D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

Tips for Taking a Psychological Test for an Armed Position? Here is What You Should Know

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

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about psychological testing for an armed position, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you’re taking the MMPI, 16PF, or another personality test, here are a few things to know. I am Dr. Justin D’Arienzo, a clinical and forensic psychologist and former military psychologist, who has been conducting these evaluations for 20 years. Let me help ease some of your anxiety or pre-test jitters.
First, don’t try to beat the test. These assessments can detect inconsistent responding, exaggerating, minimizing problems, or trying to look unrealistically perfect. Trying to find the “right” answer can create more concerns than simply answering honestly. Second, read carefully and answer based on who you really are. We are not looking for perfect people. Everyone experiences stress, frustration, sadness, anger, and anxiety. Normal human experiences do not automatically make someone unsuitable for armed work.

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ASIS International GSX Speaker 2026 Setting the Standard for Armed Guard Evaluations

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

Featured Speaking Engagement Dr. D’Arienzo to Speak at GSX 2026 Setting the Standard for Armed Guard Psychological Evaluations Press Release: Dr. D’Arienzo will be speaking at GSX 2026 about setting a standard for armed guard psychological evaluations. See him in Atlanta, Georgia at the conference in September 2026.

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Prescription Privileges for Specially Trained Psychologists

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

Psychologists are scientist-practitioners relying on real evidence and science when treating and evaluating patients. Adding to this training model, I want to share something I’m genuinely excited about that is both a personal and professional milestone that reflects my commitment to the evolving profession of psychology and expands what I hope to one day be able to offer patients in Florida.

In May 2026, I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Postdoctoral Master’s Program in Clinical Psychopharmacology, an American Psychological Association’s (APA) designated program that prepares licensed psychologists for prescriptive authority in states where it is permitted. More recently (July 2026), I passed the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP). The PEP is the national exam required for psychologists to pass who want to prescribe. It is an arduous test covering topics from clinical medicine, neuroscience, laboratory interpretation, general pharmacology to psychopharmacology. Passing it marks another real step forward in building advanced competency in this area. I worked my tail off to complete the program and pass the PEP while running our business, remaining active in the community and with my family, and seeing patients over the last two and a half years. My next step with psychopharmacology is to gain authority to prescribe in Louisiana and New Mexico. I will keep you updated. 

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Shark Week 2026

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

Tune in to Discovery Channel’s Shark Week on July 31, 2026 and see me, Dr. D’Arienzo, successfully treat someone suffering from Galeophobia (shark phobia) through systematic desensitization and prolonged exposure. It was an experience of a lifetime going to Marathon Key and Islamorada with Shark Week producers to be part of this series. It’s important for the public to understand that shark phobias among other phobias are common and treatable. Physical and emotional rewiring occurs with prolonged exposure coupled with acquiring the right skills (diaphragmatic breathing, positive self talk, and suspending judgement) and with the right guidance (a psychologist-led process). What an honor it was to assist in helping this individual gain the ability to now comfortably bring his family to the beach for beach vacations and to resolve his greatest fear. It was three days of intensely committed work for both of us and it was a success!

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The Real MMPI Guy Dr. D’Arienzo

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

In high-stakes industries, a “pass/fail” result isn’t enough—you need a defensible clinical record. Dr. D’Arienzo utilizes the PsychFit™ System, a trademarked evaluation process that combines rigorous normative data with a personal clinical interview. Unlike automated services, Dr. D’Arienzo (a former Navy Psychologist) personally validates every candidate’s profile to ensure they are psychologically fit for duty, reducing liability for the individual and the hiring organization.

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Recovering from Infidelity

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

Infidelity creates trauma like stress similar to PTSD and relationship instability. This psychologist led guide breaks recovery into clear phases: Crisis stabilization, Trust repair, Transparency, and Rebuilding intimacy. It is recommended that couples seek professional help to navigate affair recovery especially when addiction or compulsive behavior is involved. We have expert relationship psychologists and couples therapists who can assist you today.

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Shared Purpose, Shared Future: Creating a Unified Vision Before Marriage in Florida

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

As a psychologist who works with engaged couples, I often remind partners that love is powerful, but clarity is stabilizing. Completing a Florida premarital course is more than fulfilling a requirement; it’s an opportunity to intentionally shape the future you are building together. To better prepare for your marriage, don’t forget to take our Florida Premarital course. Marriage thrives when couples define shared goals, clarify relationship values, and commit to a unified direction. Without this alignment, even strong relationships can struggle under the weight of unspoken expectations.

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Armed Security Psychological Testing: 24-Hour Results | PsychFit™ Systems

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

Psychological evaluations often bottleneck armed security hiring. PsychFit™ Systems eliminates delays with 24-hour results and 100% virtual flexibility in 42 states, helping you scale your firm and reduce liability.

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From Alumni to Invited Speaker: Bringing Evidence Based Psychology Back to the Jim Moran Institute. Burnout to Bandwidth.

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

After being an Executive Vistage member for three years, in 2022, I participated in and graduated from FSU’s Jim Moran Institute’s Global Entrepreneurship program (Jacksonville, Florida), an experience that meaningfully influenced how I operate and continued to grow my psychological firm. In January 2026, I returned to JMI not as a student, but as a presenter to deliver “Burnout to Bandwidth: Evidence-Based Psychology for Entrepreneurs and Executives.” Mental performance is not a luxury for leaders. It is vital for us to both survive and prosper. Entrepreneurs and executives operate under sustained cognitive load, high uncertainty, and constant decision pressure. Research consistently shows that business owners experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and role overload than the general population, and unmanaged stress directly impairs judgment, innovation, leadership presence, and employee retention.

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Calm Under Fire: High-Conflict Divorce & Co-Parenting Support for Parental Alienation

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

High-conflict divorce can feel like psychological warfare: false narratives, escalating accusations, court delays, and kids caught in the middle. Calm Under Fire is a 10-week peer-to-peer psychoeducational support program designed to help healthier parents regain stability, set boundaries, and protect their relationship with their children.

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