Start with your question
Clarify what you have noticed, why you are seeking assessment and what you hope the findings will help you understand.
Psychological assessment · Woy Woy and telehealth
Looking for answers, but not sure which assessment you need?
A psychological assessment brings together your experience, history, information from people who know you and clinically appropriate tools. The aim is to understand the whole picture and provide clear next steps—not simply apply a label.
Across the lifespanChildren, adolescents and adults
AppointmentsWoy Woy and telehealthFace to face or telehealth where appropriate
Typical timingInterviews over 2–3 weeksReports generally prepared within 4–6 weeks
Starting feesADHD $2,500 · autism $3,300Combined and cognitive assessments are scoped first
What assessment means
More than a test or questionnaire.
A Clinical Psychologist brings together several sources of information to answer a defined question and explain what should happen next.
Build the whole picture
Consider your account, relevant history, records, clinical interviews and information from a suitable informant.
Use clinical reasoning
Select appropriate tools and consider strengths, functional impact, co-occurring needs and alternative explanations.
Plan the next chapter
Explain the findings clearly and provide a written report with recommendations and practical next steps.
What to expect
A clear, considered process.
The exact components depend on age, the assessment question, history and the purpose of the report. The scope and fee are confirmed before booking.
- 01
Initial telephone discussion
Talk through the concerns, purpose and whether assessment is an appropriate next step.
- 02
Interviews and information gathering
ADHD assessment usually includes three interviews and autism assessment usually includes four, completed over 2–3 weeks.
- 03
Clinical integration
Bring together interviews, appropriate measures, records, observations and informant information.
- 04
Feedback and written report
Discuss the conclusions, recommendations and next steps. The report is generally prepared within 4–6 weeks after all information is received.
Your Clinical Psychologist
Assessment with Dr Ashleigh Schweinsberg.
Dr Ashleigh is a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years of experience across psychological assessment, therapy, supervision and psychology education. Assessment is clinically rigorous, respectful and focused on helping the person and their supports understand the findings.
- MClinPsych(Post-Reg), PhD
- ADHD, autism, combined and cognitive assessment
- Children, adolescents and adults
- MAPS · MAAPi · AMACPA · EMDRAA member
The people involved
Your view remains central.
Other perspectives support the clinical picture, but they do not replace the person’s own account of their experiences, strengths and goals.
A broader everyday picture
Every assessment includes information from at least one suitable informant. We discuss who may be appropriate, consent and how their information will be used.
Support is welcome where appropriate
A separate support person is welcome at most sessions, but not the first session or where an assessment method requires independent participation. This is always discussed in advance.
Recommendations and next steps
Every report explains the findings and limitations, provides clear recommendations and identifies useful next steps.
Before calling
Common assessment questions.
Suitability and scope are always confirmed directly. Assessment does not guarantee a particular diagnosis.
Do I need to know which assessment I need before calling?
No. Describe what you have been noticing, what you hope to understand and what decisions the assessment may need to support. An initial telephone discussion helps identify whether assessment is appropriate and which pathway may fit.
Does an assessment guarantee a diagnosis?
No. Assessment considers whether the available evidence supports a diagnosis and also explains relevant strengths, differences, alternative explanations and next steps.
Can I bring a support person?
A separate support person is welcome at most sessions, but not the first session or a session where the assessment method requires independent participation. This is discussed with you in advance.
Why is an informant involved?
Every assessment includes information from at least one suitable informant. This helps bring together the person’s own experience with what someone who knows them observes in everyday settings.
How long does the assessment process take?
Assessment interviews are usually completed over 2–3 weeks. The written report generally takes approximately 4–6 weeks to prepare after all assessment information has been received.
Unsure where to begin?
You do not need to choose an assessment alone.
Call and describe what you have been noticing and what you hope to understand. We can discuss whether assessment is appropriate and which pathway may fit.
Call 0407 421 540OWL is not a crisis service. Please do not include confidential clinical information in voicemail or email.