A psychosexual evaluation is a specialized psychological assessment used to better understand an individual’s sexual history, behavior, functioning, and other factors relevant to a particular referral question.
Psychosexual evaluations may be requested by courts, attorneys, treatment providers, agencies, or other professionals. They may also be completed voluntarily when an individual needs an independent professional assessment.
Surgery Letters & Evaluations provides psychosexual evaluations for both adults and juveniles in Florida.
What Is a Psychosexual Evaluation?
A psychosexual evaluation examines psychological, behavioral, developmental, and sexual-history information within the context of the reason the evaluation was requested.
The purpose and scope can differ considerably from one case to another. A court-ordered evaluation, for example, may have specific questions that must be addressed, while a voluntary evaluation may have a different purpose.
The evaluator considers the referral question when determining what information and assessment methods are appropriate.
What Does a Psychosexual Evaluation Include?
Depending on the circumstances, an evaluation may include:
- Personal and family history
- Developmental history
- Mental health history
- Relationship history
- Sexual development and sexual history
- Relevant behavioral history
- Substance-use history
- Previous counseling or treatment
- Review of available records or supporting documentation
- Standardized psychological or specialized assessment measures when appropriate
- Factors related to risk, treatment needs, or future recommendations when relevant to the referral
Not every evaluation requires every component. The specific assessment is determined by the purpose of the evaluation and the individual circumstances.
Adult and Juvenile Psychosexual Evaluations
Psychosexual evaluations may be conducted with both adults and juveniles.
Evaluations involving juveniles take age, developmental level, family circumstances, and the reason for the referral into consideration. The assessment approach is adjusted accordingly rather than simply applying an adult evaluation process to a younger individual.
Court-Ordered and Voluntary Evaluations
Some psychosexual evaluations are required as part of a legal or court process, while others are requested voluntarily.
When an evaluation is court-ordered or connected to a legal matter, relevant records and specific referral questions may be particularly important. The evaluator’s role is to provide an objective professional assessment based on the information available.
What to Expect
Psychosexual evaluations are generally completed virtually by video.
During the evaluation, you will be asked questions about your history and circumstances relevant to the assessment. Depending on the purpose of the evaluation, psychological testing or other standardized assessment measures may also be used.
Some situations, including individuals who are incarcerated or otherwise unable to participate through standard video conferencing, may require different arrangements.
The goal is to conduct a thorough, professional, and objective evaluation appropriate to the reason the assessment was requested.
