TTP#126 Ideas and Precautions for Returning to In-Person Assessment

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a complete rollercoaster for many of us. As some parts of the country are returning to in-person assessment, we’re now scrambling to figure out what assessment looks like in the age of social distancing. I’ve gathered a number of ideas, both from research and anecdotal situations, to share with those of you considering a return to in-person testing. Here are just a few things in this episode:

A tool to assess your risk level
The specific air purifier that we use
How to send forms electronically

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!

I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and grew to include 12 licensed clinicians, three clinicians in training, and a full administrative staff. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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Comments

9 responses to “TTP#126 Ideas and Precautions for Returning to In-Person Assessment”

July 2, 2020

Harriet Johnston

Hi Jeremy
Thanks for putting all of these ideas together in one place! I was wondering if in your practice you have reduced the length of time for F2F assessment sessions (e.g. possibly more appointments for shorter duration or limiting testing session by integrating F2F with tele-assessment)? I was wondering if you had heard any ideas on the usefulness of these strategies.

Reply
1. July 3, 2020
  
  Dr. Jeremy Sharp
  
  Yes, we’re trying to limit the F2F time as much as we can by only doing the measures that are absolutely necessary and taking plenty of breaks to circulate air in the room. Still doing most evals in one day though (3-5 hours of testing all in all). If you have the ability to mix telehealth with F2F, I think that makes sense. We still don’t have any concrete data on the effect of PPE and/or whether F2F w/ PPE is more or less valid than telehealth w/o PPE though.
  
  Reply
July 2, 2020

Leticia

Thank you so much. There were so many great resources. I am looking forward to listening to more podasts.

Reply
1. July 3, 2020
  
  Dr. Jeremy Sharp
  
  Thanks for listening and for the kind words!
  
  Reply
July 2, 2020

Jen

Curious about whether you have ended up splitting testing appointments up? How much time are you spending in the room together cumulatively (with breaks of course)?

Reply
1. July 3, 2020
  
  Dr. Jeremy Sharp
  
  We’re still doing most evals within one day but taking more breaks and really paying attention to the battery so that we’re not spending extra time that we don’t need. Cumulatively, we’re probably spending 3-5 hours depending on the age of the client.
  
  Reply
August 28, 2020

Leanne

Hi!
I am really appreciative of your podcast – particularly during such an unsettling time. I wonder if you have any recommendations or if anyone has any language they are using in reports regarding caution around interpretation since standardization is compromised even by the use of the masks, plexiglass, etc.
Thank you in advance!
Leanne

Reply
September 1, 2020

Leanne

Hello,
Does anyone have language that they are using in their reports during this unusual time. Something that states the challenge to validity and the possible breaks in standardization? Thank you; really love this podcast and having these wonderful resources.

Reply
1. September 8, 2020
  
  Dr. Jeremy Sharp
  
  Here’s what we use (adapted from APA): Due to circumstances that prevent in-person clinical visits, this assessment was partially conducted using telehealth methods (including remote audiovisual presentation of test instructions and test stimuli, and remote observation of performance via audiovisual technologies). The standard administration of these procedures involves in-person, face-to-face methods. The impact of applying non-standard administration methods has been evaluated only in part by scientific research. While every effort was made to simulate standard assessment practices, the diagnostic conclusions and recommendations for treatment provided in this report are being advanced with these reservations.
  
  Reply