What Is A Therapy Test?

If you or someone you know has recently been referred to a therapist for a therapy test, you may be wondering what to expect. Therapy tests serve as a diagnostic tool for mental health professionals that may help them to observe an individual’s behavior and develop targeted treatment strategies based on their unique needs. While psychological testing may sound daunting, it is designed to help treatment providers more effectively serve the needs of the individuals they’re helping. Compared to a physical assessment, these tests are more of a behavioral assessment used to assess an individual’s current mental health state and inform the subsequent treatment strategy. 

What is psychological testing?

Categories of therapy tests

There are multiple forms of psychological testing, each of which is designed to help therapists more effectively understand and serve their patients. The two categories of testing that therapists may use include:

Objective testing

Objective testing occurs when an individual answers questions or discusses mental health concerns in a conversational manner with their therapist. Objective testing may also come in the form of a questionnaire or true/false test. This form of testing may enable therapists to learn about their patients by having a conversation with them and allowing them to naturally express themselves. 

Projective testing

Projective testing is a form of testing that involves evaluating the responses a person has to certain stimuli such as ideas or images, for example. The inkblot test is a classic example of projective testing. These tests are used with the same goal in mind as objective testing, which is to learn more about an individual’s current mental health state and behavioral patterns. These tests may also include clinically guided questionnaires, surveys, or other forms of evaluation that supplement the therapist’s ability to diagnose and treat the individual. 

Types of therapy tests

Therapy tests may be used for multiple reasons, including measuring emotional responses, assessing interpersonal relationships, and diagnosing mental health conditions. There are various therapy tests that may be used depending on an individual’s needs and the discretion of the therapist. Psychology tests are not a one-size-fits-all tool, and therapists may choose certain tests based on the unique circumstances of the individual. 

The most common therapy test types used by mental health professionals

Depending on the type of therapist you’re seeing, psychologists who administer tests may either proceed to treatment or may refer you to a specialist who is more apt to meet your needs. Some of the most common therapy tests include:

Basic personality inventory (BPI)

A basic personality inventory (BPI) is a diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals to assess an individual's baseline personality. It consists of a series of questions designed to measure traits such as openness, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. The BPI considers both biological and environmental factors that can affect an individual's personality. It can also help identify psychological issues or disorders that may be present but not yet diagnosed.

The BPI can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. In some cases, it may be used to predict the success rate of treatment for certain mental health issues by giving the practitioner insight into the patient's personality traits. Through this assessment, mental health professionals may be able to gain a clearer understanding of how their patients interact with family, friends, and their environment while identifying potential triggers for their psychological distress. Recent studies have further confirmed the importance of the basic personality inventory in helping to facilitate targeted, effective depression treatment.

Emotional intelligence tests

This type of assessment combines different methods, such as questionnaires, interviews, and tests. It can help mental health professionals identify the range and depth of emotions a patient experiences in their life and diagnose potential emotional issues. 

The goal of an EI test is to measure an individual’s ability to identify, recognize, interpret, and manage their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. An effective test may be tailored to the individual being assessed. For example, it might include questions about how someone responds to stressful situations or how they interact with others. 

Clinical interview

Clinical interviews typically consist of a series of questions or statements intended to draw out responses that can help diagnose the underlying cause of an individual’s mental health concerns. The clinical interview is a conversational tool often conducted by a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed mental health professional. It can be utilized to assess the patient’s mental state and gain an understanding of their current circumstances and past experiences. 

The clinical interview provides an opportunity for both the clinician and patient to develop a trusting relationship through open dialogue and mutual understanding. This enables therapists to get accurate information from patients regarding their background, psychological history, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Based on the answers provided during the clinical interview session, therapists may then identify patterns of behavior and formulate meaningful diagnoses with more accuracy than traditional questionnaires or self-report measures. 

Beck Depression Inventory

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron T. Beck is one of the most common assessments for depression. It is composed of 21 multiple-choice questions designed to measure an individual’s level of depression, with higher scores reflecting more severe symptoms. 

The BDI can be useful for therapists because it helps them evaluate the intensity of their client’s depression and determine how to treat it most effectively. Questions on the test may focus on emotions, behaviors, and thoughts that are associated with depression, such as feelings of hopelessness or guilt. Through this assessment process, patients can gain insight into their own thoughts and feelings, which can aid in understanding the source of their symptoms and developing a plan for treatment. 

The BDI also helps therapists monitor their patient’s progress over time by allowing them to compare pre-treatment and post-treatment scores. The BDI has become an essential part of many therapists’ clinical practices, especially for treating individuals who live with symptoms of depression.

These tests, along with the general discussions that occur with talk therapy methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be important tools that may help therapists to see the full view of a person’s mental and emotional state. The BDI has been in use by therapists for decades, and studies have consistently reinforced its validity and effectiveness as a diagnostic tool.

What to expect from a therapy test

While the word “test” may feel intimidating, these examinations are not designed to place any pressure on you before your appointment. Therapy tests serve as a tool for therapists to get to know individuals on a deeper level, allowing them to establish a relationship and provide targeted treatment measures. Taking a therapy assessment can enable individuals to receive targeted professional support from their therapist and help them feel less alone as they work through mental health challenges together. 

Therapists give therapy tests as part of the initial interview

Therapy tests are often conducted at the start of therapy so that the therapist can begin to learn more about the individual’s situation. These tests are often just one part of the initial interview process where the therapist takes time to learn about the person’s mental and emotional health state. In most cases, the therapist uses this initial phase as an opportunity to have simple conversations and enable the individual to feel more comfortable participating in therapy and interacting with them about potentially sensitive topics.

Online therapy 

For those who experience depression or anxiety, it may be difficult to fully participate in in-person therapy. Online therapy can provide these individuals with a more available option for therapy that may make it easier for them to be open and vulnerable. Participating in online therapy may also be a preferable option for individuals who don’t have a reach to in-person therapy due to location or financial constraints. With platforms such as BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging. A therapist can assess your symptoms and experiences and set up a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, schedule, and preferences. 

The efficacy of online therapy for mental health

According to research, online cognitive-behavioral therapy may be more available and affordable compared to in-person therapy. In one study, researchers found that online therapy is just as effective as in-person mental health treatment for various psychiatric conditions, including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and more. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of online therapy and its ability to provide expert mental health services to those who need support.