PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

Diagnostic Interview: This is about a 60 minute appointment where we can identify important aspect of the individual’s history from a standpoint of adoption. This interview is semi-structured in that I will go through a process of gathering the required information about you mental health and family history.  

Psychological Assessments/Questionnaires: The next step involves completing an assessment tool that is composed of 344 item objective personality test designed to assess 4 validity indicators, 11 clinical scales, 5 treatment consideration scales, and 2 interpersonal style scales, as well as several more specific subscales. The couple planning to adopt child is requested to conduct the test in the psychologist’s office. It is not a general knowledge or education based quiz. For this, one does not have to study. It requires the respondent to select the best possible answer according to their preference. Questions are associated with one’s encounter with anxiety, depression, or any other mental disorder. It is normal to feel anxious while attempting the assessment, particularly when one comes across the questions which do not seem to be related to the adoption procedure. The results are then discussed in the psychological report.

Report: You will be provided a copy of the report, which includes information about your history, test results, diagnosis, and recommendations. The report will cover the specific information that the country of origin is requesting. In mostr cases, I am required to have the report notarized and sent to the adoption agency.

After the detailed interview plus pre-adoption assessment, the psychologist composes one letter according to the country’s requirements. A majority of agencies give a sample letter and few of them might also request for a review of the report before submission. It generally takes a week for the final report to be completed.

During the interview and the test, be yourself and know that it is normal to feel a little anxious. It is absolutely fine to open up in front of the psychologist regarding your previous psychological issues and personal history.

I do my best to make the Pre-Adoption Evaluation as seamless as possible and are sensitive to the concerns and issues that a pre-adoptive couple or individual may have experienced in the past. Issues such as past psychological treatment for anxiety, loss of a pregnancy, and difficulty conceiving are frequently encountered and are treated with understanding and compassion. I know that the adoption process is stressful and will assist you in this step of the process in a thoughtful and timely manner. I have completed countless Pre-Adoption Evaluations and is I am highly familiar with the requirements with numerous countries who participate in international adoptions. Contact me to start the Pre-Adoption Evaluation process. We can start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss the requirements for the country you plan to adopt from as well as details of the process and costs. Then we schedule approximately 3-4 hours of time (which can take place on the same day if needed, or spread out over several sessions depending upon your schedule). After the interview and testing, the report will be sent to the required parties within a week.