Types of  Psychological Evaluations Offered

A psychological evaluation is a professional assessment that a person or organization can request to evaluate a person’s mental, intellectual, and behavioral functioning. Dr. Thurman administers a variety of psychological evaluations, ranging from assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities to the selection of candidates for specific jobs. Psychological evals are used to measure an individual’s intelligence, aptitude, personality traits, and emotional stability. Individual responses to psychological tests are analyzed statistically so that an evaluation can be made.

Competency

Psychological evaluations of competency often include a review of the defendant’s medical and criminal records for behavior patterns or past mental illnesses, an interview, and discussions regarding the incident that occurred, what the individual knows about the charges, and whether they understand the role of their lawyer, the judge and others involved in the case.

DD Waiver (NE only)

A psychological evaluation is important to determine an individual’s eligibility for Developmental Disability Waiver (DD Waiver). Eligibility determination for developmental disabilities services is made according to federal and state regulations, in addition to the statutory definition of developmental disability found in Nebraska Revised State Statute 83-1205.

DHHS Referrals

We conduct psychological evaluations that are referred by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These assessments are used to obtain information about what is happening at home, what the person’s needs are, and how they can be met.
Professional and Caring Psychological Evaluations

Court Ordered

Court-ordered evaluations may be requested if a defendant tries to represent themselves, a defendant claims to be incompetent, a defendant claims insanity as their defense, or to evaluate personal or professional goals.

Disability (SSI)

An SSI psychological exam is a mental consultative test that allows an examiner to better understand an individual’s condition. An examiner will be able to determine if an individual displays evidence of functional limitations in regard to their mental health.

Pre-Employment Screenings

A pre-employment psychological evaluation determines whether a public safety applicant (law enforcement, firefighters, military, jail) meets the minimum requirement for psychological stability mandated by jurisdictional statutes and regulations, as well as other criteria established by the hiring agency.

Fitness for Duty

A fitness for duty (FFD) assessment is a mental health evaluation where Dr. Thurman performs a number of tests and provides feedback about an employee’s mental fitness to perform a specific job.

Workman’s Compensation

During a workman’s compensation psychological evaluation, an individual will be evaluated to determine whether a psychiatric injury or condition occurred because of the work incident.

Cognitive/Intellectual/IQ

A cognitive IQ test is an assessment that measures an individual’s range of cognitive abilities. The score serves as a measure of an individual’s intellectual abilities and potential.

Independent Medical Examinations

An IME will assess if a person has a mental health diagnosis eligible for insurance payouts or benefits. An independent, objective evaluation is provided to measure the severity of the symptoms and diagnose or rule out any underlying conditions.

Independent Psychological Medical Evaluations

School Referrals

A psychological evaluation referred by school personnel is often a means of assessing academic and social/emotional difficulties. A referral can be used to evaluate the educational needs of the student, as well as offer additional support services if needed. The psych eval may provide recommendations for interventions or modifications in the classroom, behavior management plans, training for school staff, etc.

Guardianship

A guardianship psychological evaluation is a process that assesses the ability of an adult to make legal decisions for themselves, as well as their capacity to take care of their personal and property needs. This assessment determines if the individual should be able to assume the responsibilities of self-care or should require some level of assistance.

Juvenile Placement

A juvenile placement evaluation is an assessment of a youth’s emotional and psychological functioning in order to provide recommendations on appropriate placement. This assessment should encompass the youth’s needs, strengths, family history, living conditions, relationships, behavioral history, academic performance, social skills, drug/alcohol use history, mental illness symptoms, and severity of illness. Dr. Thurman will explore the youth’s understanding of their current situation and what they perceive as their future role.

Spinal Stimulator

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment for chronic pain. If pain receptors are overactive or functioning improperly, someone can experience chronic pain. Before receiving the procedure to place a small spinal cord stimulator (SCS), a pre-surgical psychological evaluation may be required. The goal of the assessment is to avoid adverse mental and physical health risks. This evaluation could uncover other areas that cause or exacerbate chronic pain and help individuals prepare for their procedures.

Bariatric Surgery

Psychological evaluations of patients before bariatric surgery help identify contradictions for surgery and better understand an individual’s motivation, readiness, behavioral changes, and emotional factors that may impact their coping and adjustment throughout surgery and the associated lifestyle challenges.

Expert Witness Testimony

Psychological evaluations of bariatric surgery often include reasons for the surgery, weight and diet history, current eating behaviors, understanding of the surgery and its associated lifestyle changes, social supports and history, and psychiatric symptoms both current and past.

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