Assessing assessment

Are psychological assessments a piece of history or a new growth area for psychological practice? Both, according to many observers. The growing acceptance of psychological assessments, including insurance reimbursements, has helped propel an early foundation of psychological practice into a growing niche for some.

Recent research has prompted new recognition of assessment's value among consumers and health professionals, and psychology's advocacy efforts have helped insurers recognize assessment's value as well. Meanwhile, psychologists are moving into new areas of assessment and developing new techniques.

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Once used primarily to help diagnose clients and guide their treatment, assessment has now branched into settings including neuropsychology labs, schools and business settings.

One area in especially high demand is forensic assessment, says private practitioner Alan J. Lee, PsyD, of Hamilton, N.J.

Long fascinated by "what makes people tick," Lee started his career as a professional fire investigator and later became a psychologist in the federal prison system. Today he and his practice's other psychologists focus exclusively on forensic and clinical assessment.

The field has moved far beyond its traditional use in cases where defendants' sanity or competency to stand trial are in question, says Lee. On a typical day, he might assess whether a defendant truly understood the Miranda warning before confessing; whether a troubled adolescent is likely to set fires or sexually assault other treatment center residents; or whether a parent is fit to retain custody of a child.

No matter what the subject, says Lee, assessment provides crucial information not available through interviews and observations. Tests such as the Rorschach that tap into variables outside of an individual's awareness can be especially helpful in forensic cases, he adds.

"There are high stakes at risk here," says Lee, citing conviction, sentencing and loss of custody as examples. "Oftentimes people will underreport things on self-reports or interviews that would be more apparent on projective measures, where the person is less able to distort his or her presentation."

Forensic assessment isn't just limited to criminal cases, notes Smith, who has conducted assessments in civil cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and petitions for political asylum.

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Source: Clay, R. A. (Jan 2006). Monitor on Psychology, 37 (1), p. 44.

PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERATURE FREE TO A GOOD HOME!!!

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