Assessments

Psychological assessments provide valuable insights that inform clinical decision-making and ensure individuals receive appropriate and effective support and interventions.

Assessments can be used to support the following:

• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (identifying specific mental health disorders, formulating effective treatment plans tailored to the clients's needs).

• Understanding Cognitive Functioning (evaluating intelligence and cognitive abilities, assessing memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions).

• Educational and Learning Support (identifying learning disabilities or giftedness, developing individualised education plans (IEPs) for students).

• Personality and Emotional Functioning (exploring personality traits and patterns, understanding emotional responses and coping mechanisms).

• Vocational and Career Guidance (assessing interests, skills, and aptitudes for career planning, Identifying suitable career paths and job roles).

• Developmental Assessments (identifying developmental delays or disorders in children, supporting early intervention and appropriate educational placement).

• Neuropsychological Assessments (evaluating brain function and impairment due to injury or illness, guiding rehabilitation and treatment strategies).

• Monitoring Treatment Progress (tracking changes and improvements in mental health over time, adjusting treatment plans based on assessment outcomes).

• Support for Health-Related Issues (understanding the psychological impact of chronic illness, developing coping strategies and improving quality of life).

Assessments usually involve a series of formal or structured in-person interviews (alt. Telehealth is available in some cases ), completion of online forms, questionnaires and tests.

Depending on the complexity of the assessment, results are usually provided in two to four weeks.

A detailed report is provided, and clients are invited back to discuss the assessment results (this is included in the assessment fee).

Under the government's Autism Initiative – Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a Medicare-funded scheme has been put in place to help fund assessment and therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD).

Medicare rebates are available for assessment and treatment services for children and young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Assessment services are available until the child’s 13th birthday, and treatment services are available until a child turns 15 years of age, provided their treatment plan was in place before their 13th birthday.

With a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or PDD, the child will be eligible for a rebate for 20 sessions of therapy with a psychologist. Your paediatrician or psychiatrist can develop a treatment plan for your child.