Psychological Assessment
1. Introduction
Psychological assessment is a structured process of gathering
information to understand an individual's psychological functioning
across cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal domains.
During my internship, psychological assessments were a core part
of the clinical exposure. They played a crucial role in diagnosis,
treatment planning, and monitoring therapeutic progress. This
section of the report outlines in detail the processes, tools, and
experiences related to psychological assessment during my
internship tenure.
2. Purpose of Psychological Assessment
Psychological assessments serve multiple purposes, depending on
the client's needs and the context in which they are used. Some of
the major purposes include:
● Clinical Diagnosis: Helps in identifying psychological
disorders like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and personality
disorders.
● Therapeutic Planning: Provides clarity on the client’s
strengths and weaknesses, aiding in setting therapeutic goals.
● Educational Planning: Used for children to assess learning
disabilities, school readiness, or giftedness.
● Occupational Assessment: Measures aptitude, personality,
and emotional intelligence relevant to work settings.
Types of Psychological Assessments Encountered
During my internship, I was exposed to various psychological
assessments. These included both standardized tools and
qualitative methods. Below is a detailed explanation:
A. Clinical Interview
● Type: Structured/Semi-structured
● Purpose: First step in assessment to build rapport, gather
case history, and understand presenting problems.
● Components: Developmental history, family background,
educational/occupational history, social relationships, and
current issues.
● Skills Practiced: Active listening, open-ended questioning,
empathic responses, and accurate documentation.
B. Intelligence Tests
1.Binet-Kamat Test of Intelligence (BKT)
○ Used for: Children aged 3–22 years.
○ Measures: Verbal and non-verbal IQ.
○ Experience: Learned administration, establishing basal
and terminal ages, scoring, and calculating IQ.
2.Raven’s Progressive Matrices
○ Used for: Non-verbal reasoning across age groups.
○ Strengths: Culturally fair; useful in group testing and in
clients with speech/language difficulties.
C. Personality Tests
1.16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF)
○ Format: Self-report inventory.
○ Measures: Broad personality traits like dominance,
warmth, sensitivity, anxiety, etc.
○ Use: Helpful in personality profiling, career guidance,
and clinical settings.
D. Behavioral Assessment
● Tools: Observation checklists, behavioral rating scales like
Conners’ Rating Scale and CBCL (Child Behavior
Checklist).
● Used for: Children with suspected ADHD, conduct disorders,
and learning difficulties.
● Experience: Observed classroom behavior simulations and
parent reports.
Steps in the Psychological Assessment Process
1.Referral & Case History Intake
○ Client referred by counselor, teacher, psychiatrist, or
parent.
○ Detailed case history recorded during the intake session.
2.Informed Consent
○ Client/guardian informed about the purpose, procedure,
and confidentiality of the assessment.
○ Written consent taken before test administration.
3.Test Selection
○ Based on the referral question and age of the client.
○ Ensured appropriate tools were selected as per standard
guidelines.
4.Test Administration
○ Followed standard protocols.
○ Maintained ethical practice: no hinting, balanced pacing,
proper encouragement.
5.Scoring and Interpretation
○ Raw scores converted to standardized scores.
○ Results interpreted using manuals and with supervisor’s
assistance.
6.Report Writing
○ Comprehensive report prepared covering:
■ Identifying information
■ Presenting concerns
■ History
■ Assessment results
■ Interpretation
■ Conclusion and recommendations
7.Feedback Session
○ Provided to client or guardian in clear, sensitive, and
simplified language.
○ Included psychoeducation and future steps.
6. Ethical Considerations
● Strict confidentiality was maintained throughout the
assessment process.
● Test materials were handled with care and not shared without
authorization.
● Reports were not disclosed without client consent.
● Observed the principle of non-maleficence (do no harm)
during interpretations and feedback.
8. Conclusion
Psychological assessment is not merely a technical task but an art
that requires sensitivity, ethical responsibility, and scientific
understanding. My internship provided me with first-hand
experience of how assessments are conducted in real-life clinical
and educational settings. It deepened my theoretical knowledge
and helped me develop as a future mental health professional with
a practical understanding of psychological testing and its impact on
individuals.
