Psychological Assessments

Psychological assessment is more than completing tests. It is a supportive process that helps us understand how a person is thinking, learning, coping, and feeling. Assessments can clarify concerns, identify strengths, and guide the most helpful supports at school, university, work, or home.

Our aim is to make the process clear, respectful, and comfortable, with time to discuss results and next steps.

Why people seek assessment

Psychological assessments can be useful and clinically valuable when there are questions about:

• learning or academic difficulties

• attention, organisation, or concentration

• memory or problem-solving

• mood or emotional changes

• behaviour or social interactions

• possible ADHD or autism

• helpful adjustments at study or work

Assessments help people and families understand what is happening and what can help.

Assessment for children and Adolescents

Assessments for children and young people can support families and schools in understanding learning, behaviour, attention, or emotional concerns. Many parents say the process brings clarity and reassurance.

Areas we commonly assess include:

• Cognitive / intellectual abilities
  understanding general thinking and reasoning skills (e.g., cognitive or IQ tests)

• Learning and educational difficulties
  reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy, including possible specific learning disorders

• Attention and concentration
  difficulties with focus, impulsivity, restlessness, or organisation affecting schoolwork

• Emotional and behavioural functioning
  worries, mood changes, confidence, friendships, or behaviour challenges

• Autism assessments (where appropriate)
  social communication, behavioural patterns, and developmental history. This may be part of a broader multidisciplinary assessment when required.

Assessments for Adults

Adults also benefit from assessment, particularly when difficulties have been long-standing or have recently changed.

Areas we commonly assess include:

• Attention and executive functioning
  focus, planning, forgetfulness, organisation, and mental energy

• Cognitive and memory functioning
  problem-solving, mental speed, and memory changes in daily life

• Diagnostic clarification
  helping make sense of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or trauma responses

• Personality and emotional functioning
  patterns in relationships, stress responses, and coping

• Study or workplace functioning
  strengths and barriers affecting performance, productivity, or wellbeing

• NDIS-related psychological assessment
  where appropriate and in line with funding requirements

What the assessment process involves

While each assessment is tailored to the individual, it may include:

1. an initial consultation to discuss concerns and background

2. formal assessment using standardised tests and questionnaires

3. scoring and interpretation

4. a clear written report (when requested or required)

5. a feedback session to discuss results and recommendations

We make sure results are explained in plain language, with time to ask questions.

Who conducts the assessment?

All assessments are completed by AHPRA-registered psychologists using evidence-based, standardised tools and ethical practice guidelines.

At times, a trained provisional psychologist may assist with assessments, always under the supervision of an experienced registered psychologist, ensuring the same high quality of service.

Fees and funding

Assessment costs vary because each person’s needs are different. The total fee depends on:

• the type of assessment

• number of sessions required

• scoring and interpretation time

• report writing time

• any school, medical, or workplace consultation required

After the initial appointment, your clinician will discuss the likely time involved so you have a clear idea of expected costs before proceeding.

• Important note: Medicare generally does not provide rebates for most psychological testing or formal assessments. Some clients may be able to use NDIS funding, private health insurance, or other third-party funding, depending on eligibility.