PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
DTA offers a variety of psychological assessment services for children and adults. Psychological and therapeutic assessments provide information about the individual’s emotional, intellectual, behavioral, and/or academic/occupational strengths and challenges. With this information, DTA can help the individual(s) better understand functioning and generate recommendations to improve and/or compensate challenges. Our psychological assessments offer insight into the severity of a particular issue or concern and of the capacity for optimal functioning. Assessments can help determine appropriate diagnoses, medication management, and/or testing and school accommodations.
Psychological assessments can be used for several purposes, including learning more about yourself, seeking a diagnosis, clarifying treatment goals, requesting school accommodations, or career planning. Reports are available within approximately 3 – 6 weeks from the evaluation date. Expedited service is available when necessary. Each assessment is specifically tailored to the individual and specific referral reason(s). Below are examples of some typical questions to be answered by an assessment.
Each Psychological Assessment package includes a clinical interview, administration, scoring, and interpretation of all measures, a comprehensive psychological report with recommendations, and feedback session with a trained psychologist.
MENTAL HEALTH + PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT
ADHD + MOOD/MENTAL HEALTH FULL BATTERY (non-learning disorder)
LEARNING DISORDER FULL BATTERY (*portions of the battery are not accepted by insurance and are required to be self-pay)
FULL BATTERY + LEARNING DISORDER + VOCATIONAL (*portions not accepted by insurance)
Our contracted insurance plans are accepted for psychological testing but the testing benefits are specific to your personalized coverage plan. It is highly recommended that you verify your psychological testing benefits prior to scheduling an assessment to gain a better understanding of your financial responsibility.
Psychological Evaluations for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Bariatric Surgery
Many medical and surgical procedures require a psychological evaluation as part of the standard pre‑authorization and medical clearance process. For patients pursuing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or bariatric surgery, psychological assessments play an important role in supporting safety, treatment readiness, and long‑term outcomes.
Our practice provides comprehensive psychological evaluations for individuals undergoing these procedures, with clear documentation designed to support both medical decision‑making and authorization requirements. The psychological evaluation is a standard, evidence‑based component of care that focuses on identifying strengths, potential risk factors, and areas where additional support may be helpful prior to the procedure.
The evaluation is also designed to meet insurance and medical necessity requirements, with clear documentation provided to the referring provider.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an interventional pain management procedure used to treat chronic pain conditions, often when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. The procedure involves implanting a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to help reduce the perception of pain.
SCS is commonly used for conditions such as chronic back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain.
Why Is a Psychological Evaluation Required?
Most insurance providers require a psychological evaluation before approving an SCS trial or permanent implant. Chronic pain is influenced by both physical and psychological factors, and research shows that emotional health, coping strategies, expectations, and adherence to treatment significantly affect outcomes.
The psychological evaluation helps:
Assess psychological readiness for the procedure
Identify factors that may impact treatment success
Evaluate coping with chronic pain and functional impairment
Assess expectations and understanding of the procedure
Bariatric Surgery
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery includes procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and other weight‑loss surgeries designed to support significant, sustained weight reduction. These procedures require long‑term lifestyle, dietary, and behavioral changes to be successful.
Why Is a Psychological Evaluation Required?
Most insurance carriers and bariatric surgery programs require a pre‑surgical psychological evaluation as part of the approval process. The purpose is not to disqualify patients, but to ensure readiness and identify supports or interventions that may improve long‑term outcomes.
The evaluation helps assess:
Psychological readiness for surgery
Eating behaviors and relationship with food
Ability to adhere to post‑surgical recommendations
Mental health stability
Understanding of lifestyle changes required after surgery
What to Expect: The Evaluation Process
1. Clinical Intake Interview
The evaluation begins with a structured clinical interview, either in person or via telehealth.
During this appointment, the clinician will review:
Medical and treatment history
Current symptoms and functioning
Mental health history
Coping strategies and supports
Understanding of the proposed procedure
Patients are encouraged to answer openly and honestly. The goal is to obtain an accurate understanding of readiness and needs, not to judge or disqualify.
2. Psychological Testing
Standardized questionnaires are used to assess areas relevant to surgical or procedural readiness. These may include measures of mood, anxiety, coping, pain perception, eating behaviors, and health‑related behaviors.
Testing helps provide objective information that complements the clinical interview and supports insurance documentation.
3. Feedback and Documentation
After the evaluation is completed:
A comprehensive written report is prepared
The report addresses insurance and medical clearance criteria
Findings and recommendations are shared with the referring provider
When appropriate, brief recommendations may be provided to help optimize outcomes (e.g., coping strategies, behavioral supports, or follow‑up care).
How to Prepare for Your Psychological Evaluation
To help your appointment go smoothly, we recommend:
Complete any forms or questionnaires sent in advance, including providing insurance if applicable
Bringing a list of current medications
Be prepared to discuss your medical history and prior treatments
Answer questions honestly and openly
There are no right or wrong answers. The evaluation is designed to support your care and help ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure.
Insurance and Referrals
We work with most major insurance plans and tailor our evaluations to meet common pre‑authorization requirements for both spinal cord stimulation and bariatric surgery. We offer a complimentary benefits check and an estimated out-of-pocket cost prior to the appointment, however, we strongly encourage everyone to confirm their own benefits.
