We provide PTSD testing, which typically involves a combination of self-report or parent-report questionnaires, scientifically normed tests, and structured clinical interviews. This post covers the three types of assessment we can provide: trauma evaluations for adults who experienced the trauma after childhood, childhood trauma testing for adults, and trauma assessments for children, all of which differ significantly. We can give an online PTSD test or in person, and these evaluations can stand alone or be part of a more comprehensive assessment. If you have any questions about how a trauma evaluation would benefit you or a loved one, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
PTSD Testing Overview
The following are the basic components of PTSD testing for adults who experienced the trauma after childhood.
PTSD Testing Self-Report Questionnaires
These are often used as psychological screening tools to help gauge symptoms, but they are not diagnostic in themselves.
PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)
A 20-item online PTSD test questionnaire based on DSM-5 criteria.
Measures symptom severity and helps monitor changes over time.
Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)
An online PTSD test that measures distress caused by traumatic events.
Focuses on symptoms like avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal.
Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS)
Self-rating scale assessing the frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms.
Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2)
Online PTSD test that assesses acute and chronic trauma symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and dissociation.
PTSD Testing Structured Clinical Interviews
These online PTSD test options are more in-depth.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
Considered the gold standard online PTSD test for diagnosis and trauma evaluation.
Assesses frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms over the past week or month.
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
A broader interview covering multiple psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.
PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I)
A semi-structured trauma evaluation interview focused on assessing PTSD symptoms.
Additional Psychological Tests
While not PTSD-specific, these may be used to assess related concerns like anxiety, depression, or cognitive function:
Biological or Physiological Assessments (Less Common)
Brain imaging (e.g., fMRI)
Cortisol level testing (stress hormone analysis)
PTSD Testing Key Points to Keep in Mind
No single online PTSD test can provide a full picture—usually, multiple tools are combined.
While some of these online PTSD test instruments can be self-administered, you are much better off having a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional like us who can integrate the findings and give you detailed ideas for addressing symptoms and reducing their impact.
Most commonly, childhood trauma testing for adults typically focuses on assessing the long-term emotional, psychological, and behavioral effects of traumatic experiences. This involves online PTSD test tools that identify past trauma, current symptoms, and their impact on daily life. Below are common assessments:
Self-Report Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults
These are the childhood trauma testing for adults tools we commonly use, often choosing two of the four depending on the client and trauma.
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)
A widely used 28-item questionnaire.
Assesses five types of childhood trauma:
Emotional abuse
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional neglect
Physical neglect
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire
Measures exposure to 10 common adverse childhood experiences.
Helps estimate the risk for long-term health and mental health issues.
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Adults (TSC-40)
Evaluates trauma-related symptoms in adults.
Focuses on anxiety, depression, and dissociation.
Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II)
Screens for dissociative symptoms often linked to childhood trauma.
Includes questions about memory gaps, identity confusion, and detachment.
Clinical Interviews
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
A diagnostic tool used in childhood trauma testing for adults tool that can identify trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Trauma History Screen (THS)
A brief interview assessing exposure to traumatic events and their emotional impact.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
Gold-standard interview for PTSD diagnosis.
Can also be tailored to focus on childhood trauma if relevant to current symptoms.
Psychological and Emotional Impact Assessments
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
Evaluates depression symptoms common in trauma survivors.
Identifies personality disorders and chronic psychological conditions often linked to early trauma.
Additional Testing for Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ): Measures symptoms of Complex PTSD, including emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal difficulties.
Life Events Checklist (LEC-5): Assesses exposure to potentially traumatic events, including childhood abuse and neglect.
Case Example: Adult Online PTSD Test Battery
Client: Sarah, 32 years old Presenting Issue: Persistent anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, recurring nightmares, and episodes of dissociation. Referral Reason: Sarah was referred for a trauma evaluation after experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks at work.
PTSD Testing Process
The following is the process we would follow for this hypothetical trauma evaluation
1. PTSD Testing Initial Intake and Clinical Interview
Tool Used:Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
Purpose: Establish current symptoms and identify potential diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders.
Outcome: Sarah reported a history of emotional neglect and verbal abuse from her primary caregiver during childhood. She also described witnessing domestic violence regularly.
2. Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults History Assessment
Tool Used:Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), a cornerstone of childhood trauma testing for adults
Purpose: Assess specific childhood trauma experiences and their frequency and severity.
Outcome: The CTQ revealed high scores in Emotional Abuse, Emotional Neglect, and Witnessing Violence categories.
3. PTSD Testing Symptom Assessment
Tool Used:Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) used in childhood trauma testing for adults
Purpose: Evaluate PTSD symptoms and their severity based on DSM-5 criteria.
Outcome: Sarah met the criteria for Chronic PTSD with symptoms of avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and frequent flashbacks.
Medication Management: SSRI for anxiety and depression symptoms.
Support Groups: Join trauma recovery peer groups for shared experiences and support.
Key Takeaways from the PTSD Testing Case Example:
Comprehensive Testing Matters: Multiple tools were used to capture Sarah’s trauma history, symptom severity, and emotional impact.
Holistic Approach: Addressing both trauma-related symptoms and functional impairment is crucial.
Professional Involvement: An expert clinical psychologist from our group conducted the assessment and designed the treatment plan.
Trauma Assessments for Children
Assessing trauma in children requires specialized tools that consider their developmental stage, communication abilities, and managing emotional dysregulation. Below are common methods and tools used in trauma assessments for children:
Self-Report Questionnaires (Child-Reported)
These tools are typically used for older children and adolescents who can express their experiences and emotions in a trauma evaluation.
Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS)
Measures PTSD symptoms in children aged 8–18.
Includes questions about re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
Used in trauma assessments for children ages 8–16.
Evaluates anxiety, depression, anger, and dissociation related to trauma.
UCLA PTSD Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI)
Used in trauma assessments for children ages 7–18.
Screens for trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms.
Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS)
Used in trauma assessments for children ages 7–17.
Measures traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria.
Structured Trauma Assessments for Children
These trauma evaluations involve direct interaction with a trained professional and are often paired with caregiver reports.
Kiddie-SADS (K-SADS)
Semi-structured interview for children and parents.
Assesses mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related symptoms.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA)
Gold-standard interview for diagnosing PTSD in children.
Assesses symptom frequency and intensity.
Trauma History Interview (THI)
Collects a detailed history of traumatic events from both child and caregiver.
Caregiver/Parent-Report Questionnaires
Parents or caregivers provide insight into a child’s behavior and emotional responses.
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
Identifies emotional and behavioral problems, including those related to trauma.
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC)
Used in trauma assessments for children ages 3–12.
Caregiver report on trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Young Child PTSD Checklist (YCPC)
For children aged 3–6.
Assesses symptoms of PTSD in early childhood.
Play and Projective Trauma Assessments for Children
For younger children or those unable to verbally express trauma, play and creative therapies are often used.
Children create scenes with miniature figures in a sandbox, which can reveal trauma-related concerns.
Other Tools and Screeners
Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) – Assesses exposure to traumatic events.
Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS) – Screens for emotional distress in children aged 2–10.
Key Considerations for Trauma Assessments for Children:
Developmental Sensitivity: Tools must match the child’s cognitive and emotional development.
Multiple Informants: Combining child, caregiver, and clinician perspectives ensures a more accurate assessment. These assessments are often part of general child psychological testing.
Cultural Competency: Tools should be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
Professional Involvement: Only trained mental health professionals like us should conduct and interpret these assessments – these trauma evaluations should not be administered by parents.
Childhood Trauma Evaluation Case Example
Client: Jacob, 9 years old Presenting Issue: Frequent nightmares, difficulty concentrating at school, increased irritability, and withdrawal from peers. Referral Reason: Jacob was referred to a child psychologist after his teacher noticed sudden behavioral changes following the death of his mother.
Childhood Trauma Evaluation Process
1. Initial Intake and Clinical Interview
Tool Used:Kiddie-SADS (K-SADS)
Purpose: Assess current symptoms and gather family history to identify possible trauma-related conditions.
Outcome: Jacob’s father reported that Jacob’s mother passed away unexpectedly 6 months ago, and Jacob had witnessed the event. He was also exposed to emotional distress during her illness prior to her death. Jacob has since become withdrawn and increasingly fearful of losing other loved ones.
