Psychological Assessment and Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluations to better understand your unique cognitive and emotional profile, often the first step toward a clearer path forward.
Clarity through comprehensive, expert assessment: for diagnosis, accommodations, vocational planning, and more.
We offer a wide range of psychological evaluations for adults, adolescents, and children: diagnostic evaluations, ADHD and neurodivergence assessments, personality and clinical assessments, couples and premarital assessments, vocational assessments, pre-surgical evaluations, and police fitness for duty psychological exams. Evaluations may be partially covered by insurance; formal report writing is typically self-pay.
Psychological Testing & Evaluation in Pittsburgh
Sometimes the most important step toward feeling better isn’t more therapy, it’s getting a clearer picture of what’s actually going on. That’s what a psychological evaluation is for.
Whether you’re trying to understand your own patterns, pursuing a formal diagnosis, meeting a requirement from a court, employer, or medical provider, or preparing for a major life decision, a thoughtful, thorough psychological evaluation can provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
At Weingarden Psychological Services, our licensed psychologists offer a comprehensive range of psychological assessments for adults, adolescents, and children. We take the time to understand what you’re hoping to learn, recommend the right tools for your situation, and deliver results that are genuinely useful, whether for your own understanding, your treatment team, or a formal report.
Have questions about which evaluation is right for you? Call 412-240-5686 or contact us online.
What Is a Psychological Evaluation: and Do You Need One?
A psychological evaluation is a structured process in which a licensed psychologist uses clinical interviews, observation, and standardized assessment tools to better understand a person’s cognitive functioning, emotional patterns, personality, behavior, or mental health.
You might benefit from an evaluation if:
You’ve been struggling with mental health symptoms that haven’t responded well to treatment, and you want a clearer diagnosis
You or your child are showing signs of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another neurodevelopmental difference and want a professional assessment
You’re preparing for surgery and your medical team has requested a pre-surgical psychological evaluation
You work in law enforcement and are required to complete a fitness for duty psychological exam
You’re navigating a significant life decision, such as a career change or relationship, and want a deeper understanding of your personality and strengths
You’ve been referred by a court, employer, attorney, or other third party for a formal psychological assessment
You’re seeking academic or workplace accommodations and need documented support
Whatever brings you here, we’ll work with you to identify what type of evaluation makes the most sense and what you can expect from the process.
Types of Psychological Evaluations We Offer
1. Diagnostic Evaluation
A diagnostic evaluation is designed to clarify what’s going on when symptoms are complex, overlapping, or haven’t responded to treatment as expected. Many people come to us after years of managing mental health challenges without a diagnosis that fully fits, or with concerns that multiple diagnoses may be at play.
Our diagnostic assessments draw from structured clinical interviews and standardized tools to help build a clear, accurate picture of your psychological profile. This can be particularly valuable before starting or adjusting a medication regimen, entering a specialized treatment program, or pursuing formal accommodations.
Evaluation tools may include assessments for:
Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
Trauma and PTSD (including the CAPS, PCL-5, DES-II, DSS-B, and ACEs)
Dissociative disorders
Personality disorders
Other complex or co-occurring conditions
Not sure what diagnosis you might be exploring? That’s completely okay. Part of our job is helping you figure that out. Reach out and describe what you’ve been experiencing, we’ll take it from there.
2. Neurodivergence Assessment (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia & More)
Neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, and executive functioning difficulties, are frequently underdiagnosed, particularly in adults. Many people spend years wondering why certain things feel harder for them than they seem to be for others, without ever having a professional assessment.
A neurodivergence evaluation at WPS can provide meaningful answers, and open the door to accommodations, support, and strategies that can make a real difference.
We offer assessments for:
ADHD & Executive Functioning | The D-REF (Delis Rating of Executive Functioning) provides information relevant to ADHD and subtypes, autism, learning disabilities, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and traumatic brain injury. Ages 5–18 include teacher and/or parent input; ages 11–18 also include self-assessment. Can illuminate academic functioning and behavior patterns. |
Autism Spectrum | We use a combination of validated tools including the AQ (Autism Quotient), CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire), and RBQ-2A (Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire), alongside clinical interview. For comprehensive autism diagnosis, observational assessments (such as the ADOS) administered by a specialist may also be recommended. |
Dyslexia | The Shaywitz Dyslexia Screen can be used with children (teacher-completed) or by adolescents and adults as a self-report tool. A useful starting point for identifying reading difficulties. |
Sensory Processing | The Sensory Profile is a parent- or teacher-completed assessment for children under 15, helping identify sensory processing patterns that may affect daily functioning, learning, or behavior. |
Evaluations for neurodivergence can support school accommodations (such as extended testing time), workplace accommodations, and individualized treatment planning.
