Mental Health and Wellness Services
Psychological Testing in California
At Family Psychological Services, our experts recognize that a thorough understanding of your mental health and cognitive capabilities is crucial to effective treatment and personal growth. Our comprehensive educational and psychological testing services give you the insights and guidance you need to address behavioral and learning challenges.
Not a test taker? Don’t worry! The assessment process is designed to help you improve your quality of life, not cause stress.
If you want to gain insights into how your brain functions, our psychological testing services can help. Contact us today and start your journey toward a better quality of life.
What is a Psychological Assessment?
Psychological testing, otherwise known as ability or achievement tests, evaluates an individual’s emotional functioning, cognitive abilities, and behavioral patterns based on psychological measurements. By integrating standardized tests, neuropsychological tests, and clinical interviews, our team of mental health professionals can deliver accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans.
The FPSCA Testing Process
Our testing is both practical and personalized to ensure an accurate assessment of your psychological functioning. Here’s what to expect:
- Data Collection: Before your testing session, we start by reviewing your medical records and personal and family history. This helps us identify the clinical markers we will be looking for.
- Test Administration: We use standardized tests such as aptitude tests, achievement tests, and neuropsychological evaluations to assess areas like memory, vocabulary, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Differential Diagnosis: We identify mental disorders and other neurocognitive problems, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and learning disorders, using clinical markers, valid symptom checklists, and norm-referenced tests.
- Treatment Planning: Using the same test results, we create an actionable treatment plan designed to address your specific challenges and goals.
Google Reviews
Wow, there is a God and he’s answered my prayers!!!
I have suffered multiple back to back miscarriages and all were horrible for different reasons.
It’s heartbreaking to say the least and I found myself very sad & I couldn’t focus on much.
My first loss had turned into a very rare thing called a molar gestation pregnancy and bcuz my hcg levels didn’t go down right away they had to monitor me because the mass can turn into a cancerous tumor.
It was traumatizing on all accounts ! But once they cleared me of cancer they said I had to wait a year to try again or it (molar gestation) would likely happen again.
After that, I developed health anxiety, sadness, ptsd & bouts of sleeplessness. I often thought, “What if we get pregnant again and this happens to me again!?”
A year had passed and We got the okay from our physicians to try again and last year we got pregnant again but our second baby didn’t grow past 7 weeks when I was supposed to be 9 weeks.
While it wasn’t a molar gestation pregnancy it still left me sad, my hormones all over the place once again, hard to focus, feeling like a failure, hard to sleep & hard to be calm.
Then in Aug we got pregnant again but unfortunately, a blighted ovum.
A friend of mine was in a bad car accident and told me how wonderful Neurofeedback was for her focus, ptsd, anxiety etc
I decided to give it a try even though deep down I didn’t believe it would help me all that much.
When I 1st went in for testing I couldn’t even focus and scored lower on a lot of the tests.
My losses are still hard for me to talk about & in some ways I relive the pain when I talk about it so I just kept it basic with Dr Barris & just shared that I had ADHD. I didn’t go into why I had a case of the empties, poor focus, health anxiety, sleepless nights etc
Dr Barris was a bit shocked by my low scores but I wasn’t!
I was heart broken & traumatized for what I had experienced over & over again.
That’s when it all changed for the better!
When I started Neurofeedback Daniel noticed that I was using my phone during the session and told me how counter intuitive that was. He was wonderful and made sure I put my phone to the side to get the most out of it.
Daniel and Dr Barris also explained Why Sue had developed Neurofeedback approx 40 years ago.
She was a mother wanting to help her son who had seizures. I could relate to wanting to do anything for the health of a child.
Then, Daniel expressed that it can help me write more clearly, something I never knew Neurofeedback could do!
Every time I’d come in he’d suggest something wonderful to watch and it kept me engaged.
Dr Barris & Daniel would check on me & ask how I felt & ask if I needed anything.
I felt so heard and seen by these 2 wonderful men that had no idea of my sadness, lack of focus etc they just wanted to know it was helping me.
