Receiving the results of your child's psychological evaluation can be an overwhelming experience for many parents. Being prepared with a few questions and discussion points can help to keep you focused during the discussion. Remember to bring a pen and paper so you can take notes and review later.
1. What Do The Results Really Mean?
Be sure to get an accurate understanding of what the evaluation results mean for your child -- how will these findings impact his life at home, school and with friends?
Parents and caregivers are a major part of a child's recovery, so you need to have a deep understanding of your child's depression or other diagnoses. Ask the psychologist for recommended readings, websites, or local support groups for more information.
2. What Are the Treatment Options?
Always ask for ALL of the treatment options for your child so that you have time to think about what works best for your family and to do your own research. Of course, when treatment is urgent, this may not be an option.
Finding the safest and most effective treatment for your child is an essential part of his recovery.
3. Does My Child Qualify for Any Special Services?
Your child may be eligible for special services within school or the community as a result of his depression. Be sure to ask if she may be eligible for special services and how to get more information about it.
4. Follow Up
Make sure to find out when, where, and who to follow up with after the results meeting. This may include follow up testing, if more information is needed; or if a treatment plan was decided, find out when and who to contact to get started.
5. Concerns
You may not agree with everything that the evaluation reveals, so feel free to ask for explanations, elaborations, and voice your concerns.
If you think that something does not seem quite accurate, tell the psychologist. A parent's observations are an important part of a psychological evaluation.
If after further discussion you continue to feel like the findings are inaccurate, you can request a second opinion with a different psychologist. However, a second opinion should be sought quickly because delaying treatment can be detrimental to your child's health and development.
Hearing the results of your child's psychological evaluation can be emotional and overwhelming. Take the time to take notes, or bring someone that you can trust to take notes, so that you can go back and review what was discussed. When it comes to the health of your child you want to feel comfortable and confident in the decisions made.
Sources:
Gary Groth-Marnat. The Handbook of Psychological Assessments. Fourth Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
Psychological Evaluations: What Every Parent Should Know. National Association of School Psychologists. Accessed: October 29, 2010. http://www.spannj.org/pti/Psychological_evaluations.pdf