3. Personality & Clinical Assessment
Sometimes the most useful thing is a deeper, structured look at how you think, relate to others, and navigate the world. Clinical personality assessments are particularly valuable when:
Previous treatment hasn’t worked as hoped, and a clearer psychological profile could guide next steps
You’re working through complex interpersonal or emotional patterns and want a more objective framework
A detailed personality profile would help your therapist, prescriber, or other providers work more effectively with you
MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) | One of the most widely used and thoroughly validated clinical assessment tools available. Provides detailed information about diagnostic considerations, social functioning, and occupational functioning. Especially useful when symptoms are complex or treatment response has been limited. |
MCMI (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory) | Similar in scope to the MMPI, with a sharper focus on personality structure and diagnostic considerations. Particularly helpful for guiding treatment decisions when therapy or medication hasn’t produced the expected results. Includes a college version for traditional and non-traditional students, and a corrections-specific version. |
4. Relationship, Couples & Premarital Assessment
Assessment isn’t only for diagnosing problems: it can also be a powerful tool for understanding yourself and your partner more clearly, whether you’re navigating a rough patch, strengthening a good relationship, or preparing for a lifelong commitment.
CMP(Cyclical MaladaptivePattern) | Explores recurring interpersonal patterns that can contribute to emotional difficulties and relationship friction. Can be completed by both partners to illuminate how each person’s patterns interact, and where potential pitfalls may lie. Useful for both self-exploration and couples work. |
16PF, Couples Version(16 Personality Factors) | Highlights areas of compatibility and potential conflict between partners. A non-clinical assessment focused on personality rather than diagnosis, well suited for couples counseling and premarital preparation. |
MIPS(Millon Inventory of Personality Styles) | A non-clinical assessment exploring motivational style, thinking patterns, and interpersonal behaviors. Useful for premarital counseling and gaining a fuller picture of how you and your partner are wired. |
5. Career, Vocational & Workplace Assessment
Whether you’re exploring a new career direction, navigating a job transition, or working on leadership development, a structured personality and vocational assessment can provide a useful foundation.
16PF, Occupational (16 Personality Factors) | Assesses personality dimensions relevant to occupational fit, management style, collaboration preferences, and ideal work environments. Useful for both individual career planning and organizational development. |
MIPS (Millon Inventory ofPersonality Styles) | Explores motivational style and behavioral patterns in workplace contexts. Recommended for hiring decisions, leadership development programs, and employment assistance. |
CAI (Career AssessmentInventory) | Identifies potential career paths aligned with your individual strengths, interests, and workplace needs. |
CISS (Campbell Interest &Skill Survey) | Highlights multiple factors correlated with occupational interests to provide structured career guidance. |
6. Medical, Pre-Surgical & Fitness for Duty Evaluations
We provide psychological evaluations for medical and occupational contexts, including pre-surgical assessments required before bariatric surgery or other procedures, workers’ compensation evaluations, and law enforcement fitness for duty exams.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation (Battery for HealthImprovement) | Assesses behavioral health readiness for surgery and psychotherapy. Used for pre-surgical evaluation, workers’ compensation claims, and readiness for behavioral health treatment. |
Pain Patient Profile (P-3) | Evaluates readiness for surgery and psychological barriers to treatment, including significant psychiatric factors. Applicable for occupational and auto injuries, workers’ compensation, and disability cases. Can be used pre- and post-treatment. |
Police Fitness for Duty Psychological Exam | Formal psychological evaluation required for law enforcement officers in certain circumstances. Utilizes the MMPI and clinical interview to assess fitness for occupational duties. |
Fitness for duty evaluations for law enforcement and other high-stakes occupational contexts require specific documentation and follow defined protocols. Please contact us with details about your situation and we will confirm whether this evaluation is within our scope and advise on next steps.
How the Evaluation Process Works
A psychological evaluation at WPS typically follows three stages:
Step 1: Clinical Interview
Your evaluation begins with a structured conversation. We’ll explore your background, your current concerns, and what you’re hoping the evaluation will help clarify. This is where context matters, and where we make sure we’re using the right tools for your specific situation.
