Psychological assessment involves the structured use of interviews, questionnaires, and standardised measures to better understand a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. People seek assessment for different reasons, including personal understanding and identity, professional referral, or to inform broader care planning.

Assessments are conducted by AHPRA-registered psychologists and are approached with care, transparency, and attention to individual circumstances.

Reasons People Commonly Seek Assessment

Psychological assessments are commonly sought to:

• Clarify attentional, learning, or organisational difficulties

• Explore social, emotional, or behavioural patterns

• Contribute information to treatment or support planning

• Provide formal documentation when required by third parties (e.g. health professionals, schools, workplaces)

• Seeking assessment does not require certainty about a diagnosis or outcome. Many people attend with questions rather than answers.

Types of Assessments Offered

Insightful Minds provides psychological assessments that may include:

• Attention and executive functioning assessments

• Autism-related assessments

• Cognitive and learning assessments

• General diagnostic clarification

The suitability and scope of an assessment are determined collaboratively and depend on the referral question, background information, and individual needs.

What the Assessment Process Typically Involves

Psychological assessment is usually conducted over multiple stages. Depending on the nature of the assessment, this may include:

• An initial consultation to clarify concerns and determine the appropriate scope

• Completion of questionnaires or rating scales

• Structured clinical interviews and standardised assessment tools

• Review and integration of information from relevant sources (with consent)

The process, requirements, and expected timeframes are discussed prior to commencing so informed decisions can be made.

Reports and Feedback

Where appropriate, a written report may be provided. Reports summarise assessment findings and are prepared for the intended audience (such as the client, referrer, or another professional).

Feedback sessions are used to explain results in clear, accessible language, respond to questions, and discuss how the information may be used moving forward.

What Psychological Assessment Can and Cannot Do

Psychological assessment is designed to support understanding and clinical decision-making. While specific outcomes or diagnoses cannot be predetermined, assessments use established, evidence-based tools and clinical judgment to reach conclusions as carefully and confidently as possible.

Assessment findings form one part of a broader clinical picture and should be considered alongside other relevant information.

Suitability and Limitations

Psychological assessment may not be appropriate for every concern or situation. In some cases, alternative supports or referrals may be recommended. This is discussed prior to proceeding to ensure clarity and informed consent.

Practical Information

Assessment fees, timeframes, and required sessions vary depending on the nature and scope of the assessment. These details are discussed before commencing, along with consent, confidentiality, and how assessment information may be used or shared.

Enquiries

If you are considering psychological assessment and would like to understand whether this service may be appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to contact the practice to discuss the process and ask questions before making a decision.