Diagnostic Assessments - Active Health Psychology

Answers that help

you move forward.

A diagnostic assessment gives you a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s happening — and why. For parents seeking answers for their child, or adults wanting to understand themselves better, clarity is where support begins.

“A good assessment doesn’t just name what’s happening — it opens the door to the right support.”

— Active Health Psychology

More than a label —

a map for support.

A diagnostic assessment is a structured, comprehensive evaluation carried out by registered and provisional psychologists using validated, standardised clinical tools. It’s designed to give you — and anyone supporting you — a clear, evidence-based understanding of a person’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural, or developmental profile.

Assessments are not about finding something “wrong.” They’re about understanding how a person thinks, learns, and functions — so that the right support, adjustments, and interventions can be put in place. For many families, a diagnosis is the beginning of things finally making sense.

All assessments at Active Health Psychology use gold standard clinical tools, administered and interpreted by AHPRA-registered psychologists.

We use gold standard clinical diagnostic assessment tools to gain an accurate, comprehensive understanding of your child’s — or your own — wellbeing and support needs. Every assessment results in a detailed written report with clear recommendations.

Referral & Intake

Contact us to discuss the assessment you're seeking. We'll confirm the most appropriate assessment type, costs, and what to bring to your appointment.

Information Gathering

Background questionnaires and, where relevant, collateral information from parents, teachers, or other professionals — building the full picture before formal testing begins.

Assessment Sessions

One or more structured sessions using validated clinical tools — administered by registered and provisional psychologists in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Scoring & Interpretation

Your psychologist analyses and interprets all data — integrating test results with background information, observations, and clinical judgement.

Written Report & Feedback

A comprehensive written report with findings, formulation, diagnosis (where applicable), and specific recommendations for school, home, and any further support needed.

Eight types of

assessment offered.

We offer a comprehensive range of assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Each uses validated, standardised clinical tools appropriate to the presentation and age group.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Comprehensive assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — using gold standard diagnostic tools.

Cognitive Functioning

Standardised assessment of intellectual ability — identifying intellectual disability, borderline functioning, or giftedness and informing appropriate educational support.

Learning & Achievement Testing

Assessment of academic achievement and identification of learning disorders — including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other specific learning difficulties affecting reading, writing, or maths.

Adaptive Behaviour

Assessment of real-world functioning skills — how an individual copes with the demands of daily life across communication, self-care, social skills, and community participation.

Clinical & Mental Health

Standardised assessment of mental health presentations — providing a clinical diagnosis and formulation for depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

Personality Assessment

Comprehensive assessment of personality structure, traits, and functioning — informing treatment planning, understanding interpersonal patterns, and clarifying complex clinical presentations.

Behavioural Assessments

Structured assessment of behavioural presentations in children and teenagers — identifying the function of behaviour and informing practical strategies for home and school.

Signs it might be time

for an assessment.

Many families and individuals come to us because something isn’t quite adding up — and they want to understand why. An assessment isn’t an admission that something is “wrong.” It’s a way of getting the full picture so the right support can be put in place.

Children 0–12 yrs

Comprehensive childhood assessments

ASD, ADHD, cognitive functioning, learning disorders, adaptive behaviour, and behavioural assessments — using tools validated for the child's developmental stage. Reports suitable for school-based adjustments and NDIS applications.

Adolescents 13–17 yrs

Adolescent-specific assessments

Assessment across the full range of presentations common in adolescence — including ASD, ADHD, learning disorders, mental health, and personality. Particularly relevant when school demands increase and difficulties become more apparent.

Adults 18+

Adult assessments

Adult-focused assessments for ADHD, ASD, cognitive functioning, personality, and clinical mental health presentations. Many adults seek assessment after recognising traits in themselves following a child's diagnosis.

What to expect

from start to finish.

Assessment is a structured process — not a single appointment. Here’s exactly what’s involved so there are no surprises.

Initial Enquiry

Contact us to discuss what you're looking for. We'll confirm the right assessment type, estimated cost, and typical timeframes before you commit.

Pre-Assessment

Background questionnaires completed by parents, the individual, and where relevant — teachers. Collateral information builds the context before formal testing.

