Diagnostic & Psychological Testing

Get answers, not guesses. Our comprehensive diagnostic assessments and psychological testing uncover the root causes of your challenges—so you can finally get the right treatment. In just a few sessions, we’ll provide a clear roadmap tailored to your unique needs, helping you or your loved one move from confusion to confidence.

GearingUP offers diagnostic assessments and psychological testing both online and at many of our Dallas-area locations in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Lakewood, Prosper, and North Richland Hills. Contact us today to schedule psychological testing for clear, science-based answers about your mental health.

“90% of mistakes in therapy stem from a failure to assess” – Marsha Linehan, founder of DBT

According to the American Psychological Association, psychological testing is a proven way to uncover the root causes of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges.
Diagnostic and psychological testing is a specialized process designed to provide clarity and insight into your mental health, cognitive abilities, and personality traits. Through a series of scientifically validated assessments, we gather detailed information about your strengths, challenges, and unique needs. This data helps us create a precise diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to guide your care.
At GearingUP, our testing services are conducted by licensed psychologists and psychological associates with advanced training in assessment and diagnosis. Whether you’re seeking clarity about a mental health condition, educational needs, or personality traits, we’re here to provide the insights you need to move forward.

What to Expect with Diagnostic and Psychological Testing

  • Comprehensive Evaluation – Our assessments cover a wide range of areas, including cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, personality traits, and educational needs.
  • Personalized Approach – Testing is tailored to your specific concerns and goals, ensuring you receive the most relevant and accurate results.
  • Expert Guidance – Our clinicians are skilled at interpreting test results and explaining them in a clear, compassionate way.
  • Actionable Insights – You’ll leave with a detailed report and recommendations to guide your treatment, education, or personal growth.
  • A Path Forward – Testing provides the clarity and direction you need to make informed decisions about your mental health, career, or life goals.

Types of Diagnostics and Psychological Testing at GearingUP

At GearingUP, we offer a wide range of diagnostic assessments and psychological testing services to provide clarity, insight, and actionable recommendations. Each evaluation is conducted by licensed specialists with advanced training in their respective fields, ensuring accurate and comprehensive results. Here’s an overview of the types of testing we offer at GearingUP:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing

**COMING SOON** The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is considered the “gold-standard” assessment tool used by trained clinicians to evaluate social communication, interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through structured activities and conversation tailored to the individual’s age and language level, the ADOS-2 provides objective behavioral observations to differentiate ASD from other developmental conditions. It’s highly reliable for ages 12 months through adulthood, with modules adapted for nonverbal children to verbally fluent adults. Research shows 90-95% diagnostic accuracy when combined with other assessments, a thorough clinical history, and diagnostic interviews (Lord et al., 2012), making it a critical component of comprehensive autism evaluations. GearingUP is proud to offer this extremely effective tool for assessing, diagnosing, and educating clients about ASD either for themselves or their loved ones.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Testing

ADHD testing includes cognitive and behavioral assessments to evaluate attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning. Our specialists use a combination of clinical interviews, observations, and standardized tests and tools to provide a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis for ADHD. These evaluations help guide treatment plans, school accommodations, or workplace considerations to support success. Many medical professionals also require an official assessment and diagnosis of ADHD before prescribing effective medications for those who need them.

Trauma and PTSD Assessments

These evaluations measure symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related trauma conditions to guide treatment professionals. Using evidence-based tools, our trained clinicians identify trauma-related challenges and severity of symptoms to more accurately plan a course of treatment based on your needs. Early intervention can significantly reduce symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall quality of life for the long term.

Substance Use and Addiction Assessments

GearingUP’s Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC) conduct thorough evaluations to assess substance use patterns and addiction severity. These assessments include clinical interviews and standardized tools to provide a clear picture of the individual’s needs for effective treatment. The results guide personalized treatment plans, including therapy, support groups, or rehabilitation programs.

