The Process of Psychological Evaluation in Ministry to Those Presenting with Spiritual Affliction

This article is the second in a three-part Special Supplement presenting the Catholic Psychotherapy Association's guidelines for mental health professionals (MHPs) assisting in the ministry of deliverance and exorcism with a focus on psychological evaluation. In ministry to those who present with spiritual affliction, the MHP fills a key role in conducting a comprehensive psychological evaluation and then providing feedback to referring priests, exorcists, family members, and the individuals themselves. The evaluation follows the standard professional protocols but with some special considerations, especially in differential diagnosis and with respect to communication of the results. The mental health evaluation works along with medical and spiritual assessments to offer clergy a complete picture of the individual, enabling them to discern appropriate and compassionate care and interventions. This collaborative approach is essential for clarifying the nature and root causes of a person's difficulties—whether physical, psychological, spiritual, or, most often, a combination of multiple factors. Guidance on conducting such an evaluation, reporting the results, and delivering feedback is provided.