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A Psychological Evaluation involves a clinical interview with the person, a review of available records, gathering collateral information (if possible) from others known to the client, administration of test(s), interpretation of testing results and a written report. Psychological Evaluations are not magic and may not answer all of the questions being asked. A Psychological Evaluation differs from a Psychiatric Evaluation in that it is not intended to look for a medical reason for the person's difficulties.
Simply put a Psychological Evaluation is an assessment of behavior which is likely to represent that person's behavior in most cases. It can help with diagnosing a condition as well as help to understand how a person might respond to a particular situations. It may also be used for treatment recommendations.

Sometimes life's problems bring us to a point where we need help; things get overwhelming or out of control. You don't know where to start. Individual therapy with a licensed therapist helps you sort out the situations you are facing and helps to bring resolution to your difficulties. A large part of therapy involves a teaching process. With your therapist, you may feel free to examine and explore thoughts and feelings you have around issues which concern you. Therapy is often considered a "safe place" in which to examine painful and sometime traumatic events that may have happened. While our past does not necessarily "make us" who we are, most individuals in the mental healt field believe that one's past can leave an imprint on one's present day life.
Many issues that face people today do not require dredging up every painful memory. In fact, most therapy clients are only seen for a limited number of sessions. Sometimes resolution can be brought about in as few as 10-12 sessions. A session generally lasts about 45 minutes to 55 minutes. You and your therapist discuss your topics of concern. You may have homework assignments to complete before your next session. This not only keeps the flow of therapy going, it also gives you the chance to practice new thinking patterns while in your real world. Typical issues include: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, job related issues and stress management. There can be many others.

Mood altering substances have been with humankind since the dawn of civilization. Alcohol is one of the oldest known mood altering substances. While most people who drink do so responsibly and enjoy the effects, a certain number of people will have difficulty controlling their consumption.
At Decisions Psycholgical Services, PC, our core belief about alcoholism is grounded in the disease concept. Our treatment approach is therefore based on the disease model. The "disease model" states that alcoholism is a disease process in itself. What does this mean? Simply stated, it means there is a genetic and biological difference between individuals who have alcoholism and those who do not. The disease concept underlies the recovery approach upon which Alcoholic Anonymous is founded.
We believe if a person has developed a dependence on any substance that total abstinence is the most beneficial means of recovery. We offer therapy for substance abuse on an individual basis. Along with therapy, individuals are required to attend 12-step meetings as a part of their treatment program.
There are a variety of substances which an individual may use to alter their mood, including marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, and many others. Our approach to the treatment of individuals with a drug dependence disorder is very similar to that of treating alcoholism. Abstinence would still be a goal, as would attendance to a 12-step or some other support group.