Eating Disorder Assessments

Eating disorder evaluations explore symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and other eating disorders or disordered eating. Our specialists use evidence-based tools to assess both physical and psychological aspects of these conditions. The results help create tailored treatment plans that address underlying issues and promote recovery both in the short and long term.

Intelligence Testing (IQ Testing)

Intelligence testing or “IQ testing” measures cognitive abilities like verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and working memory. These assessments are conducted by licensed clinicians and provide valuable insights for educational planning, giftedness identification, or understanding cognitive strengths and challenges.

Attachment and Relationship Testing

These evaluations explore relationship dynamics and attachment styles, helping couples and families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger emotional bonds. Our specialists use clinical interviews and structured tools to provide insights and recommendations for therapy or relationship coaching.

Parenting and Family Functioning Assessments

These assessments evaluate parenting stress, family dynamics, and overall functioning of the family system at home. They help identify areas for improvement and guide family therapy or parenting interventions. Our specialists provide practical strategies to strengthen family relationships and create a supportive home environment.

Academic Achievement Testing

Academic achievement testing assesses skills in reading, writing, and math to identify strengths and challenges in the learning environment. These evaluations are widely used to create individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans for students. They provide valuable insights for educators and parents to support academic success.

Learning Disability Assessments

Learning disability evaluations identify conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. Our specialists use a combination of cognitive and academic assessments to provide a comprehensive diagnosis. The results guide recommendations for accommodations, interventions, and specialized solutions.

Personality Testing

Personality assessments explore many different areas including coping skills, emotional functioning, and potential mental health issues to assess and diagnose particular conditions. Conducted by licensed clinicians, these evaluations provide insights into personality, psychological resources, and guide treatment planning based on your individual needs. They are often used to support therapy, career counseling, or even personal growth.

Projective Testing

Projective assessments utilize particular stimuli to explore unconscious thoughts and emotions through open-ended tasks. These tools are used by trained clinicians to gain deeper insights into personality and emotional functioning. They are particularly useful for understanding complex or deeply rooted psychological issues, and they often yield more powerful and useful results for clinicians since clients are unable to “guess the correct answer” due to their abstract nature.

Grief and Loss Assessments

These evaluations measure reactions to loss and guide coping strategies for therapeutic support and recovery. They help therapists work with individuals to process grief and find healing. Our specialists provide compassionate support and practical tools to navigate the grieving process.

Anger and Aggression Assessments

Anger assessments measure anger levels and expression styles to help suggest necessary interventions or therapeutic techniques. Our specialists use clinical interviews and standardized tools to identify triggers and patterns. The results guide strategies for managing anger, improving emotional regulation, and building healthier relationships.

Social Skills and Adaptive Behavior Testing

These assessments evaluate social skills and adaptive functioning in individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges. They provide insights for intervention planning and help individuals build stronger social connections and life skills.

Bipolar Disorder Assessments

Bipolar disorder evaluations include clinical interviews, symptom checklists, and diagnostic tools to identify mood episodes and guide treatment. Our specialists provide accurate diagnoses and tailored recommendations for managing symptoms and improving stability.

Behavioral and Emotional Assessments

These generalized evaluations measure emotional and behavioral issues in children and teens. They help identify conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD and guide treatment planning. Our specialists provide strategies to support emotional well-being and behavioral improvement.

Mood and Anxiety Disorder Assessments

These assessments measure symptoms of common mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Our specialists use evidence-based tools to provide accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment recommendations. Early intervention can significantly improve emotional health and quality of life.

Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) Assessments

Concerned about “Non-Suicidal Self Injury” (NSSI) or self-harm behaviors like cutting, hair pulling, burning, or skin picking? Our specialized psychological testing assesses many different areas including severity, triggers, and co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, OCD, trauma, etc.) to create customized treatment plans. Our testing identifies your unique needs, so you get strategies that actually work to reduce urges, build coping skills, and achieve lasting recovery.

Giftedness Testing

Giftedness evaluations identify intellectual giftedness and help determine eligibility for gifted programs in schools or academic placements. Our specialists provide insights into the child’s strengths and recommend enrichment opportunities to support their potential for learning.

