Psychosexual Evaluation and Treatment
Psychosexual evaluations are conducted when there are concerns about a person’s sexual
behaviors. The sexual behavior or concern may be considered illegal and/or deviant, including, not limited to: pedophilia
or child sexual molestation; rape; exhibitionism or the exposure of one’s genitals; fetishism,or the use of nonliving
objects; frotteurism, or the touching of nonconsenting persons; sexual masochism or sexual sadism; voyeurism or the watching
of unsuspecting persons for sexual purposes; problems with pornography in general or the use, manufacture or distribution
of child pornography; obscene telephone calling; beastiality or zoophilia; excessive masturbation; other obsessive or addictive
sexual practices.
Sexual behavior of concern may be seen in adults, adolescents and children. Psychosexual
evaluations require an extensive clinical interview with the client (and also parent(s) or guardian(s) of minor clients),
psychological and sexuality testing along with cognitive and mental status assessments. A review of collateral data
should also occur, including but not limited to:
- Court documents and Pre-Sentence Investigations
- Law Enforcement Reports – Criminal History Data
- School Records to include: Grades, Disciplinary, I.E.P. and Psychological Counseling Records
- Previous Psychological Evaluations
- Chemical Dependency Evaluations
- Victims Statements
The psychosexual evaluation will help determine whether the presenting sexual behavior(s) of concern place the client
and/or the community at high, medium or low risk or concern. Outpatient sexual counseling may be recommended for persons
considered to be low to moderate risk when the person admits to having a sexual problem and reports they will commit to an
active therapy plan designed to reduce their risk of recidivism. Residential treatment and/or incarceration may be recommended
for persons viewed to be high risk for further sexual offending, for persons who deny their offenses, or for persons not willing
to participate in recommended sexual treatment.
Psychosexual evaluations often require a full day of evaluation or multiple shorter assessment appointments. It
is helpful to know ahead of time, when possible, if the client can read and write normally or whether they have problems in
these areas.
