What is the main purpose of psychological assessments?

Psychological assessments serve primarily to diagnose mental health disorders and create treatment plans. This process involves applying standardized tests, interviews, and observations to gather comprehensive information about an individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. By accurately diagnosing a mental health condition, psychologists can recommend appropriate interventions or therapies tailored to the individual’s needs.

The elements of the assessment may include understanding the history of the individual, the nature of their current issues, and how these issues impact their everyday functioning. This foundational understanding then guides the creation of effective treatment plans aimed at addressing the specific challenges the individual faces.

While predicting future behavior and outcomes has its place in psychology, it is not the primary goal of assessments. Evaluating physical health parameters falls outside the realm of psychological assessments, which focus on mental and emotional well-being. Finally, enhancing personal relationships can be a benefit of therapy stemming from assessments, but it is not the primary purpose of the assessment itself. Thus, the main role of psychological assessments centers on diagnosis and treatment planning, making the stated answer accurate.