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What to Expect from a Psychological Evaluation (and What Makes It Worth It)

  • Writer: Daniel Steinberg, PhD
    Daniel Steinberg, PhD
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read
Man with glasses sitting at a desk, looking thoughtfully at a laptop during an online psychological evaluation.
A psychological evaluation can help clarify overlapping symptoms like anxiety, ADHD, or trauma—so you can move forward with confidence

When something’s not quite right—when focus slips, mood dips, or anxiety spikes—it’s easy to spiral into self-diagnosis. A few online quizzes and late-night Google searches can leave you with more questions than answers. A psychological evaluation cuts through the noise.

But what does that process actually involve? And more importantly—what makes it worth your time, money, and emotional investment?


A Clear, Structured Approach

A comprehensive psychological evaluation isn’t guesswork or a checkbox exercise. It’s a structured, clinically sound process designed to help adults understand what’s going on beneath the surface and chart a path forward.

Here's what to expect:

  • Structured Diagnostic Interview

    • A targeted, evidence-based conversation that systematically explores symptoms, history, and key domains of functioning.

  • Comprehensive Multiscale Psychological Testing

    • You’ll complete validated measures assessing a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns. This goes far beyond symptom checklists—these instruments are chosen to clarify diagnoses and rule out what doesn’t fit.

  • Screening for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Executive Functioning

    • We take a broad view of mental health to avoid tunnel vision. Many clients present with overlapping symptoms, and this screening helps isolate the primary drivers of distress or dysfunction.

  • Optional Performance-Based Attention Testing

    • For clients with attentional concerns, objective testing (such as computerized Continuous Performance Tests) is available to capture how attention and impulse control function in real time.

  • Written Report with DSM-5 Diagnoses and Clear Recommendations

    • The final product isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a decision-making tool. You’ll receive a detailed, reader-friendly report that summarizes findings and lays out next steps tailored to your goals.

  • Optional Feedback Session to Review Results

    • If you’d like, we’ll meet to walk through the results together, clarify any questions, and talk through recommendations in more depth.


Why It’s Worth It

A strong evaluation creates clarity in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re struggling to focus, managing chronic anxiety, or simply feeling stuck, a comprehensive assessment provides a starting point grounded in data—not speculation.

For many adults, this evaluation is the first time someone has taken the full picture seriously. It can open doors to treatment, accommodations, or just a deeper understanding of yourself.


Private, Focused, and Flexible

All assessments are conducted via telehealth for your convenience, with evening appointments available and no waitlist. It’s a high-touch service designed for adults who want clarity and are ready to take action.


Getting Started

If you're ready to schedule, I’ll personally guide you through the next steps—from intake to testing to report delivery. Prefer to talk first? I’m happy to answer questions before you commit.

Reach out here to begin.

Dr. Daniel Steinberg is a licensed clinical psychologist offering telehealth-based psychological evaluations for adults across PSYPACT-participating states. His approach emphasizes clarity, compassion, and clinically sound evaluation.

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