Getting What You Need Out Of Counseling

When you apply for Social Security disability based on a mental health disorder, you might be required to undergo a psychological evaluation as part of the approval process. The evaluation could make the difference between your application being approved or denied. If you have an evaluation scheduled, here is what you need to know.

What Type of Tests Are Used During the Evaluation?

During the evaluation, there are several types of tests that could be administered. For instance, a verbal comprehension test that gauges your comprehension and reasoning abilities is possible. You will likely also face a working memory, processing speed, and perpetual reasoning tests.

The evaluator will also conduct a test to ascertain your IQ score. In addition to this, you will have to answer questions about your background, family, and interactions with others. Once the examination is complete, the Social Security Administration will assess the evaluation and determine whether you are qualified to receive disability benefits based on your mental health.

Is There a Guarantee That an Evaluation Will Be Necessary?

Not all mental health disability claims lead to a need for a psychological evaluation. Whether the Social Security Administration requests one depends largely on the information that was received by you, your past employers, and the medical care providers who have treated your condition.

If you do receive notice that the psychological evaluation is necessary, it is important that you attend. If not, your benefits could be denied.

What Should You Remember During the Evaluation?

It might be tempting to exaggerate your condition during the evaluation. However, this could work against you. There are different factors that the evaluator weighs and you could inadvertently lead him or her to conclude that your mental health does not impact your ability to work. Unfortunately, the evaluator could even state that he or she believes you were faking your mental health condition.

Understating the seriousness of your condition can also hurt your claim. Regardless of your reason for downplaying your condition, your answers could be convincing enough that the evaluator does not regard you as impaired. If that happens, your application could be denied. Appealing the denial will be challenging due to your previous evaluation.

The psychological evaluation should not be feared. However, it is important that you take it seriously. Failing to do so could have an impact on your disability benefits and leave you without the medical care that you need. To learn more about psychological evaluations, contact a company like Carewright Clinical Services.