Psychological Assessment

What a psychological assessment is

A psychological assessment is a structured process of testing and observation, carried out by a clinical psychologist, which results in a detailed psychological report about how you are functioning psychologically.

Unlike a psychiatric consultation (which is a clinical conversation) or a psychotherapy session (which is a process of change), a psychological assessment is a process of objective measurement — using standardised tests, questionnaires and structured clinical observation.

The result of the assessment is a written report, which can be used to:

• clarify a diagnosis (alongside a psychiatric assessment)
• obtain an objective picture of cognitive or personality functioning
• document a situation for a panel evaluating fitness for work
• obtain a psychological report for various administrative or legal procedures

Not sure whether you need a psychiatrist or a psychologist? See the difference →

What can be assessed

At Acord Med, the psychological assessment is for adults and covers several areas, depending on the reason for the assessment:

Cognitive functions:

• capacity for concentration, mobility and distribution of attention
• memory — registration, immediate and long-term recall
• operational efficiency of thinking
• intelligence quotient
• degree of cognitive impairment (relevant in evaluating possible dementia)

Personality:

• level of personality development
• profile of dominant tendencies and traits
• identification of dysfunctional patterns

Specific behaviours:

• addictive behaviours — substance use, gambling, other forms of dependency
• structured observation of critical reactions or behaviours
• evaluation of emotional reactivity

Assessments for panels:

• psychological assessment and psychodiagnostic testing for fitness-for-work panels, medico-legal panels and other bodies that require a psychological report

How the assessment is carried out

A psychological assessment is not resolved in a single session. The typical process involves several meetings, depending on the complexity of the assessment.

1. Initial interview — an in-depth discussion about the reason for the assessment, your history and current context; on this basis, the psychologist selects the appropriate battery of tests.
2. Testing — administration of the selected tests (cognitive, personality, clinical scales), in a calm setting, with breaks where needed.
3. Interpretation and report — the psychologist interprets the results and writes the report, with methods, results, clinical interpretation and recommendations.
4. Debrief meeting — they present the results, explain what each element means and answer your questions. You leave with the written report.

How we continue after the assessment

Depending on the results, the assessment may lead to:

• clarification of a diagnosis — the psychological report can complement a psychiatric assessment for a more precise diagnosis
• a recommendation for psychotherapy — if the assessment identifies patterns that would benefit from therapeutic intervention
• a document for a panel — in cases where the assessment was requested for an administrative or legal procedure
• simple confirmation of normality — many assessments confirm normal functioning and provide the reassurance the patient was seeking

If the assessment suggests a mental health condition, we can refer you on to the psychiatrists or psychotherapists in our team to continue care — without sending you from place to place.

Cost and CNAS

CNAS coverage — certain psychological assessments are covered by Acord Med’s contract with the National Health Insurance Fund, on the basis of a medical letter issued by one of our clinic’s psychiatrists. This service is available only to patients already in Acord Med’s care. The type of assessment that can be covered varies; we can advise at the time of booking.

Paid — current rates for psychological assessment are on the Pricing page. For complex assessments (with a detailed report for panels), the rate may differ; check the details at the time of booking.

Specialists who carry out psychological assessments

• 

  Psih. Magdalena Ioan

  Senior Clinical Psychologist

• 

  Psih. Oana-Marina Ciocan

  Senior Clinical Psychologist

• 

  Psih. Alexandra Gujan

  Senior Clinical Psychologist

• 

  Psih. Ioana Daniela Neacșu

  Senior Clinical Psychologist

To see the full team, visit the Team page.