Sophie Sharkey
Psychologist
Assessment Packages
At the Townsville Psychology Collective we offer a diverse range of assessments to suit most requirements. All assessments are completed by a psychologist with a Masters in Clinical Psychology and provide formal diagnoses (if appropriate) that can be used for NDIS access, Centrelink, or School supports.
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Payment Plans available
Assessment Process
Psychological assessments are offered for children, adolescents, and adults, using a comprehensive neurodevelopmental approach grounded in the DSM-5-TR. Each assessment is tailored to the individual, recognising that no two people present in the same way or have the same goals for assessment.
From the outset, assessments consider the full range of possible co-occurring and differential diagnoses, rather than focusing on a single area of difficulty. Following an initial appointment, the assessment plan — including recommended testing and timelines — is discussed in detail and adapted to suit the individual’s needs, goals, and circumstances.
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What to Expect
1. Initial phone consultation
The process begins with a phone call to discuss your concerns, the assessment process, and whether a comprehensive assessment is the right fit. Sometimes only single diagnostic tests are required – for example, if requested by a doctor or school, these requests can also be accommodated.
2. Initial assessment session
This session focuses on gathering a detailed developmental history, along with information about strengths, challenges, day-to-day functioning, and goals for the assessment.
3. Psychometric assessment
Assessment may include a combination of:
Direct assessment with the child or adult, exploring different areas of cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and functional functioning.
Indirect assessment, which looks at how the individual functions in everyday environments.
Collateral information from people who know the individual well, such as parents, teachers, schools, or partners.
This multi-informant approach helps build a well-rounded and accurate understanding of the individual.
4. Comprehensive written report
A detailed report integrates all assessment information and, where appropriate, provides a formal diagnosis. Reports can be used to support access to services through the NDIS, schools, or Centrelink, depending on individual circumstances.
5. Clear guidance on next steps and indivdual recommendations
Following the assessment, clear and practical advice is provided about what to do next, which may include onward referrals and guidance on accessing further supports.
Each report includes comprehensive, strengths-based recommendations tailored to the individual’s unique profile, needs, and goals.
6. Feedback sessions
Feedback is an essential part of the process.
For adults, feedback is provided directly to the individual.
For children, a feedback session is held with parents, and an additional, age-appropriate child feedback session is offered to support the child in understanding their unique strengths and things that might help them further.
Child feedback sessions are delivered in age-appropriate, strengths-based ways, using visual supports and resources. These sessions are always discussed with parents before being scheduled.
All assessments are completed in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based manner, with care taken to ensure the process is respectful, collaborative, and focused on helping individuals and families better understand themselves and access meaningful support.
Frequent Assessment Requests
Often people may have some idea of what their concerns are for themselves or their child. The information below provides some information about common referral queries and assessment information.
Intellectual Disabilities
A neurodevelopmental profile involving differences in intellectual and adaptive functioning that affect learning, everyday skills, and support needs.
Specifc Learning Disorders
A learning profile involving ongoing difficulties in specific academic areas, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, despite appropriate instruction.
Autism
A neurodevelopmental profile characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and thinking styles present from early development.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition associated with prenatal alcohol exposure that affects brain development, learning, self-regulation, and daily functioning.
ADHD
A neurodevelopmental profile involving differences in attention regulation, impulse control, activity levels, and executive functioning across settings.
Mental Health Disorders
Conditions that affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and thinking patterns, often interacting with developmental, environmental, and neurodevelopmental factors.
Need something different?
If there are any other services you require or questions please reach out for further information at admin@townsvillepsychologycollective.com.au