32 Miss. Code. R. § 22-3.16 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

To refer a client for a psychological evaluation, the counselor should complete a Psychological Evaluation Referral (VR-12) form, and send it to the psychometrist assigned to his/her district (each district has its an assigned psychometrist who works under the guidance of VR Psychological Services Director). It is very important that all previous psychological, psychiatric, relevant medical, educational, and relevant social information be included with the referral. The psychometrist will respond to the counselor with a Psychological Referral Response Report (VR-12a) form, a memo, or phone call, stating the date, time, and location that the client can be evaluated. The psychometrist will contact the client by letter and inform him/her where and when to report for the evaluation. When the counselor discusses the scheduled evaluation with the client, it is generally best not to mention "tests", "psychometrist", or "psychologist," since these terms can be disconcerting to some people. A better phrase to use is "...evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses".

Once the evaluation is complete, the psychometrist will score, interpret, and write a report explaining the test findings. This report is then sent to the psychologist in the Agency State Office for review and signature. If needed, an addendum is written by the psychologist and sent to the counselor as a part of the report. This information is confidential and should only be shared with other agencies or individuals in accordance with Agency policy.

Psychological evaluations are usually helpful or necessary in determining problem areas such as mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, psychoses, neuroses, character disorders, personality disorders, alcohol abuse or dependence, drug abuse or dependence, poly-substance abuse or dependence, perceptual-motor problems, memory problems, or clients' vocational interests.

Questions regarding psychological services should be directed to the appropriate local psychometrist, or if this person cannot be reached, the Psychologist in the VR State Office.