Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis: An Introduction to Techniques, Tools, and Application

This introductory course provides an essential overview of psychological assessment, covering foundational knowledge and basic skills in clinical evaluation. Students will learn the purpose, methods, and ethical considerations involved in psychological assessments. The curriculum explores diverse assessment tools, including cognitive, personality, and behavioral measures, while introducing the interpretation of standardized tests and diagnostic tools. Through hands-on practice with key assessments, students will gain familiarity with fundamental techniques to inform preliminary diagnoses and treatment planning. By the course’s end, participants will be able to conduct basic assessments and integrate findings for case conceptualization in clinical contexts.

NOTE: The course will be conducted in Vietnamese; however, many readings and assessment materials will be in English, so students should have a basic understanding of English.

• Learning Objectives

  • Understand the Basics of Psychological Assessment: Describe the primary purposes, methods, and clinical contexts for psychological assessment.

  • Introduce and Apply Assessment Tools: Gain familiarity with basic administration and interpretation of core psychological assessments, including standardized tests, interviews, and observational techniques.

  • Use Diagnostic Guidelines: Employ basic diagnostic criteria and tools to support initial assessments and preliminary mental health evaluations.

  • Evaluate Basic Reliability and Validity: Discuss essential aspects of reliability, validity, and cultural fairness in psychological tools, with an emphasis on accurate and context-sensitive interpretations.

  • Address Ethical and Cultural Sensitivities: Recognize ethical and cultural considerations in assessment practices, promoting respectful, fair, and culturally informed evaluations.

• Practical Applications

  In this course, students will gain introductory experience in administering core psychological assessments and interpreting basic results. They will practice integrating information from multiple sources, such as interviews, tests, and observations, and use diagnostic tools to support preliminary assessments. The course emphasizes culturally sensitive practices, with opportunities to communicate findings clearly and link assessment insights to treatment recommendations. Through mock assessments, case examples, and foundational ethical exercises, students will begin building practical skills for real-world clinical contexts, including addressing ethical considerations and adapting assessments for diverse populations.

• Benefits of Enrollment

  Proficiency in Psychological Assessment: Gain hands-on skills in administering, interpreting, and synthesizing psychological assessments across diverse populations, preparing you for real-world clinical practice.

  Interactive, Realistic Learning: Engage in role-plays, mock assessments, and case studies that simulate clinical scenarios, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge practically and develop diagnostic skills through immersive learning.

  Expert Instruction and Feedback: Benefit from experienced instructors who provide personalized feedback, live demonstrations, and real-time supervision to refine your assessment techniques.

  Cultural and Ethical Competence: Develop the skills to conduct culturally sensitive assessments and navigate ethical dilemmas, ensuring your practice is both effective and responsible.

  Career-Ready Skills: Master evidence-based assessment tools and diagnostic criteria, equipping you for roles in clinical psychology, counseling, and mental health.

  Professional Networking: Build connections with peers, instructors, and professionals, expanding your professional network in a collaborative learning environment.

  Credential for Career Advancement: Complete the course with a credential that highlights your expertise in psychological assessment, enhancing your resume and positioning you for advancement in your field.

• Target Audience

  Ideal for psychology students (bachelors and masters) and professionals aiming to develop practical assessment skills and strengthen their professional credentials.

Meet Your Instructor

Huong Vo, Psy.D.

Dr. Huong Vo is an Assistant Professor at Angelo State University, where she brings a rich background in psychological assessment and therapy, specializing in neuropsychological assessments and the diagnosis of a wide range of psychological and neurodevelopment disorders . Originally from Vietnam, Dr. Vo moved to Texas to pursue an M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Angelo State University and later earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her expertise spans comprehensive assessments and therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults. Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Dr. Vo integrates neurofeedback and QEEG brain mapping into her clinical work to provide a nuanced approach to treatment. Her dedication to clinical practice is matched by her commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of clinicians. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Vo enjoys reading, exploring nature, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Curriculum Overview

• Week 1 - Day 1: Introduction to Psychological Assessment

  • Overview of psychological assessment: Purpose, methods, and contexts

  • Historical and contemporary perspectives on assessment

  • Ethical and cultural considerations in assessment

  • The role of the clinician in psychological evaluations

• Week 1 - Day 2: Assessment Methods and Tools

  • Standardized testing: Types, applications, and limitations

  • Structured vs. unstructured interviews

  • Observation and behavioral assessments

  • Psychological inventories and self-report measures

  • Projective tests and neuropsychological assessments

• Week 2 - Day 1: Assessment Methods and Tools

  • Assessment of intelligence (IQ tests and cognitive abilities)

  • Screening for learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities

  • Neuropsychological evaluations for brain injury, dementia, cognitive functioning etc.

  • Using cognitive assessment results in diagnosis and treatment planning

• Week 2: Day 2: Practice Administering Assessments

  Students will practice administering psychological assessments.

• Week 3: Day 1: Scoring and Interpretation

  Students will practice scoring and interpreting psychological assessments.

• Week 3 - Day 2: Personality and Psychopathology Assessment

  • Objective personality tests (e.g., MMPI-2, MMPI-3, MCMI)

  • Screening tools (SCL-90-R)

  • Projective personality tests (e.g., Rorschach, TAT)

  • Assessing mood, anxiety, and personality disorders

  • Understanding the role of personality in diagnostic evaluation

• Week 4 - Day 1: Practicing MMPI-3

  Students will practice using the MMPI-3.

• Week 4 - Day 2: Practicing MMPI-3

  Students will practice using the MMPI-3.

• Week 5 - Day 1: Psychological Assessment Across Lifespan

  • Special considerations for assessing children and adolescents

  • Tools and methods for developmental and psychological assessments

  • Parent-child assessments and family dynamics

  • Diagnosing childhood disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorders)

  • Assessing mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)

  • Anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD

  • Personality disorders in adulthood

• Week 5 - Day 2: Integration of Assessment Data and Case Conceptualization

  • Synthesizing findings from multiple assessment sources

  • Developing a comprehensive case conceptualization

  • Linking assessment results to treatment planning

Enrollment Information

• Course cost: 12.000.000 VND for professionals; 10.000.000 for students (scholarships avaialble upon request and students may pay in two installments of 5.000.000).

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