What can I expect in a psychological evaluation by the SSA?

If you are trying to get disability benefits due to a mental impairment, you may be required to undergo a psychological evaluation by a doctor appointed by the SSA. The point of this visit is not to treat your condition, but to get an understanding of it so that it can be determined whether you need benefits because of it. When it is over, the doctor will report the findings to the SSA, usually over the phone, though he will also record the results to place in your permanent file.

What to Expect during the Visit

You can expect the appointment to last about an hour, and it will be paid for by the SSA. In fact, you do not have to choose the doctor, as the SSA usually appoints someone of their choosing. You will be asked about your primary complaints when it comes to your mental impairment, and the doctor will deduce from this description which activities you are limited to. The doctor will also decide what tasks you do not seem able to do as a result of the impairment, as a major factor of whether you get disability benefits depends on how much the impairment affects your life. If applicable to your mental condition, the doctor will run some tests.At the end of the appointment, the doctor will provide a diagnosis for the SSA, which will be placed in your file for consideration when determining whether you should get disability benefits. The results of any tests that were run will also go with this document. While this is an important part of your application, note that your own doctor's evaluation of your condition has a bigger impact on the SSA's decision since he should have a greater knowledge of your particular case.