Evaluative assessments

A mental health assessment evaluates an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It involves gathering information through various methods such as interviews, questionnaires, and standardized instruments. The goal of the assessment is to understand the individual's current mental health state, identify any symptoms or disorders, and determine the impact of these issues on their daily life. During the assessment, professionals typically explore the person's history, including medical, psychological, and family background, as well as current functioning, such as thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and social interactions. This process informs diagnosis, guides treatment planning, and provides tailored recommendations for ongoing care.  A final report is provided. 

A child custody assessment is conducted by a mental health professional to help legal professionals and/or the court determine what is in the best interest of a child during custody disputes. The assessment encompasses interviews with the parents, the child, and other significant parties, as well as observations of the interactions between parent and child. Home visits may also be conducted if requested. The evaluation typically involves mental health assessments for the parents, a review of relevant documents, and an analysis of parenting roles, shortcomings, and possible signs of parental alienation. The provider's goal is to offer an unbiased and well-informed recommendation regarding custody and visitation arrangements that will best promote the child’s well-being and development. 

A parental assessment is conducted by a mental health professional to evaluate a parent's capacity to care for their child. It involves interviews, observations, and psychological testing to assess parenting skills, the parent-child relationship, and the parent's ability to meet the child's needs. Note, although it is ideal for both parents to be evaluated to provide a comprehensive overview of their parenting roles and any deficiencies, the assessment can still be effectively conducted with only one parent present.

Parental Assessment with co-parenting training includes interviews, observations, psychological testing, and psychoeducational training on effective strategies for collaboratively raising their children following separation or divorce, while also assessing their ability to apply these strategies. The training emphasizes communication, conflict resolution, and establishing a stable environment for the child. The objective is to strengthen parents' collaborative skills, fostering a supportive and unified parenting approach, particularly beneficial in cases of high-conflict divorce. This process includes individual as well as joint sessions with both parents, which may feel daunting but are essential for applying the tools learned during the training.

The Targeted Comprehensive Assessment is designed to assess unique and complex situations involving either families or individuals that do not fit standard evaluation categories. This assessment allows the client or a professional to provide the mental health provider with targeted goals, allowing the mental health provider to tailor interventions to achieve the desired outcome.  A detailed report is generated, outlining findings, concerns, and recommendations.