Resilience and Coping Skills Testing

These assessments measure resilience and coping strategies. Our specialists provide strategies for building resilience and managing stress. These tools are particularly useful for individuals facing significant life challenges or transitions.

Emotional Intelligence Testing

Emotional intelligence evaluations assess self-awareness, empathy, and skills for relationships. These assessments guide personal and professional development along with science based programs to further develop emotional intelligence through therapy. Our specialists teach new skills and tools to enhance emotional intelligence and improve relationships.

Quality of Life and Well-Being Assessments

These evaluations measure overall well-being and life satisfaction. They provide insights for improving our lives even if we’re not sure what may be “wrong.” Our specialists use the results to guide interventions and suggest treatment options that enhance quality of life.

When To Consider Diagnostics and Psychological Testing

Diagnostic and psychological testing can provide clarity, insight, and direction for individuals, couples, and families seeking mental health services. Here are six key reasons to consider testing and how it can benefit you:

Seeking Clarity About What You Are Experiencing

If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or unsure about why you’re feeling a certain way, testing can help bring clarity. By uncovering the root causes of emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges, testing provides a deeper understanding of your experiences. These insights empower you to take meaningful steps toward growth and positive change.

Professional Assessments for School, Work, Medication, or Other Needs

From school accommodations to workplace adjustments, testing provides the professional documentation needed to access support and resources. Whether it’s an IEP for your child, medication recommendations from your doctor, or government resources, testing ensures you have the evidence to advocate for your needs and unlock valuable tools for success.

Ensuring Accurate and Effective Treatment

A precise diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Testing ensures your therapy or intervention is tailored to your unique needs, saving you time and energy. By identifying your strengths and areas for growth, we create a focused plan that maximizes your progress and minimizes guesswork.

Establishing a Baseline for Growth

Testing gives you a clear starting point to measure your progress over time. By retesting at key intervals, we can track your growth, celebrate your achievements, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures your therapy stays on track and delivers real, measurable results.

Setting Goals and Finalizing Treatment Plans

Testing helps pinpoint the areas where you need the most support, making goal setting and treatment planning more effective. Whether it’s managing anxiety, improving relationships, or building life skills, a clear diagnosis ensures your goals are specific, achievable, and aligned with your needs.

A Roadmap for Your Clinician

Testing provides your clinician with a detailed roadmap to guide your treatment. Instead of spending months exploring possibilities, testing gives your therapist the insights they need to focus on targeted interventions from the start. This approach saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures your therapy is as effective as possible.

Smiling woman holding her laptop

How Diagnostics and Psychological Testing Works at GearingUP

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our senior clinicians to discuss your concerns, goals, and reasons for seeking testing. This helps us understand your needs, confirm testing will provide valuable results for your goals, and determine the best approach for your evaluation.

Developing a Testing Plan

Based on your consultation, we will create a customized testing plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. This plan outlines the assessments we’ll use and the goals we aim to achieve.

Scheduling Your Testing Sessions

We’ll work with you to schedule testing sessions at times that fit your schedule. Testing may take place over one or multiple sessions, depending on the complexity of the evaluation. Your insurance benefits may also allow for testing to completed over virtual sessions or in-person only.

Comprehensive Assessment

During the testing appointment, you’ll complete a series of standardized assessments, which may include questionnaires, tasks, and activities. These tools were designed and supported by clinical research to measure many different aspects including cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, personality traits, and much more.

Diagnostic Interviews

For some evaluations, we may also conduct diagnostic interviews with you or family members to gather additional information relevant to assessment and diagnosis. These interviews provide valuable context not covered during the testing and help ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Scoring and Analysis

Once testing and all assessments have been completed, our licensed specialists will score and analyze the results. This process ensures a thorough understanding of all of the assessments that you have completed to give our clinicians a comprehensive and accurate clinical picture.