2. Trauma History Assessment
Tool Used:Trauma History Interview (THI)
Purpose: Gather detailed information on traumatic events Jacob has experienced.
Outcome: Jacob reported experiencing his mother’s illness and subsequent death as traumatic, and he described feelings of confusion and fear after the loss. He also recalled feeling helpless and unable to protect her during her final days.
3. PTSD Symptom Assessment
Tool Used:UCLA PTSD Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI)
Purpose: Evaluate PTSD symptoms based on Jacob’s responses to the trauma of his mother’s death.
Outcome: Jacob displayed symptoms of intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance (refusing to talk about his mother), and hyperarousal (startling easily, irritability). He met the criteria for acute PTSD.
4. Emotional and Behavioral Functioning Assessment
Tool Used:Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
Purpose: Assess a broad range of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, depression, anger management difficulties, and emotional dysregulation.
Outcome: Jacob exhibited significant anxiety and depression symptoms, including excessive worry, sadness, and irritability. He also reported feelings of isolation and being “different” from his peers.
5. Family/Caregiver Report
Tool Used:Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
Purpose: Understand how Jacob’s symptoms manifest at home and in interactions with family members.
Outcome: Jacob’s father reported that Jacob had difficulty falling asleep, often woke up in the middle of the night crying, and avoided talking about his mother. He also became easily upset during family gatherings and distanced himself from relatives.
Assessment Summary Report
Diagnosis: Acute PTSD (with prominent symptoms of intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and avoidance), Adjustment Disorder (with depressive and anxiety features).
Key Findings:
Jacob’s trauma was directly related to the sudden death of his mother, an event he witnessed.
Symptoms include nightmares, avoidance behaviors, irritability, withdrawal, and emotional distress.
Symptoms significantly impact his functioning at home and school.
Engage Jacob’s father in therapy to support family communication and strengthen emotional bonds during the grieving process.
Relaxation Techniques
Teach Jacob techniques to reduce anxiety and manage emotional outbursts (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation).
School Support
Work with school personnel to provide emotional and academic accommodations while Jacob adjusts to his grief.
Key Takeaways from the Case Example:
Multifaceted Assessment: Using a combination of tools like the K-SADS, TSCC, and UCLA PTSD-RI gives a thorough understanding of trauma symptoms.
Family-Centered Approach: Family involvement is key to providing the child with the support they need at home.
Developmental Sensitivity: Tools like Play Therapy and TF-CBT ensure that the treatment plan aligns with Jacob’s age and developmental stage.
Our PTSD Testing Services
We offer PTSD testing in the categories mentioned here:
childhood trauma testing for adults
trauma assessments for children
non-childhood trauma evaluation services for adults
How to Get PTSD Testing
We can offer an online PTSD test battery for children and adults for a variety of purposes, including treatment planning, educational and work accommodations, forensic evaluations, and self-help and holistic strategies. We only provide trauma assessments for children over 12 virtually; for younger children, we provide in-person services in Boston, New York, and Southern California. For childhood trauma testing for adults or a mental trauma test for experiences after childhood, we provide services to most of the U.S. We can integrate these assessments with other types, such as testing for borderline personality disorder, depression, or anxiety.
Answers to the questions individuals, families, and clinicians ask most often about PTSD testing, childhood trauma evaluations, and trauma assessments for children.
PTSD testing is a structured, evidence-based evaluation that uses standardized questionnaires, clinician-administered interviews, and psychological assessment instruments to determine whether a person meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD or a related trauma disorder, assess symptom severity and functional impact, and produce a clear clinical picture that guides treatment. We offer three distinct evaluation tracks:
Trauma evaluations for adults who experienced the traumatic event after childhood — addressing specific trauma incidents and their aftermath
Childhood trauma testing for adults — assessing the long-term psychological effects of adverse childhood experiences on current functioning, relationships, and identity
Trauma assessments for children — using developmentally calibrated instruments appropriate to the child’s age, verbal capacity, and cognitive stage
It is entirely normal to experience significant distress, sleep disruption, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. These acute reactions are a healthy nervous system response to an abnormal situation — and most people recover naturally over time without developing PTSD.