I’ll never forget how all the sudden I was back to reading without Having to re read paragraphs. My focus was becoming so
Acute again & also noticed how calm I started to feel again.
After my losses, I developed anxiety before my periods but that was gone too!
Additionally, I was getting better quality sleep! They say When we sleep we heal & finally I was starting to feel the healing take place.
I started to feel myself again… before my losses.
When they added an electrode to the area of the brain for fine motor skills, my writing became more legible within 24 hours. I could’ve never imagined it would work that fast!
Week after week, I’d come in gushing about my incredible results!
If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me up!
I’m Focused, I’m calm, I’m sleeping like a log, my writing is Clear & most importantly, I’m Happy:)
Thank you a Billion times over to the 2 men that have made the most remarkable difference in my life thus far- Daniel & Dr Barris !
Also, special thank you To Sue (God rest her soul) bcuz of the love she had for her son so many people around the world will get to benefit.
A mother’s love can move mountains and it did <3
I have suffered multiple back to back miscarriages and all were horrible for different reasons.
It’s heartbreaking to say the least and I found myself very sad & I couldn’t focus on much.
My first loss had turned into a very rare thing called a molar gestation pregnancy and bcuz my hcg levels didn’t go down right away they had to monitor me because the mass can turn into a cancerous tumor.
It was traumatizing on all accounts ! But once they cleared me of cancer they said I had to wait a year to try again or it (molar gestation) would likely happen again.
After that, I developed health anxiety, sadness, ptsd & bouts of sleeplessness. I often thought, “What if we get pregnant again and this happens to me again!?”
A year had passed and We got the okay from our physicians to try again and last year we got pregnant again but our second baby didn’t grow past 7 weeks when I was supposed to be 9 weeks.
While it wasn’t a molar gestation pregnancy it still left me sad, my hormones all over the place once again, hard to focus, feeling like a failure, hard to sleep & hard to be calm.
Then in Aug we got pregnant again but unfortunately, a blighted ovum.
A friend of mine was in a bad car accident and told me how wonderful Neurofeedback was for her focus, ptsd, anxiety etc
I decided to give it a try even though deep down I didn’t believe it would help me all that much.
When I 1st went in for testing I couldn’t even focus and scored lower on a lot of the tests.
My losses are still hard for me to talk about & in some ways I relive the pain when I talk about it so I just kept it basic with Dr Barris & just shared that I had ADHD. I didn’t go into why I had a case of the empties, poor focus, health anxiety, sleepless nights etc
Dr Barris was a bit shocked by my low scores but I wasn’t!
I was heart broken & traumatized for what I had experienced over & over again.
That’s when it all changed for the better!
When I started Neurofeedback Daniel noticed that I was using my phone during the session and told me how counter intuitive that was. He was wonderful and made sure I put my phone to the side to get the most out of it.
Daniel and Dr Barris also explained Why Sue had developed Neurofeedback approx 40 years ago.
She was a mother wanting to help her son who had seizures. I could relate to wanting to do anything for the health of a child.
Then, Daniel expressed that it can help me write more clearly, something I never knew Neurofeedback could do!
Every time I’d come in he’d suggest something wonderful to watch and it kept me engaged.
Dr Barris & Daniel would check on me & ask how I felt & ask if I needed anything.
I felt so heard and seen by these 2 wonderful men that had no idea of my sadness, lack of focus etc they just wanted to know it was helping me.
I’ll never forget how all the sudden I was back to reading without Having to re read paragraphs. My focus was becoming so
Acute again & also noticed how calm I started to feel again.
After my losses, I developed anxiety before my periods but that was gone too!
Additionally, I was getting better quality sleep! They say When we sleep we heal & finally I was starting to feel the healing take place.
I started to feel myself again… before my losses.
When they added an electrode to the area of the brain for fine motor skills, my writing became more legible within 24 hours. I could’ve never imagined it would work that fast!
Week after week, I’d come in gushing about my incredible results!
If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me up!
I’m Focused, I’m calm, I’m sleeping like a log, my writing is Clear & most importantly, I’m Happy:)
Thank you a Billion times over to the 2 men that have made the most remarkable difference in my life thus far- Daniel & Dr Barris !