Feedback Session

We’ll schedule a test feedback session to review your results with you. During this meeting, we’ll explain the findings, answer your questions, and provide actionable recommendations for next steps.

Next Steps

If therapy or additional support is recommended, our clinicians will be ready to begin working with you immediately to fulfill the treatment recommendations based on your testing. Testing results can guide your treatment plan, ensuring it’s tailored to your unique needs. In some circumstances, we may also recommend that you work with other professionals such as a prescribing physician, psychiatrists, or other supplemental care professional.

Why It Works

Our step-by-step process ensures that you receive a thorough, accurate, and meaningful evaluation. By combining expert analysis with compassionate care, we help you gain the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

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Benefits of Diagnostics and Psychological Testing at GearingUP

At GearingUP, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized psychological testing that delivers meaningful results. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll experience when you choose us for your diagnostic needs:

Expert Guidance from Licensed Specialists

Our testing is conducted by licensed psychologists and clinicians with advanced training in assessment and diagnosis. Dr. Milt Gearing, the head of GearingUP’s diagnostic and assessment team, has been published multiple times for his clinical research in the utilization of advanced diagnostic tools and psychological testing. You can trust that your evaluation is in the hands of experts who are committed to accuracy and compassion.

Personalized Testing Plans

We tailor every evaluation to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking clarity about a mental health condition, formulating an effective treatment plan, or looking for a path to personal growth, our customized approach ensures you get the insights you need.

Differential Diagnosis for The Most Effective Treatment

Differential diagnosis testing is essential for effective mental health treatment because it provides an accurate diagnosis, identifies the root cause of symptoms, and ensures you receive the right care from the start. Symptom checklists can be misleading. By distinguishing between conditions with similar or overlapping symptoms (for example, ADHD vs. Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome or other similar conditions), testing prevents misdiagnosis and wasted time on ineffective treatments. Research from the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine found that over 39% of mental health disorders were misdiagnosed (NIH, 2021). With precise testing, clinicians can create personalized treatment plans, reduce trial-and-error approaches, and improve outcomes—so you can achieve meaningful progress faster.

Comprehensive and Accurate Results

Our testing process may include a combination of gold-standard level assessments, clinical interviews, and in-depth psychological testing to provide a clear picture and thorough understanding of who you are. This level of comprehensive approach is considered world class, and it helps ensure accurate diagnosis for the most effective clinical treatment.

Clear, Actionable Recommendations

Testing isn’t just about a diagnosis — it offers us a roadmap for the future. With testing, our expert clinicians can give you clear, practical recommendations for therapy or other treatment, necessary accommodations at work or school, or other interventions to help you achieve your goals and improve your life.

Improved Treatment Outcomes

Imagine trying to navigate on a dark road with only the occasional road sign to guide you. Testing gives us a map of where you are currently, where you want to go, and the best route to get there. By accurately identifying the root issues at play, testing ensures that your therapy or treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs for the best possible results. You’ll save time, money, and headaches in your mental health journey by making sure you’re on the right path.

Support for School, Work, and Life

Testing can provide the documentation needed for school accommodations, workplace adjustments, or access to additional resources. Whether it’s an IEP, 504 plan, or disability services, testing may be a critical part of your ability to access necessary and helpful services and the support you deserve.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Testing can feel quite vulnerable. It’s completely normal to feel many different kinds of feelings during the process. Our testing clinicians create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable to exploring your mind through the testing process. The goal is to help you achieve your goals, and excellent testing and diagnostics helps our clinicians deliver incredible results.

Ongoing Support and Resources

While testing may be a critical step of the process, it often identifies new challenges that may be best addressed through therapy, counseling, or other psychological treatment plans. We also coordinate care with numerous other professionals in related fields like primary care physicians, psychiatrists, pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists, dietitians, and many more. We also may be able to help you access community resources to support your growth and well-being. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose GearingUP for Your Diagnostics and Psychological Testing

At GearingUP, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of diagnostic and psychological testing. Here’s why so many clients trust us with their evaluation needs:

Expertise You Can Trust

Our testing is conducted by expert licensed psychologists and clinicians with advanced training in assessment and diagnosis. Dr. Milt Gearing has been published multiple times for his clinical research utilizing advanced diagnostic assessments and psychological testing. Far more than basic rating scales, we offer deeply impactful and highly powerful psychological testing. Our team also has years of experience diagnosing and treating the very conditions we assess, ensuring you receive accurate, actionable insights.

