Psychological Testing
In This Section:
What is
Psychological Testing?
95%
66%
86%
Expert psychological test evidence appears in roughly 86% of civil jury trials, highlighting its integral role in judicial fact-finding.
91%
A Typical
Evalution.
Attention & Concentration
Memory & Learning
Cognitive Ability & Executive Functioning
Mood & Personality
Trauma Impact
Behavioral Functioning
Substance Use
Each evaluation is followed by a detailed report and, when appropriate, a feedback session to discuss results and recommendations.
Why Would Someone Be Referred
For Psychological Testing?
Clarifying or confirming a diagnosis
Evaluating symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or trauma
Assessing cognitive or learning difficulties
Determining the impact of substance use on functioning
Supporting court-related or forensic concerns
What Happens
After Testing?
Once testing is complete, Dr. Markey will review all assessment results and prepare a comprehensive written report. This report outlines diagnostic impressions, psychological findings, and practical recommendations for treatment, school accommodations, or legal proceedings.
A follow-up session may be scheduled to review results, answer questions, and ensure that all findings are clearly understood.
A Road Map to
Clarity & Effective Care
The Purpose of Psychological Testing is to create definitive diagnosis of psychiatric conditions and prescriptive protocols (recommendations) to help clients identify strengths and weaknesses (self-awareness), and become successful. The testing recommendations become a Road Map for treatment. Therapists, treatment programs, and academic institutions use recommendations to create an efficient and effective path towards the best possible outcome.
Types of
Psychological Testing
Competency to Stand Trial
Competency issues can arise at several different junctures along the life cycle of a case. While one’s competency to stand trial is perhaps the most familiar question raised, there are other types of competency disputes that may warrant expert competency assessment by a forensic psychiatrist. These functions include competency to represent one’s self, competency to plea, competency to be sentenced, and competency to be executed.
At any time during a criminal proceeding that the defendant is thought to be unable to show a rational and factual understanding of his charges or the legal process, or unable to communicate with counsel, he or she may be tested for competence to stand trial.
Cognitive Assessment
A cognitive assessment is an examination conducted to determine someone’s level of cognitive function. There are a number of reasons to perform such an exam, and this test can be administered by a mental health professional, neurologist, or education professional, depending on how it is to be used. Several standardized assessments have been published, and people can also develop their own, mixing and matching elements of various tests that can be used to measure cognitive function.
Competency to Consent to Treatment
When patients lack the competence to make a decision about treatment, substitute decision makers must be sought. Hence, the determination of whether patients are competent is critical in striking a proper balance between respecting the autonomy of patients who are capable of making informed decisions and protecting those with cognitive impairment.
Miranda Assessments
The U.S. Supreme Court has promulgated that individuals accused of crimes possess particular rights and that individuals must be informed of these rights at the time of arrest. Moreover, the court requires that an individual be capable of reasonably understanding & legally appreciating these rights before interrogation. Forensic psychologists conduct evaluations of accused individuals in order to ascertain the likelihood that they possess adequate intellectual and psychological capabilities.
Capacity to Consent to Treatment
All adults are presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment, unless there’s significant evidence to suggest otherwise.
“Capacity” means the ability to use and understand information to make a decision, and communicate any decision made. A person lacks capacity if their mind is impaired or disturbed in some way, and this means the person is unable to make a decision at that time.
Guardianship
A “guardian” is someone who is chosen or appointed to make legal decisions for another person who is unable to make those decisions on their own. Guardianship is often over a child or an individual who has become incapacitated through age or disability.
A guardianship is a crucial legal tool that allows one person or entity to make decisions for another (the ward). Courts are tasked with establishing guardianships, and they typically appoint guardians in instances of incapacity or disability. Suppose, for example, that a person is put into a coma from a car accident.
Answers to Your
Psychological Testing
Questions
What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing refers to the administration of standardized instruments—such as cognitive assessments and personality inventories—to measure specific domains like intelligence, memory, attention, and temperament. These tools provide objective data that supplement clinical impressions.
Results are compared to normative samples, allowing Dr. Markey to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses relative to the general population. This precision aids in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.
Which tests might be administered?
Depending on your referral question, assessments may include intelligence scales (e.g., WAIS-IV), memory batteries, academic achievement tests, and personality inventories (e.g., MMPI-2). Neuropsychological tests may be used when brain function is a concern.
The test battery is customized: Dr. Markey selects instruments that best address your specific needs, ensuring efficient and relevant data collection.
How should I prepare for testing?
To optimize performance, plan for a good night’s sleep and eat a light, balanced meal beforehand. Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants on testing days, as they can interfere with concentration.
Bring any pertinent records—such as school reports, medical documentation, or previous assessments—and arrive a few minutes early to complete intake forms.
How long does testing take?
Most testing sessions range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number and complexity of instruments. For longer batteries, Dr. Markey may split testing into multiple shorter sessions to minimize fatigue.
Breaks are built in to help you stay fresh, and the pace is adjusted according to your comfort and endurance.
How are test results used?
Test findings inform diagnostic impressions, highlight cognitive or personality patterns, and guide evidence-based treatment or educational accommodations. In forensic cases, results may support legal arguments or competency determinations.
Dr. Markey integrates test data with clinical observations to generate clear, actionable recommendations—whether that’s a therapy roadmap, school plan, or expert opinion for court.