D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

MMPI Testing is Important for All Armed Security Officers

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

In today’s world, security guards play a vital role in safeguarding people, properties, and organizations. While many states have specific requirements for physical fitness and background checks, psychological fitness and suitability often get overlooked. A comprehensive psychological evaluation, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), is essential to ensure that security personnel are mentally and emotionally equipped to handle their duties. Even in states where psychological testing isn’t mandatory, these evaluations should still be conducted. Here’s why every security guard, regardless of legal requirements, should undergo MMPI testing and other psychological assessments. Dr. Justin D’Arienzo is a national leader in armed security MMPI Testing and Psychological Evaluations and welcomes the opportunity to work with your organization. Note that these evaluations should be a two pronged approach assessing for both psychological fitness and psychological suitability. Evaluations can be tailored to your company’s specific needs. 

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Psychological Traits for Armed Guards and Law Enforcement Officers

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Key Psychological and Physical Traits Essential for Armed Guards and Law Enforcement Officers: For armed guards and law enforcement officers, certain psychological and physical traits are critical for ensuring effective performance and maintaining public safety. Proficiency in these traits is supported by recent studies in psychology and security, providing insights into the best practices for training and operation in these fields. Dr. D’Arienzo employs psychological testing such as the MMPI-3, California Psychological Inventory, and a Psychological Interview to assist agencies and companies in identifying psychologically fit and suitable armed and unarmed officers. Contact us today at 904-379-8094 or at [email protected]. Dr. D’Arienzo, a Navy Veteran, is licensed in Florida, New Mexico, and Texas has reciprocity in most states to provides these services. 

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Tricare Psychology, Counseling, and Mental Health Care

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Tricare Psychology, Counseling, and Mental Health Care. Military psychology plays a pivotal role in supporting the mental health and well-being of service members, their families, and retirees. Understanding the unique challenges faced by these individuals is essential, as is providing comprehensive care through programs such as TRICARE Mental Health Services. This article delves into the significance of military psychology and the benefits offered by TRICARE for those serving, their loved ones, and those who have served. Military Service Mental Health Psychological and Counseling Center in Florida Understanding Military Psychology. Military psychology focuses on the psychological aspects of military life, combat, and the aftermath of service. It encompasses a wide range of mental health services aimed at addressing issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the stressors associated with military duties and transitions back to civilian life. The goal is to offer support that is both preventive and therapeutic, ensuring the mental resilience and well-being of the military community. TRICARE Mental Health Services: A Comprehensive Approach. TRICARE, the health care program serving Uniformed Service members, retirees, and their families, provides extensive mental health services. These services are designed to support the unique needs of the military community, including: Access to Care: TRICARE ensures access to mental health care without the need for referrals for active duty members. Family members and retirees can also access services with minimal barriers, emphasizing the importance of early and effective intervention. Diverse Treatments: The program covers a wide array of mental health treatments, including….

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Accessing Mental Health Care with Non-Network Providers for Mayo Clinic Employees

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

For Mayo Clinic employees, prioritizing mental health is essential for maintaining overall well-being. While the Mayo Clinic’s health insurance offers comprehensive coverage for mental health services, there are instances where employees may choose or need to see a non-network provider. Whether it’s due to a specific therapeutic need, a preferred specialist, or geographic limitations, understanding how to navigate reimbursement for these services is crucial. This article provides a guide for Mayo Clinic employees seeking mental health services outside the insurance network.

D’Arienzo Psychology has served multiple Mayo employees over the last 20 years as non network psychologists, counselors, and therapists. We are accustomed to filling out the necessary forms to assist you in getting reimbursed. It has been our experience that a large portion of your bills are reimbursed by Mayo’s insurance plan. Don’t be anxious about the process. You deserve the best mental health services available, and we can help you get them with us. Contact us at 904-379-8094 or [email protected]   

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Texas Level 3 CSO MMPI Testing and Psychological Evaluations

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

In response to growing concerns about the mental fitness of security personnel, Texas has introduced a groundbreaking law mandating psychological testing for Level 3 Certified Security Officers (CSOs) as of January 1, 2024. This law was enacted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This innovative move aims to enhance public safety and ensure that those entrusted with guarding lives and property are psychologically equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities of their roles. Dr. D’Arienzo, former Navy Operational Psychologist, provides both Level III CSO and Level IV PPO MMPI Testing. Learn more HERE.
The law, which takes effect immediately, requires all existing and prospective Level 3 CSOs in Texas to undergo comprehensive psychological evaluations. The objective is to identify any underlying mental health issues that could impair an officer’s judgment, decision-making, or ability to respond effectively in crisis situations. This measure not only prioritizes the well-being of the officers but also the safety of the communities they serve.

