The initial stage of receiving proper treatment often involves obtaining an accurate assessment of areas of concern. In doing so, treatment can be aimed at improving quality of life, decreasing problematic symptoms, and reducing the occurrence of future difficulties. Dr. Moshfegh offers individually tailored psychodiagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults to help diagnose and differentiate between various mental illnesses.  

Psychodiagnostic assessment is used to help diagnose and clarify concerns regarding behavior, personality traits, mood, emotional functioning, and cognitive processes. Testing typically involves an extensive workup to distinguish any factors confounding accurate diagnosis and treatment (e.g., psychological disorders secondary to medical conditions or substance abuse/dependence, comorbid disorders, cultural factors, current psychosocial stressors, adaptive ability, etc.).

While testing is often requested by individuals, mental health and/or primary care providers may also request an assessment to be conducted to aid in guiding and informing treatment as well as to assess for changes and gains made in existing treatment and to identify potential areas for growth.

As one of Dr. Moshfegh's areas of expertise lies in early identification and intervention of serious mental illness, she is also able to provide assessments geared towards identifying individuals who are at risk for developing thought or mood disorders (e.g., psychotic spectrum or bipolar spectrum illnesses).

All assessment services include treatment recommendations, treatment planning, and referrals. Reports may also be provided for individuals and/or their providers for purposes of obtaining school or work accommodations. 

Common Reasons for Referral

  • Problems in interpersonal relationships that may significantly impact an individual's functioning and/or well-being

  • Parent/teacher concern regarding recent changes in a child’s academic or social functioning

  • A history or recent emergence of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation

  • Clarification of diagnosis when an individual is not responding to psychopharmaceutical interventions

  • History of long-term exposure to trauma that may contribute to current symptoms

  • Substance use as a suspected contributor to other psychological disorders

  • A recent emergence in unusual thoughts (e.g., confusion about reality, suspicious thinking) or perceptual abnormalities (e.g., sensitivity to sounds, distorted sensory experiences)