Diagnostic psychological evaluations assess whether an individual appears to have any psychological problems. An evaluation may also describe or explain the general psychological adjustment difficulties being presented by an individual, in an effort to understand the individual's behavior. The evaluation determines what type of treatment is most likely to be beneficial.

Diagnostic evaluations can be informal assessments made during the initial interview which might include questions about the presenting problem, personal and family history, and a review of current life stressors.

Psychoeducational evaluations help to identify the individual's unique learning style characteristics, present academic achievement levels, intellectual functioning, and social/emotional needs. The end result forms the basis for appropriate treatment intervention, educational instruction and remedial intervention.

A typical comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation includes:

Cognitive Testing (Intelligence Testing): To determine strengths and weaknesses in processing skills (auditory, verbal, visual, motor).

Academic Achievement Testing: To determine current levels of academic functioning in reading, mathematics, and written expression and to identify specific deficits.

Behavioral Assessment: To examine any concerns with attention, concentration, hyperactivity, or emotional factors.