What to Expect from a Psychological Assessment - Updated

At Ivy Psychology, our psychological assessments provide clarity on whether an individual meets the criteria for a diagnosis, such as Autism, ADHD, or cognitive differences, while also identifying their unique strengths and areas for growth. Regardless of the outcome, these assessments offer valuable insights and personalised recommendations to support daily functioning and overall well-being.

The Assessment Process

Step 1: Intake

The assessment process begins once you complete our referral form. After submission, a member of our team will contact you for a brief intake call (approximately 15–20 minutes). This call helps us understand your concerns, gather background information, and determine which psychologist and assessment process will best meet your needs.

Step 2: Clinician Introduction & Booking

Once your referral is allocated, your psychologist will contact you by phone to introduce themselves and discuss the next steps. They will explain what to expect from the assessment process and arrange a suitable time for your first appointment.

We aim to be flexible based on your needs. Initial consultations for Autism or ADHD assessments can often be completed via telehealth, while in-person appointments are required for cognitive assessments. Your psychologist will help determine the most appropriate format for your assessment.

Step 3: Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is your first formal session with the psychologist. It typically takes two hours, depending on the complexity of the concerns.

During this session, the psychologist will explore:

• The main concerns and reasons for the assessment

• Relevant developmental, medical, educational, and psychosocial history

• Your goals and expectations for the assessment

With your consent, additional information may be gathered from caregivers, teachers, or support professionals to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Step 4: Standardised Testing

Depending on the concerns being assessed, the psychologist may administer a range of standardised assessment tools. These may include:

• Cognitive testing (e.g., IQ tests, memory, problem-solving tasks)

• Attention, executive functioning, and learning assessments

• Autism and ADHD-specific measures (e.g., behavioural checklists, social interaction tasks)

• Emotional and mental health screening tools

Some of this testing will be conducted directly with you during your session with the psychologist. In addition, you may be asked to complete questionnaires or rating scales outside of your session. These may also be sent to caregivers, teachers, or others involved in your life to help build a complete picture of functioning across settings.

Step 5: Comprehensive Analysis

Once testing is complete, the psychologist carefully analyses the results and compares them with established diagnostic criteria. This step determines whether a diagnosis is appropriate.

Even where a formal diagnosis is not made, the assessment identifies meaningful patterns in cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning that may impact:

• Learning and academic achievement

• Work and career performance

• Relationships and social interactions

• Daily functioning and well-being

Step 6: Feedback Session & Written Report

You will receive a detailed written report that includes:

✔ Whether the individual meets diagnostic criteria
✔ Key strengths and areas that may require support
✔ Personalised recommendations for home, school, work, and everyday life
✔ Strategies to manage challenges and build on strengths

The psychologist will meet with you for a one-hour feedback session to go through the results, explain the findings in a clear and supportive manner, and answer any questions you may have.

Why Assessments Matter

Psychological assessments are not just about identifying diagnoses, they offer a deeper understanding of an individual’s unique profile. This understanding can guide practical strategies and adjustments to improve:

✅ Learning and academic performance
✅ Focus and executive functioning
✅ Emotional regulation and resilience
✅ Social communication and relationships

Whether or not a diagnosis is made, you will come away with useful, strengths-based recommendations tailored to your goals and daily life.

Fees & Payment

Every assessment is unique, and pricing may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the assessment. However, our general pricing guide is available here:
🔗 View Ivy Psychology FY 2025–2026 Pricing Guide

A $300 + GST deposit is required one week prior to your first appointment to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid in full before your psychologist can release the final report. This ensures timely delivery of your results and helps us manage appointment availability effectively.

If you have any questions about pricing or payment options, please contact our administration team.

Book an Assessment with Ivy Psychology

At Ivy Psychology, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments to support individuals in understanding their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning.

📍 We offer in-person assessments in Sydney and telehealth assessments across Australia.
💻 Assessment Referral Form
📩 Have questions? Contact us at admin@ivypsychology.com.au