Healthy Minds, Safe Communities
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Assessment Tools
A broad range of assessment instruments and physiological tools (digitalized penile plethysmography to measure sexual arousal) will be utilized where indicated. The Institute for Sexual Wellness proposes to utilize the following assessment tools:
Physiological Based Measurement
The physiological based measurements are utilized to elucidate an individual’s sexual preferences as well as measuring an individual’s response to treatment. For example a comparison of a pre-treatment PPG with a post-treatment PPG provides valuable information regarding the effectiveness of treatment.
a. Plethysmography: Penile plethysmography involves measuring volumetric changes in the penis while concomitantly presenting the patient with visual and auditory stimuli involving paraphilic content.
b. Abel: The Abel test is a means of assessing an individual’s sexual interest based on visual reaction time. http://www.abelscreen.com/products.html
c. Polygraph: The polygraph is a tool used to evaluate the reliability of a patient’s self report. Post-conviction polygraph examinations are increasingly used as a mechanism to assist in managing sex offenders more safely and effectively in their communities.
Psychological Testing
a. VASOR: The Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk (VASOR) is a risk assessment scale for adult male sex offenders ages 18 and older. The VASOR is composed of two scales, a 13-item reoffense risk scale and a 6-item violence scale. The reoffense risk scale is designed for assessing the likelihood of sexual recidivism. The violence scale is designed for assessing the nature of an individual's violence history and offense.
b. WAIS: The WAIS is an abbreviated measure of IQ.
c. Clarke Sex History Questionnaire for Males-Revised: Twenty-three scales (including two validity scales) provide a comprehensive sexual history to help evaluate an offender’s risk to others and potential for rehabilitation.
d. Hare Psychopathy Scale: The Hare checklist is the best-studied tool to assess psychopathy. Psychopathy is an important risk factor in sex offender recidivism and treatment.
Laboratory and Medical Testing
a. Neuropsychological testing provides diagnostic clarification and grading of clinical severity for patients with subtle or obvious cognitive disorders. This data results in a better understanding of an individual’s neurological functioning.
b. Baseline laboratory tests are required to evaluate an individual’s general physical health. The Institute for Sexual Wellness does not provide primary care services such as physical exam, blood tests, EKG, or bone density scans. Individuals will be referred to their primary care physician or a community hospital to obtain medical tests.