There is a lot that goes into processing a disability application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes sure that you have a legitimate disability before considering you fully disabled. But why would the SSA send you to a psychologist?
The SSA might send you to a psychologist for many reasons, including to either review or verify the information in your application. The psychologist may work with the disability examiner in order to verify your history or determine whether your psychological condition constitutes a disability.
Keep reading below as we talk more about why the SSA may send you to a psychologist and how to prepare for this evaluation.
Why is Disability Sending Me to a Psychologist?
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a mental health disability, an applicant must undergo a mental health assessment by a psychological consultant (PC).
A PC is a psychiatrist or psychologist with a valid license who examines and verifies your mental health history in order to assess your eligibility for benefits.
The Social Security Administration states that a PC’s job is to:
- Assess your claim alongside the Disability Examiner (DE) and, if necessary, a medical consultant.
- Assess the data presented in your application and decide if more investigation or clarification is required.
- Examine the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments to see if your mental health issue qualifies for disability.
Who Performs the Social Security Examination?
In most cases, Social Security would rather you get your mental health checked out by a doctor of your own choosing. But there are times when it’s best to bring in an outside medical expert, such as when:
- Your treating doctor is reluctant to conduct a psychological evaluation.
- Your treating physician or psychologist cannot address discrepancies in your record by conducting a mental evaluation because the SSA views your treating physician as the source of the discrepancies.
- You feel more comfortable having an impartial psychologist or psychiatrist do the evaluation.
- Your treating physician has not been a helpful resource for the SSA in the past (or is not considered qualified to conduct the exam).
The Social Security Administration will arrange for a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, to evaluate your mental health after a claims examiner for the agency determines that such an evaluation is necessary.
If possible, the agency will schedule your appointment close to your home.
If you require transportation (such as hiring a driver because you are unable to do so yourself), Social Security may be able to provide financial assistance. If you require assistance organizing or paying for transportation to your exam, please inform the claims examiner as soon as possible.
Types of Exams Performed by the PC
Following are the types of examinations that may be required by the SSA:
Psychological Exam
A disability applicant may be sent for a comprehensive psychological evaluation if there are:
- Evidence of memory impairment (which could require the use of a WMS or Wechsler memory scale)
- Borderline low intellectual functioning (which could include the use of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)
- A premorbid decline in IQ (which may be caused by organic brain syndrome or head trauma)
When it becomes necessary to test or evaluate a child’s mental abilities, the following tests are commonly administered to them:
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), also known as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
Mental Status Examination
You may be required to undergo a Mental Status Exam (MSE) by the Social Security Administration if you’ve applied for disability payments based on a physical disability and have indicated that you also suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Even if you do not list this condition as the reason for your impairment on your application, it is possible that you will still be considered disabled based on this condition. In fact, it is common practice to refer disability claimants to an MSE after only one reference to anxiety or depression in a primary care physician’s notes.
When evaluating a claim for social security disability benefits, disability examiners have a considerably greater obligation than a disability judge to investigate the “potential” of a claim based on a mental impairment if there is even a hint of evidence suggesting the claimant suffers from one.
Furthermore, a mental status examination may be necessary if you file for disability due to a physical problem like persistent pain that your doctor cannot diagnose.
Psychiatric Evaluation
Applicants for disability benefits who state that they suffer from depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia may be required to undergo comprehensive psychiatric assessments carried out by a psychiatrist to determine the extent to which their condition impacts their daily life.
How to Prepare for a Psychological Exam
Disability Insurance applications, as well as any accompanying medical or psychological evaluations, can be nerve-wracking, but there are ways to minimize this stress.
1. Prepare in Advance by Filling Out All Required Forms
When you first apply for Social Security Administration disability benefits, you’ll need to submit a lot of evidence to prove your eligibility. As your evaluation day approaches, you can save yourself time and stress by spending some time now getting your paperwork in order.
2. Document as Much of Your History as You Can
The Social Security Administration requires very specific descriptions of the daily effects of a mental health problem. You should be ready to address any and all questions about your disability, including those pertaining to your employment, medical care, medication, and the impact on your daily life.
You can ask for assistance in creating this record from your usual therapist or another mental health practitioner.
3. Have Your Health Records Readily Available
If you do not submit the required medical documentation, Disability Determination Services has the potential to delay your application by months. It is important to have all necessary medical records handy, especially those that pertain to your mental health, when applying.
Conclusion
So, now you know what it means when the SSA sends you to a psychologist. Make sure you are prepared for this evaluation by following the tips above. You should also talk to an advocate, visit the SSA’s website for additional information, or consult with a disability attorney to be more prepared.
