.

Mental Status Evaluation.

Hypothesis Building.

Selecting Tests.

Accumulating the Data.

Identifying Themes.

Organizing the Data.

Conceptualizing.

Report Writing.

Feedback

Summary.

References.

Name Index.

Subject Index.