Assessments and diagnoses in Ballarat

Psychological assessments are a structured evaluation process used by psychologists to gain insights into an individual’s mental health, cognitive abilities, behaviour, and personality. These assessments help in diagnosing and understanding various conditions and challenges, guiding effective treatment decisions for individuals and their care teams. Common types of assessments include cognitive or educational testing to measure intellectual functioning (like the IQ test), behavioural and functional testing, personality assessments to explore individual traits, executive function assessments to evaluate planning and problem-solving skills, and career assessments to help individuals identify career paths based on their strengths, interests, and abilities. 

Mental health assessments with dogs

At Barking Mad Company, we understand that assessments can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we offer a supportive and calming environment tailored to your needs. For those who feel more comfortable with animals, we provide the option of a mental health assessment with dogs, where a therapy dog is present to help create a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere. Our animal-assisted mental health evaluation approach can reduce stress, promote engagement, and support individuals—especially children or those with anxiety—throughout the assessment process. By integrating therapy dogs into assessments, we help ensure a positive and productive experience while gathering valuable insights to guide your personalised mental health journey.

Be sure to have a look at our other animal therapy services and treatment areas, including EMDR  and trauma & PSTD.

At Barking Mad Company, we understand that assessments can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we offer a supportive and calming environment tailored to your needs.
What does an assessment look like?

At Barking Mad Company, our assessment processes are tailored to the needs of each individual. Completing an assessment is like putting together a puzzle. Your psychologist will listen to your presenting concerns or questions and recommend which types of assessments might be suitable to address them. We agree with you on an assessment plan and book these sessions at convenient times for you. Some assessments might include testing activities at our practice, structured interviews, surveys or tests we can administer online, or information gathered from others who know you well (e.g., teachers or family members). Simple assessments might be completed in one or two sessions whereas comprehensive or combined assessments might require several sessions.

What conditions can I be assessed for?

We offer comprehensive assessment services that can explore and identify a range of presenting questions. All our assessments are offered for both children and adults. Common assessments include autism and ADHD, personality disorders, educational enquiries (e.g., specific learning disorders like dyslexia and dyscalculia, or giftedness), or IQ testing to understand your cognitive strengths and challenges (and find out your IQ score!). We can also facilitate specific assessments for funding requirements or referral questions (e.g., Vineland or social functioning assessments).  

What happens at the end of my assessment?

This can depend on whether your assessment was required for a specific purpose (e.g., a referral from school, a workplace, or your GP) or you simply want to learn more about yourself. All our assessments are detailed in a written report for you to keep. Depending on the assessment, reports can range in length from a few pages to 25. Results from any tests are included and explained in your report. A written summary is provided detailing any clinical diagnoses that your psychologist has determined as part of the assessment process. Further recommendations for treatments and supports are also included (these might be things you can implement at home or school, further psychological support, online or written resources or recommendations for further treatment with other types of health providers).

It is important to us that our clients feel empowered and included in the assessment process. Your written report should feel like an accurate reflection of you. We also provide feedback sessions for clients to explain details and allow you to ask questions and clarify concepts. We are able to liaise with other professionals involved in your care or treatment to support your ongoing mental well-being after assessment.

How much does an assessment cost?

Understanding assessment costs and timelines can be confusing. The cost of an assessment depends on a few things.

Is your assessment exploring one question or multiple diagnoses? 

For example, if you are only exploring one type of test or diagnosis (e.g. a cognitive IQ test or ADHD), the cost will be less than a comprehensive assessment for multiple diagnoses (e.g. autism and ADHD combined).

The cost of assessment materials 

Most assessment instruments are protected resources (this helps to keep them clinically valid) and can be costly for psychologists to obtain. This will be built into your assessment price.

How many sessions are required to complete your assessment tests

Assessments that require longer sessions, multiple observations or interviews, or consulting with multiple stakeholders (e.g., teachers or other health professionals) will generally affect the cost.

At Barking Mad Company, we have invested in the latest technologies and testing materials to assist in reducing our administration and reporting times, which in turn enables us to keep our prices as economical as possible for clients. As part of determining a plan with you, we will identify and document the cost of your assessment and provide a timeframe for completion.

Financial transparency is important to us. We welcome enquiries or questions about your assessment costs that make you feel fully informed. Whilst different assessments vary, our assessment costs will range from $500 up to $2000 (for a comprehensive, combined assessment). Some funding or rebates may be available depending on your circumstances.

Clients who complete assessments with Barking Mad Company also have access to bulk billed therapy sessions under a mental health treatment plan in the same calendar year to support their ongoing mental well-being journey.

Assessments and diagnoses in Ballarat

All our assessments include an opportunity to receive feedback from your clinician and a formal written report for you to keep and share with other healthcare professionals. Our assessments are not a ‘tick and flick’ process.

We are committed to ensuring clients are advised and receive appropriate assessments for their presenting concerns, that other possible concerns are excluded, and that you feel the assessment is an accurate reflection of you and provides clear recommendations for next steps in your care.

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