Behavioral Problems Evaluations

We base our evaluations on current DSM-5 Manual (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to identify the degree to which an individual’s symptoms, distress, and life impairment matches known problem areas associated with main behavioral problems, including, but not limited to:

• Oppositional Defiant Behavior
• Conduct Behavior Problems
• Intermittent Explosive Problems
• Pyromania
• Kleptomania
• Etc.
  

Testing Approach

We use a multi-method, multi-informant approach to gather information from various “method types” (e.g. questionnaire, computer-performance, interviews, cognitive performance tasks) as well as from various “informant types”, such as from the child, parent(s), and teachers in the case of children, and from the adult client, and spouse in the case of adult clients, when appropriate and relevant. 

Benefits of Behavioral Problems Evaluations

Depending on your situation, obtaining a thorough behavioral problems evaluation may be associated with the following benefits:

1. Informing and Clarifying Your Options. After your evaluation, your counselor will be able to make evidence-based decisions regarding those methods that are most effective to solve problems identified. Obtaining an evaluation in this area will thus help inform and clarify what type(s) of behavioral services (and psychiatric medications, if desired) are right for you or your child
   
2. Better Understand Your Long-standing Challenges. It is common for individuals to struggle for several years with challenges they do not fully understand. Oftentimes an evaluation can help identify some of the primary sources of these long-standing challenges to help shed light on risk factors, expected symptoms, and areas of needed attention, service, and growth.
3. Re-Assess Current Status. It is often helpful to re-assess your current status, especially after receiving counseling for some time, to re-evaluate your condition in a thorough way to determine the degree to which you have improved and what major areas of distress and impairment remain. 
4. Improved Relationships with Peers, Caregivers, and Community Members. Successful problem identification and subsequent help can improve your or your child’s behavior by helping identify triggers and stressors and reducing the number of confrontations and conflicts.