PTSD is distinguished from a normal stress reaction by three clinical factors:
Persistence — symptoms that remain intense beyond one month after the traumatic event (earlier presentations may meet criteria for Acute Stress Disorder)
Severity — symptoms that are clinically significant rather than subclinical or transient
Functional impact — symptoms that meaningfully impair social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
PTSD testing distinguishes between PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and Complex PTSD by systematically evaluating the timing, duration, severity, and cross-situational pattern of symptoms — and by ruling out anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and borderline personality features that can produce overlapping presentations. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that PTSD affects approximately 3.6% of U.S. adults in any given year — with lifetime prevalence substantially higher.
The gold standard for PTSD diagnosis in adults is the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) — a structured interview that assesses the frequency and intensity of all PTSD symptom clusters and produces both a categorical diagnosis and a continuous severity score. It is used in combination with:
PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) — a 20-item self-report questionnaire tracking symptom severity and monitoring change over time
Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) — measures avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal caused by specific traumatic events
Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2) — assesses both acute and chronic trauma symptoms including dissociation, anxiety, and depression
Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) — screens for dissociative symptoms commonly linked to severe or prolonged trauma
MMPI-3, PAI, and BDI-II — added when co-occurring depression, personality patterns, or broader psychopathology requires assessment
The specific battery is always tailored to the individual’s trauma history, referral questions, and presenting profile — not applied as a fixed checklist.
Childhood trauma testing for adults specifically assesses the long-term psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects of adverse childhood experiences — including emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and exposure to domestic violence — on current functioning.
It differs from a standard PTSD evaluation in both its instruments and interpretive focus:
A standard adult PTSD evaluation addresses a specific traumatic event and its aftermath, with instruments calibrated to that incident
Childhood trauma testing for adults explores the cumulative, developmental impact of early adverse experiences on current attachment patterns, identity, emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and self-concept
Core instruments include the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire, the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Adults (TSC-40), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II), and the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) for complex PTSD. The clinical formulation addresses not just symptom severity but the developmental pathways through which early trauma shaped the adult’s current psychology — often connecting childhood experiences to present-day relationship patterns, attachment style, and self-regulation capacity.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) arises from prolonged, repeated trauma — particularly when escape was impossible or severely constrained, such as childhood abuse by a caregiver, domestic violence, or trafficking. Unlike standard PTSD, which is defined by four core symptom clusters, C-PTSD additionally involves three domains of personality-level disruption collectively called disturbances in self-organization:
Emotional dysregulation — intense, difficult-to-control emotional reactions or emotional numbing
Negative self-concept — deep, pervasive shame, self-blame, and a sense of being permanently damaged
Interpersonal difficulties — persistent problems with intimacy, trust, and maintaining relationships
Testing identifies C-PTSD through a combination of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), which specifically measures both PTSD and C-PTSD criteria; the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II); the MCMI-IV to assess personality-level features; and the CAPS-5 alongside the clinical interview. An important clinical task in this evaluation is distinguishing C-PTSD from borderline personality disorder, which shares several surface features but has a different developmental trajectory and responds better to different treatment approaches.
Trauma assessments for children require specialized instruments calibrated to the child’s developmental stage, cognitive and verbal capacity, and the nature of the traumatic experience. Younger children cannot reliably self-report complex emotional states, which means clinician observation, caregiver report, and play-based assessment carry greater weight than with adults.
Child self-report instruments (ages 7–18) — Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS), Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), UCLA PTSD Reaction Index, and Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS)
Clinician-administered structured interviews — Kiddie-SADS (K-SADS) covering mood, anxiety, and trauma; and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA)
Caregiver-report instruments — Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) for ages 3–12
Play-based and projective assessment (younger children) — therapeutic play observation, Draw-A-Person tasks, and sandplay therapy for children unable to verbalize trauma experiences
These assessments are often integrated with broader child psychological testing. We provide trauma assessments for children over age 12 virtually; for children ages 3–12, in-person evaluation is required and available in Boston, New York City, and Southern California.
