Psychological Assessments
Currently, we offer adult (18+)Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments in our Melbourne and Hobart clinics.
We offer adult (18+) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments in our Melbourne clinic and with our partners at Psychology South.
Our partners at Psychology South also offer cognitive assessments, child Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments & child Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments.
At Clarity Health Care, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive, and tailored psychological assessments.
Service Location
Adult ADHD Assessments Check back in 2025
Adult ASD Assessments Check back in 2025
Child ADHD Assessments Check back in 2025
Child ASD Assessments Check back in 2025
Cognitive Assessments Check back in 2025
Assessment of ADHD at Clarity Health Care
The global pandemic has heightened awareness of ADHD, resulting in a significant surge in requests for assessments. Consequently, the number of assessments and providers has grown considerably. However, there is a notable variation in how these assessments are conducted.
At Clarity Health Care, we adhere to the guidelines established by both Australian and international bodies, including the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These guidelines outline the comprehensive process required for assessing ADHD:
Clinical and Psychosocial Assessment: This includes discussions about the individual's symptoms, strengths, and how these manifest across different areas and settings of daily life.
Developmental, Mental Health, and Medical History: A thorough review of the individual's background in these areas.
Observer Reports: Evaluation of symptoms and mental state from third-party observations.
Medical Assessment: This excludes other causes of symptoms and identifies any associated disorders needing further investigation, intervention, or support. Medical tests should only be performed if clinically indicated.
A diagnosis of ADHD should not be based solely on rating scales or observational data.
When coexisting illnesses or disabilities are present, their relevance must be considered in the assessment. Many conditions share significant symptoms with ADHD, and numerous psychiatric diagnoses can cause executive dysfunction, the core symptom of ADHD.
There is no definitive test for ADHD, just as there is none for any psychiatric diagnosis. In complex cases with multiple potential coexisting illnesses, a diagnosis is often based on clinical opinion and the balance of probabilities. This means that it may not be possible to diagnose ADHD clearly until other coexisting illnesses have been addressed, making the diagnostic process potentially lengthy.
At Clarity Health Care, we believe that ADHD, or any mental illness, should not be assessed and diagnosed in isolation. We do not support assessments without subsequent ongoing follow-up, particularly if pharmaceutical treatment is recommended. Part of our assessment process includes evaluating a person's response to treatment.
If you are referred to Clarity Health Care with a pre-existing diagnosis of ADHD, our comprehensive assessment will involve reviewing your overall mental health, including the ADHD diagnosis. We will require any documentation or information regarding your diagnosis. We may interpret and evaluate previous assessments differently, as we consider this a critical part of ensuring any treatment or advice you receive is as appropriate and accurate as possible.
-
No. There is no definitive test for ADHD and there is variability in testing that such as test may or may not be helpful in diagnosis.
-
No. We need to make an assessment at the time you are attending our clinic. We will ask you for any documentation or information regarding your diagnosis.
-
A psychological test for ADHD can be useful in informing a diagnosis, but it is recommended to obtain the test from a clinic that has both psychologists and psychiatrists working together. This collaboration is crucial because an ADHD diagnosis involves multiple factors, and the integration of insights from both disciplines ensures a comprehensive evaluation. If a psychiatrist is not familiar with the testing methods of a psychology clinic, they may not be able to rely on the test results as confidently as they could if they had a clear understanding of the testing procedures.
ADHD assessments
Adult ADHD assessments typically involve the administration of QBtech, DIVA and PAI. Our partners at Psychology South (Hobart) administer the MOXO or TOVA.
Child ADHD assessments administered by our partners at Psychology South (Hobart) typically involve the WISC-V, WIAT-II, Conners, BASC3 and Vanderbilt (teacher).
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments
Adult ASD assessments typically involve the administration of the WAIS-IV, ADOS-2 and CARS.
Cognitive Assessments
Adult cognitive assessments typically involve the administration of the WAIS-IV.
Child cognitive assessments typically involve the administration of the WISC-V