Psychological assessment is the process of gathering information about a person's psychological functioning using various tools and methods. This information is used to understand an individual's strengths, weaknesses, behaviors, and mental health status. The primary goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual for purposes such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation. Assessments can include interviews, observations, and standardized tests that measure cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional states, and behavioral patterns. For example, a clinician might use a personality inventory to assess for traits like introversion or neuroticism, or a cognitive test to evaluate memory and problem-solving skills. The results help psychologists make informed decisions about an individual's needs and how best to support them.