Psychological Evaluations: A Tool to Help Gain Insight To Your Child’s Challenges And Strengths, With Dr. Alison Lafollette

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
For many parents, having their teen or young adult child undergo psychological evaluation can feel incredibly stressful. They worry that even talking to their son or daughter about the process can make it seem like they think their child is broken, or maybe even that they're crazy.

When my son entered wilderness therapy, I'd never even heard of psychological evaluations - so I never knew it could have been a tool to provide insight into his challenges and strengths. 

And for parents taking a “wait-and-see” approach to addressing their child’s behavior, these evaluations can be beneficial to get a thorough and professional assessment of your child’s psychological strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. This information can be critical and directive when you're making treatment decisions.

My guest today is Dr. Alison LaFollette, a psychologist based in Salt Lake City with over a decade of experience conducting psychological and neuropsychological assessments. The last seven years of her career have involved working with young people in residential treatment programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs. Given her extensive education and experience, she has a lot to share with us about how evaluations can benefit families with young people who struggle with substances and mental health.

In this episode, Alison and I discuss:

• Myths and misperceptions about psychological assessment
• Who’s qualified to conduct these assessments, and who isn’t 
• Ideas for approaching your child about doing an evaluation
• How test results can be used to direct treatment options

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Alison LaFollette's website: lifeelevatedpsychological.com 
• Hopestream podcast episode 79 with Virginia Holleman on insurance for behavioral healthcare coverage

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