Psychological Assessment is the comprehensive integration of information from personality inventories, ability and intelligence tests, surveys of interests and attitudes, and structured clinical interviews. Parents, teachers, spouses, physicians, and psychiatrists may contribute to the assessment process. Diagnostic evaluations can determine appropriate clinical treatment, and may also assist in vocational and educational planning. Assessments provide information about specific aptitudes and tendencies, as well as level of current functioning that can affect learning and other behavior.

Forensic Psychologists provide expertise on the psychological aspects of legal processes in courts by translating psychological information into a legal framework.  In this role, they may be required to assess a defendant in terms of: competency to stand trial; state of mind at the time of the alleged offense to determine sanity or insanity; malingering; issues related to treatment, sentencing and sentence mitigation; suitability for certain medical procedures; ability to parent; and child custody and visitation. They also evaluate witness credibility, assist with jury selection, train and evaluate police personnel, and provide criminal profiles.

Neuropsychologists study how the structure and function of the brain affects specific psychological processes and behavior. Clinical Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate children and adults who have problems related to illness or injury such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumors, toxic and metabolic disorders, and other differences in brain structure which cause cognitive and learning problems. They provide information to determine whether a person’s difficulties are related to identifiable, specific brain pathology.

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Information presented on this website is provided as a service of the Hudson Valley Psychological Association (HVPA). The views expressed are based on interpretation of published information and research, as well as on professional expertise and experience. Posted text is not official HVPA policy, and is not intended as medical or psychological advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your own medical professionals. These documents were selected or designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your physical or emotional health, you should always consult with a physician, psychologist, or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read here. The use of any information provided here is solely at your own risk.