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Fox News and Former Navy Psychologist

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

I had the priviledge last week begining June 21, 2023 of speaking to several national and international news outlets about the psychology of submariners, the potential psychological state of those in the Titan Submersible and the search and rescuers. Once it was determined that the vessel imploded, I then spoke of how the missing submersible captivated the world. Based on my expertise in psychology and history of working with Navy submariners and search and rescuers while I served as a Navy Psychologist, I was able to offer unique insights about this event. Check out the links to see the interviews.

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Best Practices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

On May 1, 2023, I had the pleasure of presenting about Best Pratices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and GuideWell’s Corporate Security Leadership Conference along with several other esteemed professionals. I was fortunate to meet Rob O’Neill, the Navy SEAL who removed Osama Bin Laden. He gave a fantastic Keynote to boot. He was a tough act to follow!
I spent my time meeting corporate security officers from around the country and presented about the importance of using psychological testing and evaluations backed by scientific evidence to properly select security personnel and executive protection officers. I provided information regarding both testing-in and testing-out the right candidates for hire. I also shared my experiences conducting these evaluations with the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Blue’s executive protection staff, Texas PPO’s, New Mexico’s Level III professionals, the Alaska State Capital, Federal and DOD armed contractors, VA Police Officers, and Florida G-License Temp holders. Additionally, I shared about my Navy Operational experiences as well conducting security clearance and psychological fitness and suitability evaluations regarding the protection of information, specialized jobs, and armed personnel.

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How to Spot a Narcissist

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

How to spot a narcissist? Dr. D’Arienzo, Clinical Psychologist here. I am going to share five signs that indicated you might be dealing with a narcissist. Receiving criticism: Their fragile self-esteem can’t even handle constructive criticism. Feedback seems like a direct attack. Losing Control: When they lose control of situations and people around them, they feel powerless because it contradicts their grandiose image of themselves. Not being admired: They thrive on admiration and attention and when they are ignored and don’t get what they think they deserve they pout, and get frustrated and angry. Being exposed: They create a false persona to maintain their inflated self-image but when someone exposes their true self, vulnerabilities or manipulations, they go on the attack. Losing a competition: They think they are superior to others and when someone beats them, they feel inferior, so they react with rage, make excuses, and “file away” a serious resentment. Losing is personal to a narcissist.  Obviously, we all have some of these traits, but if you’re narcissist, you would have most of these and to the extreme. If that’s you or your in a relationship with one, get professional help.

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What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

I (Dr. D’Arienzo) was recently involved as a defense expert (Forensic Psychologist) in a U.S. Military case regarding mitigation for a court-martial sentencing hearing. I assisted the defense by testifying about how the accussed had been impacted by a series of ACEs that created a chronic stress condition which impacted his decision making as a young adult. At the same time, I also explored how some of these experiences, with the right future environment, also led to resilient character traits that improved his rehabilitative potential. Generally, we know from the literature that having four or more ACEs is associated with deleterious mental and physical problems, criminalistic behaviors, as well as a shortend lifespan; while at the same time, for some people, these experiences lead to a toughing that is not always negative. The most commonnly researched Adverse Childhood Experiences are:

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Signs Someone is Cheating

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Okay, guys, he are real signs and examples that someone has been cheating straight from the psychologist’s couch. These examples have been altered slightly to protect those who exercised these behaviors, and know that I’ve (Dr. Justin D’Arienzo) heard all these examples many times from multiple patients. There are definite patterns of behavior related to infidelity that humans typically exercise.

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