SLBMI Psychology and Religion Program>> Evaluation Program

We offer comprehensive psychiatric, psychosocial, sexual, and spiritual assessment for all religious, clergy, ministers, religious candidates, seminarians, and people of faith.

While each evaluation experience is highly individualized, assessments are separated into two types:

1. Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation

We work with individuals from various denominations, dioceses, and religious orders to identify particular problem areas and provide recommendations. At a minimum, each evaluation includes comprehensive psychosocial history, cognitive assessment, personality assessment, areas of psychopathology, spiritual assessment, and treatment recommendations. In many cases, psychiatric evaluation (for psychotropic medications), medical assessment (for physical conditions), specialized anxiety screening, substance use screening, and/or a sexual history is warranted.

In most cases, an integrated conference or “feedback session” is warranted in which the client, their superior, and the doctors and spiritual directors on the assessment team discuss the findings, problem areas, and recommendations in depth.

2. Developmental Assessment

We created this form of assessment to be less “intrusive” while focusing on the client’s forward movement toward healthy integration of body, mind, and spirit. While major psychological problem areas are screened for, we place a particular emphasis on the client’s strengths and areas of growth. The person seeking this form of assessment ranges from seminarians and ministry candidates to clergy, religious, and persons of faith. We frequently work with institutions to integrate this form of assessment into their formal program requirements. These evaluations always include a brief psychosocial history, the individual’s strengths and areas of growth for their current or future ministry, and specific recommendations for optimal functioning.

As with the comprehensive assessments, a “feedback conference” is often utilized to discuss the client’s areas of growth, leadership strengths and hindrances, potential problem areas, and recommendations.