Mmpi – declaration of psychological and emotional health and Take an MMPI for your Level 3 or 4 License Application
Effective January 1, 2024, applicants for a Level 3 Security Officer (CSO) or Level 4 Personal Protection Officer (PPO) license will be required by Texas law to complete a Mental Health Professional (MMPI) assessment. (For more information on the change in law, see here, and specific Texas regulations, see here.) The primary purpose of this requirement is to ensure the mental and emotional well-being of security personnel. A psychologist or psychiatrist must have administered the MMPI and interviewed you to complete Form PSP-13, which is required for your application for a Level 3 or 4 license.
I have compiled an FAQ below to answer questions about the MMPI and describe the brief psychological assessment process I use. If you are ready to get started, please contact me using the form below or call me to schedule a consultation: (210) 588-0298
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MMPI? The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a measure of mental health and assesses a wide range of dimensions of psychological functioning. These include mood, thinking, and interpersonal problems, as well as behavioral problems and substance abuse. The test provides a series of scores that indicate where you stand on various scales compared to the general population. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) aims to use this test to determine whether you have significant problems in any of these important areas of psychological functioning.
Although the test seems simple—it consists of just a large number of true/false questions—it is very effective in determining whether the test taker is answering honestly. There are several ways to measure the validity of your profile. Therefore, it is important that you take the test seriously and answer honestly when you do. It is possible to create a profile that must be invalidated.
The MMPI is currently in its third edition, MMPI-3 (2020). For more information about the MMPI, visit the publisher’s website: Pearson Assessments.
How can you take the MMPI?
You can take the test online or in person with a psychologist using a computer or pen and paper. The test consists of a total of 335 statements, which you must answer with “True” or “False” to determine whether they apply to you. The test takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. After completing the test, the psychologist who administered it can create a report with the results, which they will discuss with you.
Who is qualified to administer the MMPI?
Currently, the publisher of the MMPI (Pearson) allows only licensed psychologists to administer this test. This is because the test requires a deep understanding of psychopathology and training in test interpretation. The MMPI cannot be administered by counselors with master’s degrees, such as LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs.
Is an MMPI only required for the PSP-13 form?
A psychologist who administers an MMPI is responsible for combining the interpretation of your test with an understanding of you as a person. This does not require a full psychological assessment, but it does require a little more than just reading the MMPI test results.
I will conduct a brief psychological assessment process. You will complete an intake form with information about your background (e.g. family, childhood, education, employment, relationships, medical history, legal issues, etc.), complete an MMPI online, and then meet with me (in person or virtually) so that I can combine your MMPI results with my impressions from reading your intake form and the in-person visit.
How much does this brief psychological assessment cost?
There are no standard fees for providers who offer this service, as different psychologists interpret their data differently. I charge a flat fee of $300 to complete, score, interpret, and review your MMPI with you, including a brief interview before signing the DPS form (PSP-13).
This service is not covered by your insurance, but I am happy to pay for an HSA card if you have one through your company. I will also be happy to provide you with an invoice so that you can claim reimbursement from your employer.
How long does the process take?
In most cases, I can help you complete the intake form and MMPI on the same day. I can then schedule an appointment online or in person within a week of you completing your application. This appointment usually lasts 25-50 minutes. If your MMPI