PTSD rarely presents in isolation. The most common co-occurring conditions include:
Major depression — affects the majority of individuals with PTSD; overlaps in emotional numbing, reduced interest, sleep disruption, and cognitive impairment; see our mood testing services
Anxiety disorders — generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety co-occur frequently; the hyperarousal cluster of PTSD is often mistaken for primary anxiety
Dissociative disorders — particularly common with childhood trauma and prolonged trauma exposure; the DES-II is specifically included to screen for these
Substance use disorders — frequently develop as a coping mechanism for intrusive symptoms and hyperarousal
Personality disorders — particularly BPD, with which complex PTSD shares significant symptom overlap that requires careful clinical differentiation
ADHD — hyperarousal, concentration difficulties, and impulsivity in PTSD can closely mimic ADHD presentations and vice versa
Our battery is specifically designed to distinguish trauma-specific symptoms from those of co-occurring conditions — because that distinction determines which treatments will produce lasting relief rather than temporary symptom management.
A comprehensive PTSD evaluation directly guides treatment selection in ways that clinical intuition alone cannot achieve. Different trauma presentations respond to different evidence-based treatments — and mismatching treatment to the clinical picture is one of the most common reasons trauma therapy stalls or produces only partial improvement.
Testing informs which approach best fits the individual’s specific profile:
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) — particularly effective for discrete trauma memories with clear triggers and associated maladaptive beliefs
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) — indicated when emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties are prominent, as in complex PTSD and trauma-related personality features
Somatic and body-based approaches — indicated when physiological hyperarousal and dissociation are central to the presentation
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) — addresses the maladaptive beliefs about self, others, and the world that trauma generates
The evaluation report specifies which approaches — and in what sequence — are most clinically indicated for the individual’s specific trauma profile and functional presentation. Medication consultation points are also included when pharmacological support is indicated alongside therapy.
Yes, with some important distinctions by age and evaluation type:
Adults (childhood trauma testing and post-childhood trauma evaluations) — fully available virtually to most of the United States; we are PSYPACT-authorized to provide virtual psychological testing across 44 states
Children over age 12 — trauma assessments available virtually across PSYPACT states
Children ages 3–12 — in-person evaluation required; developmentally appropriate trauma assessment in this age range relies on play-based observation, caregiver interaction, and direct clinical observation that telehealth cannot adequately replicate. In-person services available in Boston, New York City, and Southern California
We assess virtual suitability for each individual case during the initial consultation and discuss any components that may benefit from in-person contact. For adults, the evaluation can be completed entirely remotely without compromising clinical validity for the majority of the battery.
Yes. A well-documented PTSD or trauma evaluation provides the clinical foundation for formal accommodations across educational and professional settings:
K–12 students — IEPs and 504 Plans covering extended time, reduced-distraction environments, excused absences for trauma-related appointments, and modified workloads during acute symptom periods
Forensic and legal contexts — documentation for disability claims, legal proceedings, and medical or psychiatric coordination
The written report integrates all assessment data into a comprehensive clinical picture including a formal DSM-5 diagnosis with documented criteria; a trauma history and functional impact narrative; a severity profile across the four PTSD symptom clusters; specific treatment recommendations including therapeutic modalities and medication consultation points; and accommodation documentation where indicated. A feedback session is included before the final report is issued. For individuals seeking trauma-focused therapy, individual therapy and trauma-specialized treatment are available through our therapy practice.
Ready to take the first step toward understanding and healing?
Our PTSD testing and trauma evaluations are comprehensive, evidence-based, and conducted with sensitivity to the courage it takes to seek this kind of clarity. We serve children, teens, and adults — virtually across 44 states and in-person in Boston, New York City, and Southern California.
Dr. Alan Jacobson, Psy.D., MBAFounder and Chief Psychologist
Dr. Alan S. Jacobson, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and the Founder of Foresight Psychological Institute. He specializes in comprehensive psychological testing, diagnostic assessment, and high-stakes accommodations evaluations. He provides evidence-based assessment and consultation services for students, professionals, and organizations, with particular expertise in ADHD, executive functioning, anxiety, learning differences, and performance optimization. Dr. Jacobson integrates rigorous psychometrics with practical clinical insight to deliver precise, defensible evaluations grounded in applied psychological science.
About Dr. Alan Jacobson, Founder and Chief Psychologist
Alan Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Foresight Psychological Institute, the parent company of Precision Psychological Testing.
Alan Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Foresight Psychological Institute, the parent company of Precision Psychological Testing.
