When you’re juggling back-to-back assessments, case notes, and insurance deadlines, proofreading might feel like a luxury. But in psychological report writing—especially in medico-legal contexts—it’s not just about catching typos. It’s about clarity, professionalism, and protecting the integrity of your work.
As someone who’s proofed thousands of psychological and vocational reports over the past 25 years, I’ve come to see proofreading as less of a final polish and more of a second line of defence. Here’s why it matters—and what a good proofreader actually does behind the scenes.
1. You’re too close to the material. That’s not a flaw—it’s reality.
When you’ve conducted the assessment yourself, written up the test results, and crafted your summary, your brain fills in the blanks automatically. You know what you meant. But that familiarity can make it easy to miss:
- Inconsistent wording (“claimant” vs. “client” vs. “Mr. Doe”)
- Repetitive phrases
- Formatting irregularities that creep in from copy-pasting
A fresh set of eyes can catch these subtle shifts and smooth them out.
2. Professional language matters—especially in legal contexts.
Even the most accurate clinical observations can lose their impact if phrased awkwardly or too conversationally. A trained proofreader knows how to elevate tone without changing meaning—preserving your voice while ensuring the report sounds polished and authoritative.
3. A clean report inspires confidence.
Whether your report is going to a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or another healthcare provider, presentation matters. A document that reads smoothly and looks professional supports your conclusions by showing care and attention. Sloppy formatting, unclear phrasing, or even just extra white space can inadvertently create doubt.
4. Proofreading is not just about the words—it’s about the workflow.
In my own practice, I combine manual editing with automation tools that streamline formatting, standardize phrasing, and flag common issues. This hybrid approach saves time and improves consistency, especially for clinicians who produce multiple reports per week.
If you’re looking for support with your documentation—whether it’s one report or ongoing proofreading help—I’d love to connect. I’m here to make your work easier, cleaner, and more effective.
➡️ Contact Me
RapidClarity Assessments 
Leave a comment