Psychological testing

Psychological testing is of substantial value in a range of correctional situations and can be a helpful adjunct to standard clinical assessments. Tests provide additional sources of data for use in comprehensive assessments, but they do not substitute for clinical evaluations. This chapter discusses the rationales and purposes for using psychological testing, special issues in administering and interpreting these tests in correctional settings, and caveats about their proper use. Well-validated psychological tests can be an important adjunct to a comprehensive mental health assessment, and help to identify psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits that may impair functioning in correctional institutions. In addition, testing can assist in determining the validity of self-reported symptoms by inmates. Given the range of tests, with varying suitability to a correctional population, a qualified doctoral psychologist should make the decision about which tests to administer. The referral should identify the issues and questions to address, instead of requesting specific tests, to allow the psychologist to choose the best instruments. The psychologist should produce a report that explains the results, their applicability to the referral issues, and any caveats about their validity. The results can then be integrated into the diagnostic assessment and treatment plan for the inmate. This chapter will present some of the history and contexts for when it is done, when it can be done and when it should not be done on the basis of best practice and evidence based practice.