Step 2: Formal Assessment
You’ll complete one or more standardized assessment tools, selected based on your evaluation goals. Some assessments are completed together with the clinician; others are self-report. The combination of the clinical interview and formal tools gives us the most complete and accurate picture.
Step 3: Results & Report
Depending on the purpose of your evaluation, we’ll discuss the results with you directly and, where needed, prepare a formal written report. Reports are typically required for legal, academic, or occupational purposes, and are always written to be clear, thorough, and useful.
How to Get Started
To help us understand what you’re looking for and match you with the right evaluation, please reach out with the following information:
Why are you seeking an evaluation, and what are you hoping to learn or confirm?
If a third party, such as a court, employer, attorney, or physician, has requested this evaluation, let us know who is requesting it and why.
Are there specific assessment tools, formal reports, or third-party communications required?
Is there a deadline or time frame we should be aware of?
You can reach us by phone at 412-240-5686 or through our online contact form. We’ll respond promptly and let you know whether we’re the right fit for your evaluation needs.
Insurance & Fees for Psychological Evaluations
The cost of a psychological evaluation at WPS depends on the type and scope of the assessment. Here’s a general overview of how coverage works:
Clinical interview:
Insurance frequently covers the cost of the initial clinical interview at the standard clinician hourly rate.
Clinician-administered assessments:
Assessments completed together with the clinician (rather than independently) are typically billable to insurance at the hourly rate.
Report writing:
Insurance generally does not cover the cost of formal report writing. However, reports requested by attorneys, courts, or for accommodations purposes are often paid for by the requesting party. Please ask us about this when you reach out.
Assessment tool costs:
Some assessment instruments have a per-use cost from the publisher. Where applicable, these costs will be communicated to you before your evaluation begins.
Note: Some types of evaluation, particularly those involving academic or workplace accommodations, may require a period of active therapy as part of the process. We’ll let you know upfront if this applies to your situation.
For current rates and a clearer estimate for your specific evaluation, please call 412-240-5686.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychological Evaluations
What is a psychological evaluation and what does it involve?
A psychological evaluation is a structured assessment process conducted by a licensed psychologist. It typically includes a clinical interview and one or more standardized assessment tools, and may result in a formal written report. Evaluations can be used to clarify a diagnosis, support treatment planning, meet a professional or legal requirement, or provide a deeper understanding of personality and functioning.
Do you offer ADHD testing in state of Pennsylvania including the Pittsburgh surrounding area?
Yes. We offer executive functioning and ADHD assessments for children, adolescents and adults using validated tools, combined with clinical interview. If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might explain patterns you’ve noticed in your focus, organization, or daily functioning, an evaluation can provide meaningful answers.
Do you offer autism evaluations for adults in Pittsburgh?
Yes. We offer autism spectrum assessments for adults using validated screening tools including the AQ, CAT-Q, and RBQ-2A alongside clinical interview. For a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, observational assessments by a specialist may also be recommended, and we can help guide you through that process.
What is a police fitness for duty psychological exam?
A fitness for duty psychological evaluation is a formal assessment required for law enforcement officers in certain circumstances, such as following a critical incident, return from leave, or as part of a pre-employment screening process. It uses structured clinical interview and standardized assessment tools (including the MMPI) to evaluate psychological fitness for occupational duties. Please contact us for specifics about your situation.
What is a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, and do I need one?
Some medical procedures, including bariatric surgery and certain other interventions, require a pre-surgical psychological evaluation to assess behavioral health readiness. Your surgical team will typically inform you if this is required. We can provide this evaluation and coordinate with your medical team as needed.
Does insurance cover psychological testing in Pittsburgh?
It depends on the type of evaluation. Insurance typically covers the clinical interview and clinician-administered assessment time. It generally does not cover formal report writing. Assessment tool costs may apply depending on what is used. Call us at 412-240-5686 to discuss your specific insurance plan and what to expect.
How long does a psychological evaluation take?
This varies significantly depending on the type and scope of the evaluation. A straightforward diagnostic assessment may involve one to two appointments. A more comprehensive evaluation, such as for neurodivergence or fitness for duty, may require additional sessions. We’ll give you a clear sense of the time commitment when we discuss your specific evaluation needs.
Can I get a psychological evaluation for academic or workplace accommodations?
Yes. We provide evaluations that can support requests for accommodations in academic settings (such as extended testing time) or in the workplace. Some accommodation-related evaluations may require active involvement in therapy as part of the process, we’ll let you know if that applies to your situation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re seeking clarity, a formal diagnosis, or documentation for a professional requirement, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.