Also, special thank you To Sue (God rest her soul) bcuz of the love she had for her son so many people around the world will get to benefit.
A mother’s love can move mountains and it did <3
Out of the blue, I started having heart pounding, chest tightening episodes. I thought I was dying. After a few hospital visits, someone gently suggested counseling. Turns out, it wasn’t physical it was PTSD. We traced it back to something I had completely buried. Now, between therapy, medication management, and some trauma-focused work, I’m learning how to live without that constant fear bubbling underneath.
To the outside world, I was successful. Great job, good apartment, always smiling. But inside? I couldn’t sleep. I had anxiety attacks in secret. I finally broke down one night and booked a counseling session. Best decision I’ve ever made. We worked through years of suppressed stress, and I started medication management alongside weekly therapy. I still have tough days, but I’m no longer hiding from my own life.
I had tried meditation, breathing exercises, even yoga. But my brain never slowed down. I heard about neurofeedback and decided to give it a shot not expecting much, honestly. But after a few sessions, I could feel a shift. It was subtle, but real. I’m sleeping better, focusing more, and I don’t feel as anxious in quiet moments. It’s like my mind finally learned how to pause.
I didn’t even know what to say in my first session. I just remember sitting there, feeling like I might cry or bolt out the door. But the therapist didn’t push. They just made space. That quiet space turned into the first time I really talked about my anxiety. And later, my depression. It’s been a few months now, and through both psychotherapy and medication management, I feel like I’m breathing again really breathing.
I kept going to doctors because of my chronic back pain and headaches. All my scans came back normal, but the pain never stopped. It wasn’t until someone suggested I look into psychotherapy that I realized the connection between my stress, my anxiety, and my body. Therapy helped me slow down and unpack everything I had been ignoring emotionally. I’m not just managing symptoms anymore I’m healing from the inside out.
I always thought I was fine. I had a job, friends, a relatively normal life so what did I have to complain about? But for some reason, I always felt exhausted, unmotivated, and like something was off. I couldn’t figure it out. It wasn’t until I started therapy that I realized how much I had been carrying. Little stressors, past experiences, things I had brushed off they all piled up. Talking about it felt weird at first, but then it was like a weight I didn’t even know I was holding finally lifted. Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis it’s for anyone who wants to actually understand themselves.
For the longest time, I believed that if I just worked harder, I’d feel better. But no matter how much effort I put in, I was constantly exhausted, irritable, and mentally drained. I lost interest in things I used to love, and even on my days off, I felt guilty for not being “productive.” It wasn’t until a friend suggested therapy that I even considered that burnout and depression were real things. Talking to a professional helped me see that my mind and body had been screaming for a break, and I just kept ignoring it. I finally learned how to set boundaries, prioritize my mental health, and recognize when I need to step back. I can’t believe I lived in survival mode for so long. I feel like I have my life back.
For years, I convinced myself that I was just “too sensitive” or “overthinking everything.” I would replay conversations in my head, stress over the smallest decisions, and feel emotionally drained by things that seemed easy for everyone else. It wasn’t until a friend gently suggested I try therapy that I realized I had been struggling with anxiety all along. From the very first session, I felt understood in a way I never had before. My therapist helped me identify thought patterns that were keeping me stuck and gave me real tools to manage them. Now, I don’t just survive each day I actually enjoy it. If you’re on the fence about therapy, take the leap. It can truly change your life.
My husband and I reached a point where every conversation turned into an argument. It felt like we weren’t even on the same team anymore. We tried to fix things on our own, but nothing seemed to work. Couples therapy was our last hope, and I’m so glad we gave it a chance. We learned how to communicate in a way that doesn’t feel like we’re attacking each other. For the first time in years, I feel like we understand each other again…
Why Choose FPSCA for Psychological Testing?
Other tests only provide a limited view of your mental health, but ours go deeper. We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive testing sessions based on:
American Psychological Association Standards
We adhere to rigorous guidelines for test construction and construct validity.
Tailored Evaluations
Each test is designed to address your unique concerns and goals to provide the most accurate results possible.
