Psychological Evaluations

Psychological Evaluations, also called psychological assessments, are a vital tool in the mental health field, as they offer a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotional functioning, in addition to providing diagnostic clarification and personalized treatment recommendations. By fostering a supportive environment, Dr. Taylor aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to move forward confidently.  Through a multifaceted approach, Dr. Taylor works in partnership with patients and providers to assist in the creation of a treatment plan based on the diagnostic conclusions and researched based interventions to help you navigate the path to improved mental health and overall well-being. 

What symptoms, characteristics, and circumstances may warrant a psychological evaluation? 

  • Concerns About Mental Health Symptoms 
  • Chronic Mental Health Symptoms  
  • Limited Benefits From Past Treatment Interventions (Therapy and Medication Management) 
  • Family History of Mental Illness 
  • Sudden or Dramatic Changes in Behavior 
  • Shifts in Personality 
  • Emotional Dysregulation 
  • Social Isolation and Relationship Problems 
  • Unexplained Physical Symptoms  
  • Psychotic Symptoms 
  • Disordered Eating 
  • Chronic Stress or Burnout 

What mental health diagnoses does Dr. Taylor assess for and rule out?

  • Depression
  • Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
  • Postpartum
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Attacks
  • Obsessions and Compulsions
  • Social Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Dissociation
  • Illness Anxiety 
  • Somatic (Bodily) Complaint
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Substance Induced Psychosis
  • Dependent
  • Avoidant
  • Borderline
  • Related Disorders
  • Explosive Anger
  • Defiance
  • Illegal Behaviors
  • Problematic Use
  • Tolerance
  • Withdrawal
  • Dependence
  • Self-Injury
  • Skin Picking
  • Hair Pulling
  • Addictive Behaviors

If you are uncertain if Dr. Taylor is the right person to assist you with your journey, please contact the Health Psychology Department at 801-773-4840, extension 3449, and our team will help you schedule your first appointment or assist you in finding a local provider for a referral. 

What happens during a Psychological evaluation?

Dr. Taylor’s psychological evaluations involve a collaborative process and he works closely with patients to understand their concerns and goals, ensuring that they feel heard and respected throughout the assessment process.  Generally, the evaluations are made up of three steps: 

Step 1: Intake Interview/New Patient Appointment:  

  • Dr. Taylor will meet with you to discuss and explore your concerns and to identify the symptoms you are facing.  
  • Dr. Taylor will provide you information about your insurance coverage and benefits for the psychological evaluation, including obtaining preauthorization when required

Step 2: Psychological Evaluation Appointment:  

  • Dr. Taylor will complete the interview process that will explore symptoms like depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disturbances, mania/hypomania, personality traits, styles, and characteristics, substance use, and any other clinically relevant domains.  
  • When the interview is completed, Dr. Taylor will select specific psychological assessment measures related to your symptoms and concernsYou will complete the tests in a private office and are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks, as the testing can take an hour to a couple of hours.

Step 3: Therapeutic Feedback Session: 

  • Dr. Taylor will write a psychological evaluation report that can range from eight to fifteen pages, which will be reviewed in the session, including a discussion on the findings, assigned diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, Dr. Taylor will conduct a psychological evaluation with individuals 16 years and older.  

Some presenting complaints fall beyond Dr. Taylor’s scope of practice, specifically when the concerns are related to cognitive functioning (think of brain based processes), like attention, concentration, short term and long-term memory issues, traumatic brain injuries and concussions, and strokesAdditionally, Dr. Taylor does not conduct assessments for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders

As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Taylor does not prescribe medication; however, referrals are frequently completed to the Psychiatry Department. 

Yes! While specific steps are required for insurance and billing purposes, a copy of the psychological evaluation will not be released to anyone without written and/or verbal permissionThis includes employers and courts, unless the evaluation is being requested by an employer, was court ordered, or if records are subpoenaedStandard limits to confidential do apply, as Dr. Taylor is a Mandated Report.