Conversational Style: Can You Really Do Mental Health Testing Online?
In today’s digital world, almost everything can be done online—from shopping to education. But what about mental health testing? Can you really do psychological evaluations through a computer screen? The answer is yes—but it takes careful planning, secure technology, and a professional touch.
Virtual testing, also known as tele-assessment, has become a valuable tool for individuals who cannot access in-person services. Whether you’re in a rural area, dealing with health concerns, or simply prefer the comfort of your own home, virtual testing makes mental health evaluations more accessible.
Step 1: Scheduling and Setup
The process starts just like an in-person appointment—you schedule a time that works for you. You’ll receive an email with a secure link to a video platform, such as Zoom, Doxy.me, or a HIPAA-compliant telehealth service.
Before your appointment, you may be asked to complete consent forms electronically. This ensures you understand how the testing works, what to expect, and how your privacy will be protected.
Step 2: Technology Check
For virtual testing to work, you need a stable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera, and a quiet, private space. Some tests may also require a touchscreen or keyboard for response entry.
The clinician may guide you through a quick technology check to make sure everything is working smoothly. This helps avoid technical problems during the actual assessment.
Step 3: Secure Platform and Test Delivery
The actual testing takes place through a secure video platform. Depending on the type of test, you may see questions on your screen, hear instructions from the clinician, or complete tasks directly through an online testing system (like Q-global or PARiConnect).
Tests may include:
- Cognitive assessments (measuring memory, attention, problem-solving)
- Behavioral rating scales (completed online by you or your child’s teacher)
- Emotional assessments (like anxiety or depression screenings)
The clinician will monitor your progress and may ask follow-up questions or clarify instructions.
Step 4: Proctored Assessments (If Needed)
For certain types of assessments—like IQ tests or standardized academic tests—a proctor may be required. This can be a parent, a teacher, or another trusted adult who ensures the test is completed fairly.
The proctor is there to supervise, but they cannot help with the test questions.
Step 5: Test Completion and Secure Submission
Once your testing is complete, your responses are securely submitted to the clinician for scoring and analysis. You don’t need to worry about losing your answers—they are saved automatically.
Step 6: The Feedback Session
Virtual testing doesn’t end with the test itself. You will schedule a feedback session, where the clinician will go over the results with you, explain what they mean, and offer personalized recommendations.
Step 7: Confidentiality and Privacy
Your privacy is always a priority. Reputable clinicians use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms that protect your information. Any reports or test results are stored securely, and your video sessions are never recorded without your consent.
Professional Style: Telehealth Protocols for Remote Psychological Evaluations
Tele-assessment is the use of secure, technology-enabled platforms to conduct psychological evaluations remotely. This approach has become increasingly popular, offering clients access to high-quality assessments regardless of geographic location.
Informed Consent and Legal Considerations
Tele-assessment begins with informed consent. Clients must understand:
- The nature and purpose of the assessment
- Potential risks and limitations of remote testing
- Privacy and confidentiality protections
- The process for securely sharing and storing data
Clinicians must ensure compliance with HIPAA (in the U.S.) and other relevant privacy regulations.
Secure Technology Platforms
Virtual assessments should be conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms. Common options include:
- Zoom for Healthcare (secure version)
- Doxy.me (telehealth platform)
- Q-global (Pearson’s online testing system)
- PARiConnect (PAR’s online testing platform)
These platforms ensure that test materials are protected, that client data is secure, and that clinician-client interactions are private.
Types of Assessments Suited for Virtual Testing
While not all assessments are suitable for tele-assessment, many are:
- Cognitive assessments (WISC-V, WAIS-IV, Stanford-Binet)
- Behavioral rating scales (BASC-3, Conners, ASEBA)
- Emotional assessments (Beck Depression Inventory, GAD-7)
- Adaptive behavior scales (Vineland-3, ABAS-3)
Direct observation-based assessments (e.g., ADOS-2 for autism) may not be appropriate for virtual delivery due to the need for in-person interaction.
The Role of Proctors
For certain assessments (e.g., IQ tests, standardized academic tests), a proctor may be required. The proctor ensures that testing conditions are secure and standardized. They may help with technical issues but must not provide test answers.
Test Security and Copyright Compliance
Clinicians must ensure that test materials are not copied, shared, or recorded without authorization. This protects the integrity of the tests and complies with test publisher guidelines.
Addressing Technical Issues
Clinicians should have a backup plan in place in case of technical difficulties (e.g., power outages, internet disruptions). Clear instructions should be provided to clients on how to reconnect.
Scoring, Interpretation, and Reporting
Test data collected through tele-assessment are scored using standard procedures. The clinician must account for any factors that may have impacted performance (e.g., distractions, screen fatigue).
Reports should clearly state that the assessment was conducted remotely, and any limitations of virtual testing should be acknowledged.
Feedback and Recommendations
Virtual assessments should always include a follow-up feedback session. Clinicians review test results, answer client questions, and provide recommendations. If additional in-person testing is needed, this should be clearly stated.
SubRosa Mental Services provides a client-forward approach to helping individuals, businesses, and children by offering Comprehensive Psychological & Psycho-Educational Evaluations, life coaching and emotional support animal assistance. Reach out today to find out more.