Comprehensive Testing for Every Need

Whether you’re seeking clarity about a mental health condition, educational challenges, or personal growth, we offer a wide range of testing services to meet your needs. Including options for differential diagnosis to more closely examine issues or accurately identify your diagnosis from multiple options that may appear similar. From autism and ADHD evaluations to trauma, personality, and learning disability assessments, we have the tools and expertise to uncover the root causes of your challenges—even if you’re unsure where to start.

Gold Standard Tools and Methods

You deserve better than one page rating scale assessments. We use only the most reliable, evidence-based psychological tests and diagnostic tools, often considered the “gold standard” in the field. From the ADOS-2 for autism to the Wechsler scales for intelligence and achievement, we never cut corners or compromise on quality. Our commitment to using the best tools ensures accurate diagnoses that you can rely on and meaningful results based on the best science.

Seamless Integration with Treatment

Unlike many providers who only test and refer out for treatment, we offer a full continuum of care. Our testing experts are also treating clinicians and experienced therapists who actually work with the conditions we diagnose. This means your testing results can lead to direct treatment within days – there’s no need to get a referral or start over somewhere new. GearingUP offers one seamless path to healing and growth. From testing to therapy to building the life you want, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

GearingUP vs Other Diagnostic or Testing Options

GearingUP Other Professional Testing Options Online Service Testing Options

Expert Diagnostic Clinicians

Dr. Milt Gearing is a published expert in psychological testing and diagnostics and leads GearingUP's testing team. Other clinics may have newer clinicians offering testing, or many online therapy services offer basic rating scale assessments with little to no clinical validity for treatment.

Comprehensive Testing Options

GearingUP offers a wide range of psychological testing to diagnose dozens of mental health issues and offer actionable insights for treatment. Other offices may have very limited testing options, only focus on specific issues, or use generic one-size-fits-all "self report testing" with very little value for treating therapists.

Gold Standard Tests and Assessments

GearingUP uses only the most reliable, evidence-based psychological tests such as the ADOS-2 for autism, Wechsler scales for IQ testing, and many more. Other professionals may use less reliable or outdated tests, and most online services offer only skin-deep quizzes with little to no diagnostic or treatment value.

Testing Integrated Treatment

GearingUP also treats a wide range of mental health and psychological issues, and our testing can be used to immediately begin treatment with our clinical team. Other professionals may only refer out to treating therapists requiring clients to start over with care, and online services usually offer assessments with no actionable insights for treatment.

Custom Tailored Testing Plan

GearingUP's experienced clinical testing team will put together a custom testing and assessment plan balancing your psychological history, current needs, and future goals. Many other professionals only offer expensive "one-size-fits-all" testing packages with many unnecessary or wasteful tests included, and online services often use generic tests that lack depth or relevance for treatment.

Science Based Diagnosis

GearingUP's diagnostic testing offers clinically valid diagnosis based on the best evidence-based tests available as well as taking time to learn more about you to understand the full picture. Other professionals may miss subtle or complex issues that require experience or rush clients through testing without taking the time to get to know you. Online services testing are often vague, inconclusive, or even incorrect.

Support for School and Work

GearingUP's testing and diagnostics meets clinical standards for use in workplace or school accommodations and to access government resources. Other professionals may use tests that may not meet these rigorous clinical standards or are outdated for accessing resources. Testing from online services historically does not meet clinical standards for accessing additional resources and provides no official documentation for clients.

Ongoing Support

GearingUP is here for you every step of the way to help you begin therapy with our clinical team, access community resources, or refer you to a specialist that can help you further based on your testing. Other professionals often only provide a testing report with no guidance or ongoing treatment, and online sources usually offer no follow-up or guidance after simple quizzes.

