What marks a good psychological report?

A good psychological report is characterized by the involvement of a comprehensive interpretation of assessment results. This allows the clinician to convey not only the raw data collected during the assessment but also insights and understanding about the client’s psychological state, behaviors, and potential avenues for treatment or support. Such interpretations can help stakeholders, including clients, therapists, and related professionals, make informed decisions based on the findings.

Comprehensive interpretations synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, making the report more useful and contextualized rather than just presenting isolated facts or demographic details. This holistic approach ensures that the insights derived from the assessment are actionable and relevant, ultimately contributing to better therapeutic outcomes.

While providing mere demographic information or a long list of irrelevant details may seem straightforward, it fails to serve the primary purpose of a psychological report, which is to foster understanding and guide treatment. Additionally, a brief overview without interpretation would lack depth and utility, leaving critical insights unexamined.