Masking: The Hidden Work of Trying to Appear “Normal”
Understanding What Masking Is—and Why It Matters for Mental Health Masking is one of the most exhausting, misunderstood, and invisible experiences for neurodivergent people, especially autistic individuals and those with ADHD. Many people spend years, even decades, masking without knowing they’re doing it. They simply learn to “act normal,” blend in, avoid judgment, and survive […]
Can Psychological Testing Be Wrong? (And How We Get It Right)
It’s a reasonable question. If you’re considering a psychological evaluation, or have had one in the past, you may wonder how accurate testing really is. The short answer is that psychological testing is a powerful tool, but like any tool, its accuracy depends on how it is used. Why People Question Testing Concerns often come […]
What Happens After a Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation?
If you’ve been referred for a court-ordered psychological evaluation, you may be wondering what happens after the evaluation is complete. Understanding the process can reduce uncertainty and help you know what to expect. After the Evaluation Is Completed Once the evaluation is finished: The evaluator reviews and integrates all data A written report is prepared […]
Do I Need an ADHD or Autism Evaluation — or Something Else?
If you’ve been struggling with focus, organization, social interactions, or feeling overwhelmed in daily life, you may be wondering whether an ADHD or autism evaluation is the right next step. In many cases, the answer isn’t immediately obvious. There is often overlap between conditions, and what looks like ADHD or autism may have a different […]
Why Context Matters for Psychological Evaluations
Understanding the Person Behind the Test Scores Psychological evaluations are often misunderstood as a series of tests that generate numbers, checkboxes, and diagnostic labels. But high-quality evaluations are far more complex. Two people can produce nearly identical test scores and need completely different diagnoses, recommendations, and treatment plans. Why? Because context—the full story of a […]
Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations — What Employers Need to Know
A Clear Guide to Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations for Employers and HR Professionals When an employee’s behavior, performance, or mental health raises concerns about safety or job functioning, employers may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take. A fitness-for-duty (FFD) evaluation is one of the most effective tools available to help determine whether an employee […]
How Early Trauma Affects Adult Mental Health
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Childhood Experiences Early trauma—whether obvious or subtle—shapes the developing brain in powerful ways. Many adults seek therapy or psychological evaluation because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally reactive, yet they don’t always connect these patterns to experiences from years earlier. Childhood trauma doesn’t just stay in the past. It shows […]
What to Expect at the Start of Therapy (for Adults) by Kate Kincaid, CMHC
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. In this guest post, Kate Kincaid, CMHC and LPC, shares a practical overview of what the first stages of therapy typically look like for adults, including how sessions are structured and what you can expect as you get started. What to Expect […]
When Executive Dysfunction Signals the Need for a Psychological Evaluation
Understanding When Everyday Struggles Point to Something More Everyone forgets things. Everyone gets overwhelmed. Everyone procrastinates sometimes. But when these challenges are constant, exhausting, or disruptive, they may be signs of executive dysfunction—and sometimes, they point to underlying conditions that benefit from a psychological evaluation. Executive functioning skills help us plan, organize, manage emotions, start […]
How Much Does a Psychological Evaluation Cost in Utah?
How Much Does a Psychological Evaluation Cost? The cost of a psychological evaluation in Utah can vary widely depending on the type of assessment, the level of complexity, and whether insurance is used. If you’re considering an evaluation, cost is often one of the first and most important questions. It also tends to be one […]