Safe and Confidential

GearingUP ensures that your data is always safe and secure with data security protocols and software that exceed the requirements of basic HIPAA-compliance. Other professionals and online services may not be up to date on the latest HIPAA security requirements or allow access to your data that may be considered a compliance risk.

Proven Effectiveness

GearingUP's testing is backed by hundreds of research studies proving its effectiveness, and it is designed to create meaningful, impactful change through diagnosis, treatment, and lasting solutions. Other professionals may use cheaper, unproven, or more shallow assessments, and online services often only offer basic quizzes with little to no clinical value for diagnosis or treatment.

What You Will Receive From Diagnostics and Psychological Testing At GearingUP

At GearingUP, we believe that accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. With our expertise, comprehensive approach, and commitment to quality, we help you gain the clarity you need to move forward. Here’s what you can expect to take home from your testing:

Clear, Clinically Valid Diagnosis

You’ll receive a precise, clinically valid diagnosis based on thorough, evidence-based evaluations. This diagnosis will help you better understand your experiences, whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, autism, or another condition, and provide a solid foundation for effective treatment. Clinical validity is also important for accessing government, work, or school resources related to your diagnosis that would not be available without documented testing from expert diagnosticians.

Comprehensive and Easy-to-Understand Testing Report

Take home a detailed report that outlines your results, strengths, challenges, and tailored recommendations. This document can be shared with schools, workplaces, or other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the accommodations and support you need. Your testing report will act as a valuable guide for your treating professional to guide your future care.

Personalized Insights and Actionable Recommendations

Gain meaningful insights into your unique strengths and challenges to better understand where you came from and who you are now. You’ll receive specific, actionable recommendations for managing symptoms, improving relationships, enhancing performance, or achieving personal goals.

Clarity and Understanding of Your Experiences

Testing can help you make sense of patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This newfound clarity can reduce confusion, help you feel more in control, and provide a deeper understanding of yourself or your loved one. Testing can act as a guide for your therapist to better equip you with skills, coping mechanisms, and more to help you weather the storm when challenges arise.

Validation and Understanding

Many clients find that testing validates their experiences and helps them feel better understood. This validation can be a powerful step toward self-acceptance, reducing feelings of isolation or self-doubt. The diagnostic process can be a powerful resource to help clients not feel so “wrong” or “broken” by normalizing that they have a recognized issue often with effective treatment options.

Customized Roadmap for Long-Term Growth

Beyond diagnosis, you’ll receive a clear roadmap for long-term growth. Whether it’s through therapy, lifestyle changes, or skill-building, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to achieve lasting improvement and accomplish your goals.

Documentation for School, Work, or Government Programs

If you’re seeking accommodations or resources, our testing provides the necessary documentation for IEPs, 504 plans, workplace adjustments, or government programs. Our testing will help you navigate these systems with confidence.

Empowerment to Advocate for Yourself or Your Child

With a deeper understanding of your needs, you’ll feel more confident advocating for yourself or your child in relationships, school, work, or healthcare settings. Without a clear understanding of what is happening and what is needed to address it, you could miss out on life changing resources, accommodations, grants, and more. Knowledge is power, and we’ll equip you with everything you need to use it.

Connection to Ongoing Support and Resources

Testing is just the beginning. We’ll connect you to therapy, counseling, or community resources to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. Even outside of working with our office for therapy services, we are happy to coordinate with prescribers, nutritionists and dietitians, pediatricians, and more. You won’t be left to figure everything out on your own.

Peace of Mind Through Trusted Expertise

Knowing that your results are based on gold-standard tools and expert analysis from professional psychologists with decades of experience and research publications in testing and diagnostics can bring peace of mind. You can trust that your diagnosis and recommendations are accurate, reliable, and designed to help you move forward.

