Psychological testing is a process that uses observation, interviews, standardized tests and other assessment tools to evaluate a person’s mental and behavioral characteristics.
The goals of psychological testing are to identify the underlying causes of a person’s symptoms and create an effective go-forward plan to help address or alleviate them. Psychological testing is designed to:
- diagnose mental health conditions
- guide approaches to therapy
- inform the development of specialized treatment plans
- provide recommendations for college, university, or workplace accommodations
- assess cognitive abilities related to executive functioning and neurodivergence
- identify strengths and challenges
- offer insights for personal growth and self-understanding
At IntraSpectrum Counseling, psychological testing is conducted by trained & licensed clinical psychologists. For more information, email help@intraspectrum-chicago.com or leave a message on our callback line: 312-379-9476. To get started with psychological testing, click here.
People are referred to psychological testing for a variety of reasons. IntraSpectrum Counseling can assist clients with the following testing services:
- ADD/ADHD – Individuals who are experiencing concentration and attention issues benefit from psychological testing to help determine if these difficulties stem from an attention-related diagnosis (ADD/ADHD) or from an anxiety or a mood-related condition. These assessments also provide a clearer understanding of specific challenges, helping individuals develop strategies to improve focus and productivity. With a better grasp of their unique needs, adults can seek tailored support and treatment for managing ADD/ADHD effectively.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder – While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often thought of as a condition diagnosed in childhood, many adults recognize they also experience similar sensory, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges aligned with ASD. Psychological testing will assess social communication, sensory sensitivities, and behavior patterns, providing a clearer understanding of how ASD may be affecting their daily life, work, and relationships. With this insight, individuals can seek appropriate support and strategies to manage challenges and improve overall well-being.
- Career Decisions – Psychological testing helps, especially collegiate students and recent graduates, individuals better understand their strengths, interests, and personality traits, guiding them toward a career path that aligns with their natural abilities. These assessments also highlight areas for professional growth, such as leadership potential or communication skills. By providing valuable insights, psychological testing empowers individuals to make informed, confident career and life decisions.
- College, University, & Workplace Accommodations – Psychological testing is typically required by colleges and universities for students with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, adjustment issues, or ongoing mental health issues to receive an accommodation (i.e. a change that removes a barrier to learning). Businesses regularly require psychological testing in order to grant employee accommodations for mental-health related disabilities or conditions to help employees effectively perform their work duties.
- Diagnostic Clarification – When a diagnosis is unclear, psychological testing helps identify underlying psychological or emotional conditions, providing a clearer understanding of a person’s challenges. By pinpointing specific issues, these assessments can guide appropriate treatment plans and interventions. This clarity enables individuals to better manage their well-being and make informed decisions about their care and support.
- Emotional & Behavioral Challenges – Psychological testing can help adults struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges by identifying underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress. These assessments offer valuable insights into thought patterns and emotional responses, guiding individuals toward effective coping strategies and treatment options. Understanding these challenges allows for better management and improvement of mental well-being.
- Executive Functioning – Executive function testing assesses cognitive skills such as planning, problem-solving, and time management, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement. These assessments can guide strategies for enhancing focus, organization, and decision-making. Understanding executive function skills helps individuals improve productivity and navigate daily tasks more effectively.
- Life Transitions – Psychological testing can be a valuable tool for adults navigating life transitions, such as changes in career, relationships, or personal goals. These assessments provide insights into emotional well-being, coping mechanisms, and strengths, helping individuals better understand their responses to change. With this clarity, adults can develop healthier strategies for managing transitions and making informed decisions for their future.
- Personal Growth & Personality Traits – Personality testing provides valuable insights into an individual’s unique traits, helping to better understand their behavior, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics. By identifying key personality characteristics, these assessments can guide personal growth, improve communication, strengthen self-awareness and enhance relationships both in and outside the workplace. Understanding one’s personality helps make more informed decisions about life choices and career paths.
Psychological testing is a valuable tool for assessing:
- Adaptive behaviors
- Attention and concentration
- Career interests
- Emotional regulation
- Executive functioning (like planning, decision-making, organizational skills)
- Neurodivergence
- Personality traits
- Social functioning
FAQs About Psychological Testing
Who should consider psychological testing?
Our psychological testing services help with the following:
- Academic and career interests
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Behavioral concerns
- Career interests & decisions
- College or university difficulties
- Difficulty completing tasks in your personal, professional, or academic life
- Emotional difficulties
- Executive functioning
- Identifying personality characteristics & traits
- Improving communication
- Increased personal understanding & self-awareness
- Life transitions
- Mood disorders (like depression)
- Neurodivergence issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Seeking greater understanding for personal growth
- Suspected ADD/ADHD
- Suspected autism spectrum disorder
- Trouble focusing at work
- Workplace challenges
How long does psychological testing take?
The specific length of time will vary, depending on the client’s needs and the complexity of the assessment. Typically, evaluations can range between 2 – 6 hours and are usually conducted over several sessions.
How does the process work?
- Submit an Inquiry Form. Our online inquiry form is the first step, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. We’ll ask about your needs and situation, and the type(s) of psychological testing you’re looking for.
How do I get started?
The process is the same whether you’ve been referred by another provider or are interested in testing services on your own. For more information, email help@intraspectrum-chicago.com or leave a message on our callback line: 312-379-9476. To get started with psychological testing, click here. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
How much does psychological testing cost?
Costs for psychological testing can vary based on the type and complexity of the required testing. We accept many insurance plans and are happy to assist if you’re not sure about your health insurance provider’s coverage and benefits. For clients paying out of pocket, our Client Services team may be able to assist with payment plan options.
Who will do my testing?
One of our trained and licensed clinical psychologists, Dr. Leesa Contorino, PsyD-L, ACS and Dr. Kristin Kazyaka, PhD-L, will conduct your psychological testing.
For more information on psychological testing services, email help@intraspectrum-chicago.com or leave a message on our callback line: 312-379-9476. To get started with psychological testing, click here. We look forward to connecting with you soon.