Scheduling an Evaluation
If you are preparing for a spinal cord stimulation procedure or bariatric surgery and need a psychological evaluation, we are happy to help. Our practice is committed to providing thorough, timely, and compassionate assessments that support both patients and referring medical providers.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our evaluation services.
Psychological Evaluations for Level 3 & Level 4 Security Guards in Texas
Individuals seeking licensure as Level 3 Commissioned Security Officers (Armed Guards) or Level 4 Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) in the state of Texas are required to complete a psychological evaluation as part of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensing process, often using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). This evaluation is a mandatory step designed to ensure that individuals entrusted with firearms and public safety responsibilities are psychologically fit for duty. It is a standardized assessments that evaluates emotional functioning, personality traits, stress tolerance, and response validity.
The purpose of the evaluation is to:
Assess psychological fitness for carrying a firearm
Identify emotional or behavioral factors that may interfere with safe performance
Support public safety and professional standards
Comply with DPS licensing requirements
The evaluation is not intended to be punitive or disqualifying. Instead, it serves as a safeguard to ensure readiness for the responsibilities associated with the armed security work.
Our practice provides professional, DPS-compliant psychological evaluations for armed security applicants across Texas, including both initial licensure and renewal evaluations.
Understanding Level 3 and Level 4 Security Licenses
Level 3 – Commissioned Security Officer (Armed Guard)
Level 3 security officers are authorized to carry a firearm while working uniformed security posts. These roles often involve protecting property, managing access points, and responding to safety concerns in public or private settings.
Level 4 – Personal Protection Officer (PPO)
Level 4 officers provide personal protection services, commonly referred to as executive protection or bodyguard services. PPOs may work in plain clothes and are authorized to carry firearms while protecting specific individuals.
Both license levels require advanced training, firearms qualification, background checks, and a psychological evaluation completed by a licensed psychologist.
What the Psychological Evaluation Includes
1. Intake, Background Information, and Fee Collection
Prior to testing, applicants will complete intake paperwork covering:
Personal and occupational history
Legal history
Mental health and treatment history
Substance use history
A non-refundable fee of $250 will be collected at the beginning of the appointment, which includes the fee for test administration, review of test results, a brief interview, and signing of the PSP-13 form (if applicable). If test results are not valid, you will have the option to retest one more time at a later date for an additional fee of $100.
2. Clinical Interview
A brief clinical interview with a licensed psychologist is conducted to review background information
3. Psychological Testing (MMPI)
Applicants will complete the MMPI-3, a widely used and research-supported psychological assessment. The test consists of true/false questions and includes validity scales to ensure accurate and consistent responding.
· Time to complete this test is usually about 1-1.5 hours, but could take more or less time.
· The test is not time limited.
4. Documentation and DPS Forms
Following the evaluation:
Results are reviewed and interpreted by a licensed psychologist
Required DPS documentation (including the PSP-13 form) is completed when appropriate
Forms are provided to the applicant or submitted per DPS requirements
Scheduling a Psychological Evaluation
Please use the appointment request box on this website to schedule an appointment for your evaluation. You may also contact Dr. Nair directly at KNair@DTAcare.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a pass/fail test?
The psychological evaluation is not a traditional pass/fail exam. It is a professional assessment used to determine whether an individual appears psychologically suitable for the responsibilities of armed security work. The psychologist considers test results, interview information, and overall functioning. This is an assessment of suitability for a job that may not be suitable for the average person. A finding of lack of psychological suitability/fitness does not mean an applicant has a mental disorder. Instead, it means the person’s general psychological functioning is not suitable for the requirements of an armed position.
The MMPI-3 includes measures of an individual being open and straightforward, as well as being defensive, attempting to overlook faults, or minimizing problems. Any effort to present yourself in an overly positive manner may invalidate test results and the PSP-13 will not be signed.
How long does the evaluation take?
Most appointments last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the testing required and whether additional interview time is needed.
Do I need to prepare or study?
There is nothing to study for this evaluation. The best preparation is to be well rested, read questions carefully, and answer honestly. Trying to guess the “right” answers can sometimes lead to invalid results.
Is the evaluation confidential?
Yes. Your information is handled in accordance with professional ethical standards and privacy laws. Only required licensing documentation is released as part of the DPS process.
How much does the evaluation cost?
The fee for administration, review of test results, and a brief interview is $250.00, which is non-refundable. If test results are not valid, you will have the option to retest one more time at a later date for an additional fee of $100.
Does insurance cover this evaluation?
Psychological evaluations for employment or licensing purposes are typically self-pay and not covered by insurance, as they are not considered medical services.
How quickly will I receive my paperwork?
If tests results are valid and within the acceptable “normal” range, your PSP-13 form will be signed and released immediately.
What can cause delays in the process?
Delays most commonly occur when test results are invalid (for example, due to skipped questions or inconsistent responding) or when results fall outside the acceptable normal range required for DPS documentation. In these situations, additional clarification or testing may be required before forms can be completed. When appropriate, applicants are offered a one-time opportunity to retest. Retesting is subject to an additional fee of $100 and must be completed before documentation can be finalized.
