How to Use Your Assessment Results

Oftentimes, before people even schedule an appointment for an evaluation, they want to know what they can do with their results.  Before. they even. make it. in the. door.

Because many people don’t know what to expect from an evaluation in general, it makes sense for this to make the “frequently asked questions” list.  While this will not be an exhaustive list, I will give you some of the more common ways to use your assessment results to maximize the benefits of your evaluation and connect you and/or your child with much needed resources.

Number 1: Mental Health Counseling

There is roughly a 50/50 chance that people struggling enough to seek out an evaluation are actually participating in counseling.  It’s no longer surprising the number of people who tough it out for various reasons: they don’t believe their difficulties warrant counseling; stigma; not sure how to properly utilize counseling for their benefit.  

Well, the results of an assessment can help to address at least 2 of these.  It typically outlines the areas of most impairment along with diagnoses, which people can use as a blueprint to scope out counselors who have expertise or experience in these areas.  For example, if you were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it’s best to connect with a clinician who has experience with the functional strengths and limitations of this diagnosis.

Number 2: Prescribing Physician

If your diagnosis warrants medication, assessment results can help you determine if and how medication could be beneficial.  ADHD and mood difficulties are some common concerns for which medication can be recommended.  Evaluation results can outline functional difficulties that medication can help with.

Number 3: Academic or Workplace Accommodations

Many of the diagnoses that Magnolia Wellness & Psychology, LLC evaluates have some level of impact on school and/or work functioning.  As such, assessment results often outline the types of accommodations and why they may be helpful.  Common school accommodations include extended time on tests and assignments, separate test environment, and frequent breaks.  Common workplace accommodations might include assistive technologies and deadline extensions.

Number 4: Connecting with Other Service Providers

Counseling and medication are not the only behavioral health/healthcare areas that may be needed to address overall deficits.  Some others may include speech and language services, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Number 5: Additional Community Resources and General Areas for Improvement

Not all positive input from recommendations have to be therapeutic in nature.  Sometimes assessment results may also include:

• Community resources such as tutoring, extracurricular participation, support groups, etc.
• Online, video, and book resources for each diagnosis
• Apps to improve coping, time management, and organizational skills
• Strategies to improve memory, daily adaptive functioning, independent study, and social skills.

While each evaluation is tailored to the needs of the client, more often than not, results include something specific from each of these five areas.  This largely depends on the diagnosis, level of impairment, and the degree of support that is needed.  

Still feeling confused about how to use your results?  Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to review it with you.