Psychological assessment may be ideal for teens for a variety of reasons. But what is psychological testing? When kids struggle in school and exhibit behavioral problems, a counselor may suggest testing to begin working toward a solution. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 today to learn more about psychological testing programs.

Teens and Stress

Teens don’t necessarily respond to stress the same way as adults. Their stressors are also different than the pressures adults face. However, that doesn’t mean those stressors are any less valid or difficult to deal with daily.

Signs of stress to be aware of in your child include:

• Sleep problems
• Academic problems
• Increased irritability
• Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints
• Changes in a social group or not socializing as much as they once did
• Negative talk and behavior
• General sense of worry

The inability to handle average amounts of stress could mean your teen needs to learn better coping skills. It can also signify an underlying problem such as depression or anxiety.

Undergoing psychological testing can help teens who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings or experiences. If you suspect your teen is struggling with issues related to stress, a psychological assessment may provide the best information for restoring emotional and mental balance.

What Is Psychological Testing?

Psychological testing determines whether a child has a mental health condition. Tests consist of many different components meant to identify both strengths and weaknesses in psychological development. Assessments have four separate phases:

Information Gathering

The conducting psychologist collects information through calls, live meetings, questionnaires, and interviews. The team may contact the teen’s parents, teachers, counselors, physicians, and the teen themselves for their perspectives and impressions.

Psychological Testing

Psychological stress testing includes:

• Cognitive testing: IQ and achievement testing
• Emotional assessment: Developmental and emotional age, emotional function, or issues such as depression or anxiety
• Behavioral evaluation: Evaluating for trauma, self-harm, aggression, abuse, and potential treatment compliance
• Executive functioning: Self-regulation, planning, organizing, and problem-solving

Testing can help rule out specific problems and to identify others. The process may seem elaborate, but an evaluator needs comprehensive information to make a meaningful assessment.

Analysis

Once the team has gathered the appropriate information and testing is complete, the overseeing psychologist will process the data to understand the client better. Psychological testing reports are typically lengthy, covering all aspects of development.

Feedback

Feedback requires a live meeting or teleconference call with the parents or guardians, therapists, and educational consultant. A feedback meeting aims to ensure timely and accurate sharing of information and allow stakeholders to ask questions in person. With the family’s permission, new therapists or admissions representatives from prospective programs may arrange to ask questions of the testing psychologist privately.

How Does Psychological Stress Testing Help Kids?

Testing provides important information that your child’s treatment team can use to help the child cope. Assessments may reveal:

• Personality traits
• Academic strengths or struggles, as well as learning styles
• Behavioral patterns
• Reasons for unwanted behaviors
• Cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• Stressors and pressures
• Trauma history

Understanding a teen’s struggles as well as their strengths can help a care team create a more effective treatment plan.

Learn More About Psychological Stress Testing at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

If you have noticed signs of stress in your child or if they are struggling academically or socially, psychological testing may bring the answer.

Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers psychological testing because we have seen what a powerful tool it can be in helping teens and their families get the help they need. For more information about how stress can impact your teen or schedule an appointment for psychological assessment, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275.