Psychological testing involves the use of a combination of techniques in order to gather information about a person such as their capabilities, behavior, and personality.  A psychological assessment generally involves an intake interview, as well as the completion of screening measures, and/or standardized assessment measures.  Through this process the psychologist can make the appropriate diagnosis (or diagnoses) and make individualized and specific recommendations on how to address your concerns.

Ardent Psychological Services, PLLC offers psychological assessment in the following areas for children, adolescents, and adults:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

The assessment of autism spectrum disorder is possibly one of the most common but complex psychological evaluations.  At Ardent Psychological Services the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is used as part of psychological testing, because it is considered the gold standard in assessing the presence of an autism spectrum disorder.  Many insurance companies require the use of ADOS-2 as part of the assessment in order to cover autism related services such as ABA Therapy. 

• ADHD

Individuals with ADHD often experience symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity.  A comprehensive evaluation is used to diagnose ADHD.  This can include screening measures, as well as standardized tests to assess things like intellectual functioning and academic performance. 

• Anxiety (such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety and phobias).

• Depression

• Bipolar Disorder

• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

• Cognitive Testing

Cognitive testing provides valuable information such as a person’s overall intellectual functioning (IQ).  It also looks at specific abilities such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.   

• ·Academic Achievement/Academic Progress/IEP

Achievement tests are used to ascertain what a student has already learned, and how well this student is performing compared to others who are in the same grade or the same age.   

·         Adaptive Behavior.

• Adaptive behavior refers to the conceptual, social, and practical skills that a child or adult needs to function in daily life.  Adaptive measures are used to assess how well a person functions in their daily life compared to others who are the same age. 

• Intellectual Disability/Developmental Delays

• Behavioral Concerns

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Diagnostic Clarification

When a person presents with a complex history and symptoms, psychological testing can help to clarify diagnoses.  This is key in making effective recommendations for further treatment. 

If you’d like to know more about psychological testing and how it can help you, or you would like to make an appointment, give Dr. Staal a call today: (682) 477-8884. 

Dr. Staal is trained to provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.  She selects her therapeutic approach based on what research says is evidence-based for the presenting problem, as well as what is the best fitfor the client.  The length of treatment varies greatly and can be anywhere from 6 weeks to a year depending on presenting problem and client need.  Psychotherapy sessions typically occur weekly or bimonthly.  The approach and length of treatment will be discussed at your first appointment and collaboratively decided based on what works best for you. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of treatment for many common psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. CBT can help you to change unhelpful or unhealthy ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. 

Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on helping you to understand how your relationships with other people are affecting you.  The central premise of interpersonal therapy is that your symptoms are a response to current difficulties in your relationships with other people, and that by improving these relationships your symptoms will resolve. 

Psychodynamic therapy is an effective form of treatment for a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems.  Psychodynamic therapy helps people to recognize repressed emotions and unconscious influences that may be affecting your behavior.

Ardent Psychological Services, PLLC offers psychotherapy in the following areas for children, adolescents, and adults:

•       ADHD

•       Autism Spectrum Disorder

•       Generalized Anxiety

•       Social Anxiety

•       Separation Anxiety

•       Depression

•       Bipolar Disorder

•       Interpersonal Problems

•       Behavioral Concerns

•       Psychosis

If you’d like to know more about how psychotherapy can help you, call Dr. Staal today: (682) 477 8884

If Dr. Staal is very responsive to phone calls of current clients and inquires.  She also believes in the importance of connecting people with the help they need.  If she is unable to help, she will make every effort to connect you with a person who is able to help.  If unable to answer your call during business hours, she will call you back as soon as possible.  Dr. Staal returns phone calls Monday through Friday between 9am and 6pm.

Please do not leave a message if your call concerns a mental health emergency.  Instead, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.