Are therapists allowed to diagnose you in Illinois? A licensed psychotherapist can diagnose mental health conditions, but the extent to which they can do so depends on their qualifications and the area they practice in. Our team at NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights has put together this guide to help you learn the role of a therapist in mental health support and when you may need to consider a professional diagnosis or neuropsychological testing.
Understanding the Role of a Therapist in Mental Health
A therapist, or counselor, is a professional who’s trained to recognize patterns of symptoms or behavior. They aren’t medical doctors and can’t prescribe medication or provide an official diagnosis. However, they can work with you and perform various assessments to determine if any of your symptoms overlap with a specific diagnosis. Areas of treatment usually include mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders.
However, if there are concerns about your cognitive functioning or serious behavioral changes that may be related to an injury or neurological condition, testing may be recommended. This is especially true in the case of memory problems, attention difficulties, or changes in language or executive function. Neuropsychological tests can help you distinguish between conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning disabilities.
The Difference Between Therapists and Neuropsychological Testing
Therapists and neuropsychological testing have different purposes. Therapists focus on your overall mental and emotional well-being, while neuropsychologists focus on your brain behavior.
The point of therapy is to provide mental health support and talk therapy. Therapists usually have a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. They may work with a single person, a family, or a group to teach coping skills, improve relationships, and provide support for emotional and mental health concerns. Common techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy.
Neuropsychological testing, on the other hand, tests your cognitive and behavioral abilities, such as memory, attention, language, and executive function. Psychologists who perform these tests have a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., with a specialization in neuropsychology, and can provide an accurate diagnosis. The goal is to understand how your brain functions and identify any strengths and weaknesses that can be improved by interventions.
The Diagnostic Capabilities of Therapists
Therapists may use tools and techniques to determine different issues and gather relevant information on your history, symptoms, and personal experiences. They may also use standardized questionnaires to assess your personality, cognitive ability, and emotional functioning to diagnose mental health conditions, from mood disorders to full psychotic disorders. Some of the tools used by therapists include:
- Interviews/talk therapy
- CBT
- Evidence-based treatments
- Standardized assessments or questionnaires such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- Psychological tests to assess cognitive function, emotional states, and personality traits
- Medical history, including physical exams and blood tests
Neuropsychological Testing: What To Expect
If you’re considering neuropsychological testing for yourself or your child, you likely want to know what to expect. Neuropsychological testing assesses cognitive function by looking at memory, language, attention, and problem-solving skills. It’s a non-invasive process that takes around six hours, depending on the complexity of the condition. The procedure can be tiring or intense to complete in one go for some patients who have difficulty concentrating, especially children.
The testing process usually involves an initial interview with a neuropsychologist and a series of tests, such as completing drawing tests and solving puzzles or game-like activities. The aim is to determine your strengths and weaknesses, which can be helpful in diagnosing mental health or other psychological conditions. Below is an overview of what you can expect.
Interview
The process begins with a meeting with the psychologist who will perform the test. If the test is for your child, you’ll be a part of the process. The psychologist will discuss your concerns and look at your medical history. They may ask questions to gather information about you or your child’s daily routines and common symptoms. You can take breaks as often as you need.
Testing
Depending on your concerns, the testing process may include the following:
- Language tests, including speaking, reading, and writing
- Reasoning and problem-solving tests, such as mathematical tasks
- Learning and memory tests
- Picture identification and drawing
- Visual puzzles
- Paper and pencil tests
- Hands-on activities
- Computer tasks
Review and Feedback
Once the psychologist has finished the testing session, you’ll meet again to discuss the results. During this feedback session, you’ll receive a full report and recommendations on how to move forward. For example, in the case of your child, the psychologist may also interview your family to understand more about your child’s behavior and development. Depending on your child’s age, this information may be shared with them, too. The report will also be shared with your general practitioner and other relevant treating doctors and, if necessary and with your permission, your child’s school.
Contact NeuroHealth To Schedule Testing or Therapy Appointment
If you’re looking to schedule testing for yourself, your child, or a family member, NeuroHealth Arlington Heights can be a valuable resource. Our team can provide neuropsychological testing in a calm and respectful manner. We can also guide you through the process and provide helpful information for various conditions, including advocating for school accommodations after your child’s diagnosis. If you have any questions about the testing process, please feel free to contact us for advice or to schedule an appointment.
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