Why This Matters

At GearingUP, we believe that diagnostics and psychological testing should do more than just provide answers — they should empower you to take meaningful steps toward a better future. Whether it’s through a detailed report, a personalized treatment plan, or simply a deeper understanding of yourself, you’ll leave our testing process with tangible tools and insights to guide your journey.

From Assessment to Breakthrough: Research Proven Effects of Psychological Testing and Diagnostics

Diagnostics and psychological testing are powerful tools that can provide clarity, direction, and actionable insights for individuals and families. Here are some typical outcomes from academic research and professional journals:

85%

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that 85% of clients who underwent comprehensive psychological testing received more accurate diagnoses, leading to more targeted and effective treatment plans (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2019).

70%

Psychological testing provides a detailed profile of an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and challenges. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that 70% of individuals reported better self-understanding and improved coping strategies after completing psychological testing (NIMH, 2020).

90%

According to the International Dyslexia Association, early identification and evidence-based interventions can improve education outcomes by up to 90% for children with issues like dyslexia (IDA, 2020).

75%

A study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that 75% of clients reported increased self-awareness and emotional insight after psychological testing, which contributed to better mental health outcomes (Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2018).

60%

Many individuals struggle with co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and ADHD or depression and learning disabilities. Research shows that comprehensive testing improves diagnostic accuracy for co-occurring conditions by up to 60%, which is essential for effective treatment (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2019).

80%

Receiving a formal diagnosis can validate an individual’s experiences and reduce feelings of self-blame or stigma. A study in the Journal of Mental Health found that 80% of individuals felt more validated and less stigmatized after receiving a diagnosis through psychological testing (Journal of Mental Health, 2018).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psychological testing, and how can it help me?

Psychological testing involves a series of scientifically validated tools and research based assessments designed to evaluate your cognitive, emotional, behavioral functioning, and many other areas as well. It can help identify many different issues and conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learning disabilities, provide clarity about your strengths and challenges, and guide personalized treatment plans. Testing is often the first step toward understanding yourself better and achieving long-term mental health improvement.

What types of psychological testing and diagnostics do you offer?

We offer a wide range of psychological testing services, including:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing (e.g., ADOS-2)
  • ADHD Testing (e.g., Wechsler scales)
  • Trauma and PTSD Assessments (e.g., Trauma Symptom Inventory)
  • Learning Disability Testing (e.g., Woodcock-Johnson Tests)
  • Personality Testing (e.g., MMPI)
  • IQ & Giftedness Testing (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scales)
  • Eating Disorder Assessments
  • Substance Use and Addiction Assessments
  • Relationships and Attachment Testing
  • Grief and Loss Assessments
  • Social Skills and Adaptive Behavior Testing
  • Bipolar Disorder Assessments
  • Anger and Aggression Assessments
  • Mood and Anxiety Disorder Assessments
  • Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) Assessments
  • And many more. Please contact our office for the most up to date, comprehensive list of our testing offerings.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive evaluations tailored to your unique needs.

How long does psychological testing take?

The length of testing depends on which assessment you are completing and your specific needs. Many evaluations only require about 60-90 minutes, but other more comprehensive evaluations may require 2-4 hours. Depending on your needs and goals, our testing team may recommend multiple types of testing that may be completed over the course of one day (6-8 hours of testing) or multiple days (usually multiple rounds of 2-4 hour sessions). We will provide you a clear timeline for your recommended testing plan when scheduling after your initial intake appointment.

What should I expect during the testing process?

The testing process typically includes:

– An initial appointment to discuss your concerns and needs, previous history or treatment, and to explore your goals for your testing.

– The testing and assessment session(s), which usually involves questionnaires, interviews, interactive tasks, and more.

– A feedback session to review the results of your testing and discuss next steps including formulating a treatment plan, discussing recommendations, and providing you suggested resources.

Our team will guide you through every step to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.

Will I receive a diagnosis after testing?

If testing indicates the presence of a mental health condition or other issue, you will receive a formal diagnosis and formal testing report. However, the primary goal of testing is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your strengths and challenges, which can guide treatment and support even if a diagnosis isn’t necessary or applicable.

