Medical and Psychological Testing Information

An integral part of each Ordination Process is the canonically mandated Medical Examination and Psychological Evaluation.  These are normally scheduled after an aspirant for Holy Orders has completed the parish discernment portion of his/her Discernment Process (or is in the process of completing that step) but they may be scheduled sooner at the choice of the aspirant.  These evaluations must be satisfactorily completed before the Commission on Ministry can make a recommendation to the Bishop concerning Postulancy (or ordination).  The cost of the medical examination is borne by the aspirant or by his/her insurance and the cost of the psychological evaluation (which includes both testing and screening) is borne by the aspirant.  Some congregations pay all or part of these expenses.  The aspirant is responsible for making his/her own appointments.

Medical Examination

The medical examination is arranged by the aspirant with his/her own physician, using the prescribed form.   You can find this form by clicking Medical Examination Form|here.

Psychological Evaluation consists of two steps:

1)         Psychological Testing

The cost of psychological testing is $350.  Testing is conducted by Deborah

Wennerstrom, Ph.D., MAC or by The Reverend Wallace Reynolds, PhD.

2)         Psychological Screening

The cost of the psychological evaluation and screening is $350.  This evaluation is with The Reverend Wallace Reynolds or Dr. Wennerstrom.  This evaluation is an hour and fifteen minutes in duration and must be scheduled after the psychological testing, allowing sufficient time for processing.  If the aspirant is married, it is expected that the spouse also will attend the screening interview.

If the psychologist(s) determines that another test(s) is (are) required, the cost will

range between $50 - $200

Both the Psychological Testing and the Psychological Screening are conducted through:

The Episcopal Counseling Center

1021 A  East Robinson Street

Orlando, FL  32801

(407) 423-3327

Location for the Testing and Screening will be at the Counseling Center or may be arranged with the psychologist.

(over)

Psychiatric Referral

Should the Bishop (or the Commission on Ministry) feel it necessary or desirable to obtain a psychiatric referral the aspirant is responsible for making an appointment with:

Dr. Joe Muller

The group for Psychiatry, Psychology and Social Services

1215 Louisiana Avenue

Winter Park, FL  32789

(407) 423-3326

The cost of the psychiatric evaluation is $375

Enclosed you will find:

1.                  Behavior Screening Questionnaire

Prior to your appointment for psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation this form is to be completed by the aspirant and a copy returned to:

·        The Episcopal Counseling Center

·        The Diocesan Office to be included in the confidential portion of your discernment file

You can find this form by clicking Behavior Screening Questionnaire (BSQ)|here.

2.                  Life History Questionnaire

Prior to your appointment for psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation this form is to be completed by the aspirant and a copy sent to The Episcopal Counseling Center.  You can find this form by clicking Life History Questionnaire|here.

DO NOT send a copy of this form to the Diocesan Office

3.                  Medical Examination Form

To be completed by the aspirant and physician and returned to the Diocesan Office for your discernment file.  It is the responsibility of the aspirant to ensure that this form is completed and returned.  You can find this form by clicking Medical Examination Form|here.

Questions ?

Questions concerning relevant canons or diocesan requirements should be

directed to:

The Reverend Canon Ernest L. Bennett

The Diocese of Central Florida

1017 East Robinson Street

Orlando, FL  32801

E-mail: epdiocenfl@aol.com

(407) 423-3567           FAX  (407)872-0006

Please Note:  Failure to follow the above directions will result in an unnecessary delay in your process!  Please pay careful attention where multiple copies are required.