About assessment
Are you interested in psychological assessment (psychodiagnostics) of children, adolescents or adults, but don't have enough information? Or has someone referred you to psychodiagnostics, but you are not sure what you actually need and what the procedure looks like? If your answer is "yes", you are in the right place because on this page you can find additional information about psychological assessment and what the "testing" looks like in Duge i oblaci.
What is psychological assessment?
Psychological or psychodiagnostic assessment is a professional procedure in which, through interviews, tests and observations, a person's psychological characteristics are assessed, such as intellectual abilities, emotions, personality traits and everyday functioning. The goal of a psychological assessment is to understand an individual's strengths and difficulties and, based on the results obtained, to offer recommendations for further steps aimed at protecting mental health and well-being. The results of a psychological assessment can also be used by other professionals (e.g., in healthcare, education or justice) in decision-making.
What are the elements of psychological assessment?
Although “testing” is often used as a synonym for psychological assessment (i.e., psychodiagnostics), the administration of tests is only one of the three parts of a psychological assessment. A psychological assessment begins with an introductory interview in which the psychologist collects anamnestic data about the client, and ends with a final meeting during which the psychologist presents the results of the tests to the client. Therefore, although the administration of psychodiagnostic tests is an indispensable part of modern psychodiagnostics, in writing the findings, the psychologist also uses information collected during the introductory interview, as well as the results of the client’s previous findings that are relevant to the purpose of the testing.
What does psychological assessment look like at Duge i oblaci?
Psychological assessment at Rainbows and Clouds takes place over four meetings (five if it includes autism diagnostics). We conduct the introductory interview live or online (with cameras on). This is followed by the administration of psychodiagnostic tests, which takes place exclusively live, in the Rainbows and Clouds space. Due to the scope, the administration of psychodiagnostic tests takes place over two sessions. The final meeting, in which we discuss the findings, is also conducted live or online. So, we hang out (at least) four times. :)
What if I'm uncertain what kind of assessment I require?
The selection of psychodiagnostic tools may vary depending on the client's previous findings or suspicions. Therefore, the first step in applying for a psychological assessment with us involves filling out a short questionnaire in which there is space to describe the reasons why you are interested in a psychological assessment. Additionally, if you have forgotten something that you think is important, you can always tell us when we contact you to arrange an appointment or at the introductory meeting. Therefore, we have (at least) three time points planned in which we can talk and define exactly what your psychological assessment process will look like so that you can receive the most relevant feedback from us.
Which tests do you use for assessment?
At Rainbows and Clouds, we offer services for general psychological assessment and differential diagnosis of neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, autism and ADHD). General psychological assessment (psychodiagnostics) includes tests of intellectual abilities, personality, neuropsychological tests, and tests of mental health and well-being. The specific selection of tests partly depends on the purpose of the testing, previous findings, and the client's doubts.
How long is the testing?
The application of psychodiagnostic tests is the longest part of the psychological assessment, which we divide into two parts due to its scope. The estimated duration of both parts is between four and six hours (or, two to three hours per psychodiagnostic session). In special cases (when we apply additional tests) the diagnostic procedure may be further extended. Unfortunately, due to the duration of the implementation of psychodiagnostic tests, we cannot be very flexible with the dates, so we ask you to arrive on time for the testing appointment.
I'm interested in only one outcome. Do we have to go through the entire test book?
At Rainbows and Clouds, we take a holistic approach to psychological assessment and take the psychodiagnostic process very seriously. If we could have you complete just one test and find out one specific result that interests you, we would run a great risk of giving you the wrong information because the findings on that specific test may be a reflection of some other clinically important phenomenon that we have skipped measuring. In this part, the job of a psychologist is very similar to that of a doctor – even if there is doubt about a diagnosis, it is always a good idea to rule out other potential explanations before reaching a conclusion. Of course, it is possible to have part of the testing done by one psychologist and part by another, but even in that case, the client will be tested with a larger number of tests, the results of which are taken into account when reaching a conclusion, or writing the psychologist's findings and opinion. So, with us, you don't waste hours of "testing" because it is very important to us to give you the most accurate feedback possible. :)
Can't we just talk about it?
The interview is a very important and useful source of diagnostic data that a psychologist relies on when writing a report. Psychodiagnostic tests complement interviews, providing valid and reliable information about what a person is like in comparison to a reference group. For example, while an interview may show that a person is exhibiting depressive symptoms, the use of psychodiagnostic tests tells us how depressed a person is in comparison to the average peer. Accuracy in making a diagnosis is very important because a diagnosis can determine someone's life, so the additional perspective that tests provide is very useful in reducing the likelihood of error.
What is the price of psychological assessment?
At Rainbows and Clouds we offer a full psychological assessment (psychodiagnostics) service. We offer an adult psychological assessment service for 400 EUR, and a child psychological assessment service for 300 EUR. Testing with the ADOS-2 protocol for autism diagnostics is not part of the general psychological assessment and is charged additionally. The prices of all services we offer are shown in our price list.
Where can I find psychological assessment for children and adults in Zagreb?
Psychological assessments for adults and children in Zagreb can be performed at Duge i oblaci, in our premises in Dubrava, Zagreb. We offer psychological assessment services exclusively in person and in the Croatian language.
How do I schedule a psychological assessment?
To book an appointment for a psychological assessment (for yourself or your child), you must first register on our diagnostic registration list. However, in order for the test results to be valid (and for neither you nor us to waste time and money), it is important to follow certain rules that are standard when conducting psychodiagnostic tests in psychology. Therefore, before registering on our list, we ask that you read the Rules for Conducting Psychological Assessments in Dugeioblaci. These rules are also stated in the application form itself - we cannot consider your inquiry valid until you express your agreement with all of our Rules. We do not want to scare you with this, but we are only trying to ensure that the psychological assessment will yield valid and useful results (which cannot be the case if, for example, the client shows up intoxicated or is an hour late). Of course, you can always contact us with any questions at our email address info@dugeioblaci.com or via the contact form. Assuming you agree with all the rules, after filling out the form, you will be included in our database and we will be able to contact you when one of the dates in which we conduct psychological assessments becomes available. We then agree on the date of the introductory interview and the dates for conducting psychodiagnostic tests. The dates we agree on are considered reserved only after the payment of 150 EUR to our account, and the rest of the testing price must be paid after the second date of administering psychodiagnostic tests (and before the final meeting). The sooner you pay the rest of the price of the psychological assessment, the sooner you will receive the psychologist's findings and opinion - more about this in our Rules (available on the price list page). :)
My question is not answered here.
If there is anything else you are interested in about conducting a psychological assessment at Rainbows and Clouds, you can always contact us directly at info@dugeioblaci.com.