Formal assessments can help to identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide a clearer path forward for your mental health care. Insight’s trained therapists provide assessments that assist individuals of all ages to improve their lives. Assessments are helpful in identifying your levels of symptoms objectively. While assessments can vary from individual to individual, most times they include testing, interviews, observation, and consultation with one of Insight’s trained professionals. Many of these assessments can be done as part of therapy but some may require a higher level of formality depending on the level of need and purpose of the assessment.
What is a PTSD/trauma assessment?
One of our specialized PTSD or trauma therapists will work with you to do an assessment and determine the type of treatment that would be the most beneficial for you to help you on your mental health journey. PTSD/trauma assessments can explore the frequency and intensity of the effects of trauma including: sexual and physical assault, intimate partner violence, combat, torture, motor vehicle accidents, mass casualty events, medical trauma, traumatic losses, and childhood abuse or neglect.
PTSD/trauma is complex and it can show up in the following ways:
- Anxiety
- Arousal
- Depression
- Anger/irritability
- Intrusive experiences
- Defensive avoidance
- Dissociation
- Sexual concerns
- Dysfunctional sexual behavior
- Impaired self-reference
- Tension reduction behavior
Why is the assessment used?
Assessments for PTSD/trauma are used to determine an accurate and valid diagnosis of the disorder, as well as the severity. Our therapists will complete the assessment and then discuss with you the best course of action to take depending on your diagnosis and current signs and symptoms.
The assessment process
We have specific, objective testing instruments to evaluate PTSD/trauma and related symptoms. Part of this process also includes a gathering of background history and an interview. Depending on the level of assessment, more specific and thorough tests may be conducted.
A PTSD/trauma assessment can be done as part of counselling or as a formal assessment. The typical length of a formal assessment can range from 1-4 hours.
Insight Psychological has several offices in locations across Alberta. Contact us today.
