What is psychological assessment?
Short answer
Psychological assessment is a structured process — interviews plus instruments approved by the council — carried out to answer a specific question. In Brazil it is restricted to psychologists and ends in a document, which is not the same as doing psychotherapy.
When it comes up
Where someone needs a formal answer: employment processes, court matters, investigating a diagnostic hypothesis, neuropsychological assessment, school contexts.
It has a defined beginning, middle and end, and its own cost — usually charged for the whole process rather than per session.
Report, opinion, certificate: not interchangeable
The council defines distinct document types, each with its own purpose and content. Asking for "a report" without knowing what for is usually the start of a misunderstanding — the professional will ask the purpose, and that is correct, not bureaucracy.
Not every psychologist performs assessment, and some types require specific training. Ask directly.
Frequently asked questions
- Can my therapist write a report for me?
- It depends on the document and the purpose. In some situations the person providing therapy is not the one who assesses, precisely to protect both roles.