Disability Evaluation

General Disability Evaluation

A disability evaluation is an in-depth assessment that establishes whether a person has a mental health disability. It also serves to understand the extent and impact of the disability on the individual’s capacity to function in daily life, including work, school, and social settings. This evaluation is key for defining eligibility for disability benefits, accommodations in educational or work environments, or intervention and support planning.

Evaluation by a psychologist would, therefore, focus on the cognitive, emotional, and psychological aspects of disability. However, physical disabilities can be considered in terms of consequences for psychological functioning and daily life. The process generally includes:

1. Clinical Interview:

The process starts with an extensive clinical interview that delves into the person’s medical history, any symptoms impeding normal daily living, and how these limitations are interfering in their life. The psychologist will be interested in learning about the onset and subsequent course of the disability, any treatments received, and relevant previous assessments and diagnoses. Areas of exploration in this interview could include educational and work history, social support, and past psychiatric history.

2. Medical and Record Review

The psychologist reviews current and past medical, educational, and work-up records and any prior evaluations to provide the entire history of the person and their current status.

3. Psychological Testing:

Standardized psychological tests may include several measures to evaluate cognitive abilities (memory, attention, executive functions), emotional functioning, personality characteristics, and specific symptoms of mental health disorders.

4. Mental Status Examination:

The psychologist also completes a full mental status examination, including the client’s orientation, concentration, focus, judgment, memory, and other aspects, to get a better understanding of how that individual is functioning

5. Functional Assessment:

The psychologist may assess the individual’s ability to function in their day-to-day life, such as managing tasks of daily living, vocational function, etc.

6. Collateral Interviews:

Interviews with family, caregivers, educators, or employers may enrich the picture of the impact of functional ability and disability on an individual.

What to Expect

Length: How the length of the assessment varies on a case-by-case basis.

Confidentiality: The assessment is confidential, and information is only shared with anyone who the individual consents to share the information or as required by law.

Outcome: To enable a well-rounded understanding of the person’s strengths and areas for growth that will help guide decisions on necessary supports and accommodations to assist in maximizing their personal life.

Disability Evaluation for Social Security Administration

Assessing disability for Social Security involves determining whether an individual meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for being disabled. If they do, they may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

1. Review of Documentation:

The psychologist reviews documents on the patient’s mental health. This includes medical records, treatment reports, and reports from medical and mental health professionals (such as a therapist or psychiatrist). The psychologist also looks at educational and employment history. This helps to understand the individual’s functioning over time.

2. Clinical Interview:

The psychologist interviews the claimant in detail. This interview includes a discussion of the patient’s psychiatric history, symptoms, treatment history, daily functioning, and how their condition impacts their ability to function in daily life and at work. 

3. Psychological Testing:

If requested by SSA, the psychologist may conduct standardized psychological evaluations to objectively evaluate cognitive abilities (such as memory, focus, and critical thinking), emotional health, and mental health assessment. 

4. Mental Status Examination:

A mental status examination assesses the claimant’s current psychological functioning. It examines appearance, behavior, mood and affect, speech, insight, judgment, and other aspects of mental functioning.

The psychologist prepares a detailed report on the interview, tests, and records. Current mental health diagnoses are documented. The report outlines the functional limitations due to the mental health condition. It presents a professional opinion on constraints that impact the claimant’s ability to perform work-related activities.

What to Expect

The disability evaluation is meant to be objective. It provides an unbiased look at the psychological and functional limitations.

The report prepared is confidential and is the property of SSA.

The consultative evaluation report is crucial evidence in the Social Security disability determination process. It helps  SSA understand the nature of the claimant’s mental disorder and its impact on their ability to work.