Comprehensive Approach
We use various tests, including achievement and ability tests, to paint a complete picture of your psychological functioning.
Clinical Assessments Tailored To You
Every psychological evaluation encompasses several specific areas of concern based on your unique symptoms. That way, we develop a comprehensive understanding of your mental health before treatment even begins. We can administer:
We use a differential diagnosis approach to identify the underlying reasons why you might be struggling with interpersonal skills, school, work, or home life. The approach includes:
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Auditory and visual processing
- Memory
- Personality tests
- Social and general intelligence
- Motivation
- Analytical abilities
We use a set of standardized tests approved by the DSM-5 to objectively evaluate and diagnose ADHD and ADD. If diagnosed by formal testing, we can provide both family and individual counseling, behavioral therapy, medication referrals, and recommend learning environment changes.
Qualified psychologists will complete our differential diagnosis of autism and other neurodivergent disorders using the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and valid assessment measures.
If you or your child is facing challenges in school, we do diagnostic testing for specific types of learning disabilities: dyslexia, memory impairments, language difficulties, and more. We can also help determine eligibility for IEP or 504 interventions at school or accommodations for standardized tests like the GRE, LSAT, or ACT.
Our team addresses a wide range of academic issues, from poor study skills and bullying to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and motivation. We guide clients in selecting the right school for their child/family members based on their unique values and aptitudes. We can also assist with accommodations for college or professional school entrance exams.
We evaluate inherited mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disease in a clinical setting. Based on your results, we can then create a treatment plan that utilizes a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-soothing techniques, and stress management to stabilize and correct these conditions. Additionally, our licensed psychologists help with personality development issues like borderline personality and narcissism, often linked to early childhood trauma, poor attachment, abuse, neglect, and loss.
Our comprehensive IQ testing helps identify both strengths and areas of weakness. If your child is gifted, we work with you to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters their intellectual growth and development in alignment with their heightened intelligence.
Get Started Today!
If you think psychological testing may be a beneficial part of your mental health treatment, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance needed to accurately interpret test results and develop a treatment plan. Your well-being and improved quality of life are our top priorities.
Service Areas
We proudly serve clients locally in Agoura Hills, Ventura, and the surrounding areas. In addition to our in-person services, we offer convenient telehealth and telemedicine options, ensuring you have access to the care you need, no matter where you are. Whether you are near or far, our team is ready to provide the comprehensive behavioral health services you deserve, remotely or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions: Psychological Testing in California
What is psychological testing?
Our psychological assessments, including evaluations for mental health conditions and ability or achievement tests, use clinically approved methods to measure your emotional functioning, cognitive abilities, and behavioral patterns. More specifically, we integrate standardized tests, neuropsychological assessments, and clinical interviews to accurately diagnose and treat your symptoms.
How do I know if I need a psychological assessment?
Coming in for a professional psychological assessment is wise if you’re experiencing:
- Cognitive and learning issues that regularly make school or work difficult
- Unclear or complex symptoms, such as a combination of unexplained mood swings, intense anxiety/panic attacks, or consistent depression
- Have received conflicting diagnoses in the past and want a more targeted treatment
- Have noticed a lack of progress with previous medications or therapies
- Struggle to maintain healthy relationships
- Experience sudden changes in personality, motivation, or performance
How long does the psychological assessment process take?
Depending on the type and number of tests administered, the process will usually take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.
Do I need to bring anything to my psychological evaluation?
If you have the information on hand, we recommend bringing past mental health assessments, current medication information, and school-based IEP assessments and plans.
What will you do with the results?
We never share your personal information with anyone and will only use your results to make informed, clinical judgments about where to go next. This includes custom treatment plans for various therapies and medications.
How much does psychological testing cost?
Costs vary based on the type and number of tests needed. Please contact us for more information.
Does insurance cover psychological testing?
Insurance generally covers testing that’s medically necessary for diagnosing mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, or neurodivergent traits. Tests that are purely performance-based (like educational testing for school placement) usually are not covered. Our team can help you navigate the nuances of insurance.
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