Can psychological testing help my child?

Absolutely. We offer many testing options for children and teens, including assessments for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, IQ & giftedness testing, and much more. Testing can provide valuable insights into your child’s needs, help them succeed in school, and improve family dynamics.

How accurate are psychological tests?

The tests we use are evidence-based and scientifically validated by research studies, meaning they have been rigorously tested for accuracy and reliability. While no test is perfect, our licensed clinicians use the best tests available for you and your family. Our highly trained testing and diagnostic team ensures that results are interpreted with care and context to provide the most accurate picture possible for you and your family.

Can testing help with school or workplace accommodations?

Yes, many schools, government organizations, and workplaces often require formal testing to prove correct diagnosis to grant accommodations. Psychological testing can provide the documentation needed for school accommodations (e.g., IEPs, 504 plans) or workplace adjustments. We’ll work with you to ensure your results are presented in a way that supports your needs.

What happens after testing is complete?

After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report and participate in a feedback session to discuss your results. We’ll also provide recommendations for next steps, such as therapy, skill-building, or accommodations. If needed, we can connect you with additional resources or specialists as well.

Is psychological testing covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover many different kinds of psychological testing, especially when it’s medically necessary. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm coverage, or our insurance team would be happy to call and verify your benefits as well. Our team can also assist you with insurance-related questions, and our office will also bill your insurance directly for your services.

Can testing help with relationship issues?

Absolutely! Many relationship experts like Dr. Gottman often start with testing and diagnostics before they begin working with relationship issues. We offer attachment and relationship testing (including the Gottman marital system questionnaires) to help couples and families understand dynamics, improve communication, and build stronger connections.

What is the difference between psychological testing and therapy?

Psychological testing is an evaluation or diagnostic process designed to assess your current cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Therapy, on the other hand, is a treatment process focused on addressing specific concerns and improving mental health for long term growth and change. Testing often informs therapy by providing a clear understanding of your needs. You could think of it kind of like an x-ray or blood test before medical treatment.

How do I prepare for psychological testing?

Since diagnostics and psychological testing are only meant to assess your current level of functioning, there’s no special preparation needed or “studying” that would be helpful. However, we often recommend showing up to testing in a good state of mind and body by getting a good night’s sleep, make sure to eat or drink as you would normally before your testing, and try to show up with a relaxed, open mind. We will guide you through the whole process so you will understand every step, and our testing team will be happy to explain your testing to you once completed in the feedback session.

Can testing help with substance use or addiction?

Yes, GearingUP’s clinical team includes multiple Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC’s) who are trained in specialized assessments and diagnostics for substance use and addiction issues.. We offer multiple types of assessments to evaluate the severity of addiction, explore history of usage, and guide treatment planning. Testing can be a critical step in treatment and recovery.

What if I’m nervous about testing?

It’s normal to feel nervous, but our team is here to support you. We’ll explain each step of the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable throughout. Testing is a collaborative process, and we’re all on the same team to achieve your goals in therapy and beyond.

Can testing help with grief or trauma?

Yes! We offer grief and loss assessments (such as the GEI or TRIG) and trauma evaluations (like the Trauma Symptom Inventory) to help individuals process their experiences and find healing. Testing can provide valuable insights into your emotional needs and guide effective treatment.

How do I schedule psychological testing?

To schedule testing, simply contact our office at (972) 596-7229 or visit our Contact page. We’ll start with an initial consultation to discuss your needs and determine the best testing plan for you. From there, we’ll schedule your testing sessions at a time that works for your schedule. Once everything has been completed and scored, we will review your results with you in your test feedback session with Dr. Milt Gearing, the head of our testing and diagnostics department.

Locations GearingUP Offers Diagnostic & Psychological Testing

We're happy to offer Diagnostic & Psychological Testing at the following locations.

Dallas (Lakewood)

Frisco West

McKinney

North Richland Hills

Plano (Mapleshade)

Plano (Stonebriar)

Prosper