Psychological Treatment and Assessment
Psychological treatment and assessments
for children, adolescents, adults and families
How can I help you?
At Collins Psychology, I provide psychological treatment and assessments for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I aim to help people understand themselves more deeply, make sense of their emotional experiences, and create meaningful and sustainable change.
Psychological treatment is not “one-size-fits-all.” Every person comes with their own history, strengths, challenges, and family or cultural context. I take the time to understand each client’s needs, exploring not only current symptoms but also the underlying emotional and relational patterns that shape them. This includes how early experiences, attachment, and the systems we grow up in continue to influence our wellbeing today.
I offer therapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss, emotion regulation challenges, stress, burnout, identity concerns, and the emotional impact of major life transitions. I also have a strong interest in parenting and family communication, supporting parents and children to work together around behavioural, relational, and neurodevelopmental needs.
In addition to therapy, I provide comprehensive psychological assessments for a range of developmental, cognitive, educational, and mental health concerns. This includes ADHD assessments, cognitive and IQ testing, educational assessments for learning concerns, and diagnostic clarification for children and adults. Assessments can help clarify a person’s strengths, challenges, and support needs at school, work, and home.
Whether you are seeking deeper self-understanding, support during a difficult time, or clarity around your or your child’s development, my goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and thoughtful space for you to explore your concerns. Together, we work toward insight, growth, and improved wellbeing — in a way that honours your individuality and the complexity of your story.
Assessments
I offer comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Assessments can provide clarity, guide support plans, and help you understand strengths, challenges, and underlying factors affecting wellbeing, learning, or behaviour. Each assessment includes a thorough clinical interview, standardised testing, feedback, and a clear written report with recommendations.
ADHD Assessments
An ADHD assessment helps clarify whether attention, concentration, impulsivity, or organisational difficulties are related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or to other emotional, developmental, or environmental factors. I conduct ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based tools and a holistic, developmentally informed approach.
The process typically includes a clinical interview, behavioural questionnaires, cognitive testing where appropriate, and an exploration of family, school, or workplace contexts. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining findings, strengths, areas of difficulty, and practical recommendations to support daily functioning. I also provide post-assessment guidance to help families and individuals understand the results and plan next steps.
Cognitive Assessments (IQ Testing)
Cognitive assessments explore how a person processes information, solves problems, and learns. These assessments can identify cognitive strengths, memory or attention difficulties, and areas where additional support may be helpful. They are commonly used for diagnostic clarification, understanding developmental differences, or gaining insight into a person’s learning profile.
For children and adolescents, cognitive assessments can assist with school planning, enrichment or extension programs, and early identification of developmental concerns. For adults, cognitive testing may support diagnostic assessments, workplace adjustments, or broader self-understanding. Results are provided in a clear, accessible report with tailored recommendations.
Educational Assessments (Learning Difficulties & Academic Skills)
Educational assessments evaluate academic skills such as reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. These assessments help identify learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia), understand why a student may be struggling at school, or clarify whether academic challenges are related to attention, anxiety, developmental factors, or gaps in foundational skills.
The assessment process typically includes standardised academic testing, cognitive testing where relevant, and a review of developmental, emotional, and school history. Families receive a detailed report with practical recommendations for classroom adjustments, targeted interventions, and support strategies at home and school. I also provide feedback sessions to ensure parents, young people, and adults feel confident understanding the results and what they mean for future learning.
For children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based tools and a holistic, developmentally informed approach.
Cognitive, Educational & Behavioural Assessments
Helping children and families understand learning, attention, and behaviour
What’s Involved?
- Initial parent interview to gather background and history
- Standardised testing (e.g., WISC-V for cognitive ability, WIAT-III for academic achievement)
- Rating scales and questionnaires (completed by parents and/or teachers)
- Feedback session where results and recommendations are explained in clear, practical terms
- Comprehensive written report with tailored strategies for home and school
Why Do Families Seek These Assessments?
- To identify learning or cognitive difficulties, or giftedness
- To understand why a child may be struggling academically or behaviourally
- To support applications for school adjustments or funding
ADHD Screening – to inform a potential formal diagnosis
Clarity and understanding can be life-changing.
This is the linked bit) An ADHD screening assessment is an informative tool that helps determine whether attention and behaviour difficulties could be related to ADHD or another factor, and provides practical recommendations for support at home, school, or work. These are
What’s Involved?
- Clinical interview with parents (and child if appropriate)
- Developmental and medical history review
- Standardised behaviour rating scales (e.g., Conners 4, BASC-3, teacher/parent reports)
- Cognitive and educational testing where indicated (to explore attention, working memory, or learning differences)
- Feedback session to discuss results
- Comprehensive written report with recommendations.
Why Seek an ADHD Assessment?
- Concerns about inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity at home, school, or work
- To help guide school supports and classroom strategies
- To support referral for medical treatment (e.g., paediatrician or psychiatrist)
- To provide clarity when difficulties are impacting learning, behaviour, or relationships
What to expect from an assessment
A psychological assessment is a structured but supportive process designed to help you understand yourself — or your child — more clearly. I take a thoughtful, collaborative approach so the experience feels safe, predictable, and grounded in your goals.
1. Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial appointment to understand your concerns, developmental and family history, school or work context, and what you’re hoping to learn from the assessment. For children, this session is typically with parents or caregivers only.
2. Standardised Testing
Depending on the type of assessment, testing may include cognitive tasks, academic assessments, behavioural questionnaires, or structured diagnostic tools. Sessions are paced sensitively, with breaks as needed, especially for children.
3. Background Information
With your consent, I may request additional information from teachers, other health professionals, or family members. This helps build a complete picture and ensures the assessment reflects real-world contexts, not just test scores.
4. Scoring, Interpretation, and Report Writing
After testing is complete, I score and analyse the results alongside developmental, emotional, and behavioural information. You receive a comprehensive written report that explains the findings clearly — including strengths, challenges, and evidence-based recommendations.
5. Feedback Session
We meet to go through the results together, discuss what they mean, and talk about next steps. This session is a supportive space to ask questions, clarify anything you’re unsure about, and plan practical strategies or referrals if needed.
6. Follow-Up Support
If you’d like ongoing therapeutic support, school liaison, or help implementing strategies at home or work, I’m able to continue working with you beyond the assessment phase.