Psychiatric (Psychological) Disorders

Appropriate documentation should include an evaluation that has been completed within the last year (in most cases) by a certified and credentialed professional with expertise in this field. The evaluation should make evident the academic impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodations and services being requested. Reports must include:

  • Name of the professional
  • Title and professional credentials, including licensing number
  • Date of the evaluation
  • Printed on professional letterhead
  • Typed
  • Dated
  • Signed by professional who completed the evaluation
  • The evaluation must include the following:

Overall Summary and Evidence of Disability:

  • Reason for evaluation
  • Date or age of diagnosis and/or onset of condition
  • Date of last psychiatric evaluation
  • Discussion of nature, frequency and severity of condition
  • Expected duration or progression of condition
  • Current functioning in the educational setting (strengths and weaknesses, including current weaknesses that significantly restrict the student’s ability to perform in the education setting)
  • Relevant background information such as: developmental, academic, psychosocial, family, etc…
  • Discussion of prior appropriate accommodations

Comprehensive Evaluative Summary:

  • Statement of specific diagnosis, including DSM-5 code (s) from a licensed professional
  • Explanation of the type of functional limitations to major life activities created by the disability
  • List of current medications and other treatments, including potential side effects
  • Specific accommodation, auxiliary aides and/ or services recommendations for the academic setting with evidence from the supplied information
  • Identification of the evaluator including name, date evaluation was completed and evaluator’s signature

Students are encouraged to submit all required documentation along with their online request at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Submit questions, or inquiries for assistance in the accommodations process to accessibility@sacredheart.edu.

Adapted from: Connecticut Association on Higher Education and Disability Revised Documentation Guidelines