Assessment Sessions

One to three sessions depending on the assessment type — conducted by registered and provisional psychologists using standardised clinical tools in a relaxed setting.

Report & Feedback

A comprehensive written report provided within an agreed timeframe. A feedback session to walk you through findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps.

Timeframe

2–8 weeks

From the completion of administered assessments.

Sessions

1–3 appointments

Depending on complexity and assessment type

Report

Always included

Written report with diagnosis, formulation and recommendations

Feedback session

Included

Walk-through of findings and recommendations with your psychologist

A report that's actually

useful.

Assessment reports from Active Health Psychology are written to be read and used — not filed away. They’re clear, jargon-light where possible, and structured so that schools, NDIS planners, GPs, and other professionals can act on the recommendations directly.

Every report includes a feedback session — a dedicated appointment where your psychologist walks you through the findings, answers your questions, and helps you understand what the results mean in practical terms.

Comprehensive background & history

Full developmental, educational, and relevant clinical history — the context that gives test scores meaning.

Test results and clinical interpretation

Standardised scores presented clearly alongside clinical interpretation — not raw numbers without context.

Diagnosis and clinical formulation

Clear statement of diagnosis (where applicable) and a formulation that explains the full picture — not just a label.

Practical recommendations

Specific, actionable recommendations for school adjustments, home strategies, further support, NDIS, and any referrals indicated.

Feedback session included

A dedicated appointment to walk through findings with your psychologist — so you leave understanding exactly what the assessment means for you or your child.

Assessment

FAQs

Questions parents and individuals commonly ask before booking an assessment.

How do I know which assessment my child needs?

You don’t need to know before you contact us — that’s our job. When you get in touch, we’ll have a brief conversation about what you’re observing or concerned about, and we’ll guide you toward the most appropriate assessment type. Sometimes a referral from a GP or paediatrician will already specify the assessment needed. If you have an existing referral, bring it to your first appointment.

How long does an assessment take?

This depends on the assessment type. Some assessments (such as clinical mental health assessments) can be completed in a single session. More comprehensive assessments — such as ASD, full cognitive, or combined assessments — typically involve two to three sessions of two to three hours each. We’ll give you a clear picture of what’s involved before you book so you can plan accordingly.

Does a diagnosis mean my child will be labelled?

This is one of the most common concerns parents bring to us — and it’s completely understandable. A diagnosis is a clinical description, not a verdict. In practice, a diagnosis opens doors: to school-based adjustments, NDIS funding, targeted support, and a better understanding of how your child experiences the world. Many families find that a diagnosis brings enormous relief — for themselves and for their child, who finally has a framework for understanding why some things are harder for them than for others.

Can I use the report for NDIS or school adjustments?

Yes — our assessment reports are written to meet the evidence requirements for NDIS access and school-based reasonable adjustments. If you’re seeking a report for a specific purpose (NDIS application and/or school enrolment), let us know at the outset so we can ensure the report addresses the required criteria. We have extensive experience writing reports that are accepted by these processes.

Are diagnostic assessments covered by Medicare?

Medicare rebates for psychological assessments are limited and depend on the specific assessment type and the referral pathway. Some assessment sessions may attract a rebate under the Better Access scheme with a Mental Health Care Plan. However, many comprehensive assessments (such as ASD or cognitive assessments) are not fully covered by Medicare — a gap payment typically applies. We’ll be transparent about costs before you book. Private health insurance may also provide some cover depending on your level of extras cover.

My child is anxious about testing. What should I expect?

Our psychologists are compassionate and well-trained to help support your child through assessments. We never utilise assessments before rapport is first established with your child.

Explore Other Services

Traditional Psychology

One-on-one psychological support for individuals, children, adolescents, and families — often the natural next step after an assessment.

Group Programs

Structured group psychology programs — including social skills and psycho-educational programs for children and adolescents.

For Individuals & Families

Support for children, adolescents, adults, and families — find the right service for your specific situation.

Answers are the beginning

of the right support.

Contact us to discuss which assessment is right for your child or for you. We’ll guide you through the process from the first conversation.