Get to Know: Kara Rothmann, PsyD
Kara Rothmann, PsyD, is the psychologist for the Skyland Trail adolescent residential treatment program. All adolescent clients receive psychological testing as part of the 12-week residential program. Dr. Rothmann answers questions about psycholocial testing and her role on the multidisciplanary treatment team below.
Why is psychological testing as part of residential treatment important?
Psychological testing is important to treatment planning and positive treatment outcomes because it provides a clearer picture of the factors underlying an adolescent’s difficulties. Testing may identify a cognitive or developmental component to an adolescent’s mental health problems. Testing may also clarify the maladaptive thought process underlying an adolescent’s behaviors, which can then help their parents and treatment providers know how best to address these behaviors. Without the information provided by psychological testing, an adolescent may not receive the most effective treatment and end up feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
What are four reasons for a teen to complete psychological testing?
- Evaluation results can clarify functioning and diagnosis
- Evaluation results can guide treatment planning
- Evaluation results provide a baseline to assess treatment progress
- Evaluation results can lead to more services being covered by insurance or accommodations provided by school
How long have you been working with adolescents?
I have been working in the mental health field with children and adolescents for 16 years, since 2008. During that time, I have work in residential, private practice, community mental health, and school settings. However, I most enjoy working in the residential setting because of the team atmosphere.
What inspired you to become a psychologist?
I became a psychologist because I have always been curious about why people act the way they do and love being able to help others. In fact, I was drawn to the mental health field after my very first psychology class in high school.
How would you describe your role in the larger adolescent clinical team? How does the work you do with clients influence what happens in individual therapy, in family therapy, or in the learning lab?
My role on the adolescent campus is to conduct psychological testing with each client as the enter treatment. These psychological evaluations are then shared with team to provide insight and guidance for our client’s treatment.
How would you describe the changes you see clients make from admission to discharge?
I find it very gratifying to see our adolescent clients grow during their time at Skyland Trail. Perhaps the biggest area of change I notice is their increased self-confidence. They know they have the strength and skills to handle life’s challenges.
Can you share a favorite quote, piece of advice, or cheerleading mantra that inspires you?
I have always been fond of the Carl Rogers quote, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” I think a large part of our job in mental health is helping people understand and accept themselves. This is why I feel psychological testing is so powerful; it can help provide clients with such insight.