What is a psychologist required to do after completing testing with a client?

After completing testing with a client, a psychologist is required to offer an appropriate explanation of the results. This is essential for ensuring that clients understand the findings in a clear and accessible manner. Providing an explanation goes beyond simply summarizing the results; it involves contextualizing the findings and discussing their implications for the client's situation or treatment plan. This practice aligns with ethical standards in psychology, which emphasize the importance of informed consent and the client's right to comprehend the information that affects their care and well-being.

An appropriate explanation also facilitates better communication between the psychologist and the client, fostering a more therapeutic relationship. It allows the client to ask questions and engage actively in their treatment process, which can enhance outcomes and promote adherence to recommendations. This reflects the psychologist's responsibility to be respectful and supportive in guiding clients through potentially complex information.

In contrast, merely providing a brief summary might leave the client with questions and insufficient understanding of their results. Discussing the results only upon the client's request does not ensure that they receive the necessary comprehension and clarification, especially if the testing results reveal critical aspects that the client may not be aware of. Sending results directly to the client's physician is not appropriate unless there is a specific consent or clinical reason to do so, as it may violate confidentiality