Hidden in Plain Sight

Everyone turns to psychological testing to address a problem. Usually, this means filling out questionnaires and getting a diagnosis. However, when the diagnosis is based too heavily on these questionnaires alone, it can miss key elements that might affect both the diagnosis and the treatment plan.

At Lifegrowth, our approach to testing isn’t about narrowing everything down to a label. Instead, we conduct a broad, comprehensive evaluation of all the factors that could be affecting your functioning or the challenges you're facing. That includes exploring neurology, learning, emotional functioning, behavior, physical health, and mind-body connections so we can uncover a full, accurate picture of what’s contributing to your difficulties.

Carmen Morrison, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Certified Integrative Mental Health Practitioner

A “Functional Psychology Approach”

Questionnaires alone can’t give us the full story for a diagnosis. There might be other health factors or neurological issues that mimic something else, such as anxiety. That’s why my approach, which I call “Functional Psychology,” digs deeper. We look at your entire being - brain, body, mind, and behavior - because it’s all interconnected. These elements together provide a comprehensive view of what’s affecting you and where we can have the greatest impact. This way, we can provide a thorough, effective plan for your care.

What Do You Evaluate?

  • Development – Assessing whether social, physical, and cognitive milestones are being met appropriately for age and stage.
  • Brain Neurology – Evaluating how your brain processes, responds, and functions in everyday life.
  • Emotions – Understanding how you experience, express, and regulate emotional responses.
  • Family and Relationships – Exploring the dynamics and quality of your interactions and support systems.
  • Learning – Identifying strengths and challenges in key areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving.
  • Physical Health – Reviewing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and medical history that may impact mental functioning.

What Difference Will a “Functional Psychology Approach” Mean for Me?

A Functional Psychology approach means we look beyond surface symptoms to uncover what's truly going on. Sometimes the answers lie in neurology, sometimes in learning patterns, emotional health, or even nutrition. Below are real-life examples of how comprehensive testing helped individuals finally find the clarity - and the solutions - they needed.

Elementary Age Child

  • The Scenario
    An elementary-aged child with severe ADHD-like behavior, lots of ADHD meds, difficulty focusing or sitting still even on meds, no genetic link to ADHD, exceptional parenting.

  • The Key that Unlocked Their Condition
    Nutrition: I had the parents start an elimination diet with the child, to remove foods that trigger reactivity for ADHD.

  • Results
    Within two weeks, the symptoms went from extreme to manageable.

Young Adult

  • The Scenario
    Extremely bright young adult student, always in gifted programs, 98th percentile in IQ, refused to go to college.

  • The Key that Unlocked Their Condition
    Neurology and learning style: Testing uncovered several learning disabilities that were hidden because other abilities compensated for them.

  • Results
    With the testing results, the student could receive learning support and pursue their education without struggling alone.

Adult

  • The Scenario
    An adult was experiencing severe memory problems affecting relationships.

  • The Key that Unlocked Their Condition
    Testing revealed ADHD symptoms. The memory issues were actually due to attention deficit.

  • Results
    Simple behavioral changes and a small dose of a stimulant made a world of difference.

How do I know if my child or I would Benefit from Psychological Testing?

Psychological testing can be a powerful tool when you’ve tried everything and still don’t have answers. Whether your child is struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally beyond what seems developmentally typical, or you’re a student or adult facing persistent challenges with focus, mood, learning, or relationships, testing helps uncover the root cause. It’s about more than a label; it’s about gaining clarity so that the right interventions can be put in place. For many families, including our own, testing has provided insights that transformed not just treatment plans, but day-to-day support and understanding.

What Do I Get with Lifegrowth’s Psychological Testing?

You’ll receive a personalized plan, backed by research, to improve every area identified in your evaluation. Your plan will include:

Custom & Personalized Report

Following a comprehensive evaluation, we deliver a custom report outlining a clear, research-backed treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. No generic checklists, but actionable insights designed to support real progress.

Deep Insights into Learning, Emotions, and Brain Function

Our testing goes beyond surface-level screening. You’ll gain a full picture of how your brain processes information, how you manage emotions, and how various neurological or psychological factors might be affecting your daily life. These insights are essential for accurate diagnoses and effective care.

Evidence-Based, Action-Oriented Recommendations

Your report includes a roadmap of evidence-based recommendations you can trust. This may mean therapy approaches, school accommodations, parenting strategies, or lifestyle shifts. Each recommendation is specific, practical, and chosen to help you move forward with confidence.

All-encompassing Wellness plan

True psychological health involves more than just mental or emotional functioning. That’s why we include wellness recommendations based on what’s uncovered in your evaluation. We make recommendations from nutrition and sleep patterns to stress management and relational support so that healing can happen across every area of life.

Learn More About our Approach
Learn More About our Approach

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