Wondering if your child needs a psychological assessment? Here are five signs to help you decide when to seek support in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.
What Is a Child Psychological Assessment?
A child psychological assessment is a structured evaluation that helps identify emotional, behavioural, developmental, or learning challenges. These assessments are carried out by registered child psychologists and provide a deeper understanding of your child’s needs, strengths, and areas where support may be needed.
It’s not about labelling—it’s about clarity, early intervention, and providing the right tools for your child to thrive.
1. Difficulty Concentrating or Staying Focused
If your child struggles to sit still, follow instructions, or complete tasks, it may be more than just restlessness. Inattention, impulsivity, or trouble concentrating could indicate underlying challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, or processing difficulties.
A psychological assessment can help determine whether this behaviour is developmentally typical or something that needs targeted support.
2. Emotional Outbursts or Frequent Mood Swing
All children experience big feelings—but if your child’s emotional responses seem extreme, unpredictable, or out of proportion to situations, it may be a sign of emotional regulation difficulties or an underlying psychological condition.
Psychological assessments explore how your child manages emotions and identify any areas that may benefit from therapeutic support.
3. Struggles With Learning or Schoolwork
If your child is falling behind academically despite regular effort and support, it may point to a learning difficulty, cognitive processing issue, or attention disorder. A psychological or educational assessment can pinpoint specific barriers to learning and help your child access additional support at school.
This can include:
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Working memory difficulties
- Slow processing speed
4. Social Challenges or Trouble Making Friend
Children who withdraw from others, struggle with peer relationships, or have difficulty reading social cues may be experiencing underlying social or developmental issues such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or social anxiety.
An assessment can help determine whether your child’s social behaviour is age-appropriate or something that needs further exploration.
5. Developmental Delays or Behavioural Concerns
If your child is not meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones—such as language, motor skills, or social interaction—or if you’ve noticed patterns of disruptive or oppositional behaviour, a psychological assessment can offer valuable insight.
Early assessment allows families to access early intervention pathways, which often result in better long-term outcomes for children.
When Should You Seek Support?
As a parent, you know your child best. If you feel that something isn’t quite right—trust your instincts. You don’t need to wait for a referral or formal diagnosis to seek support. Psychological assessments are often the first step toward clarity and early help.
Why Early Assessments Matter in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
Families in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs benefit from:
- Local, accessible care close to home
- School-connected psychologists familiar with local education systems
- Timely intervention, reducing waitlists and improving outcomes
We work with families across Camberwell, Hawthorn, Glen Iris, Surrey Hills, Balwyn and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a referral for a psychological assessment?
No. You can contact us directly. A referral may help with rebates, but it’s not required.
What age is appropriate for a child assessment?
We assess children from preschool age through to adolescence, depending on the concern.
How long does the process take?
It varies by assessment type but generally includes 2–3 sessions, plus a feedback session.
Will this help with school support plans?
Yes. Reports from our assessments can help inform Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) or support applications.
Book a Psychological Assessment in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, emotions, or behaviour, we’re here to help. Our psychologists offer a safe, supportive environment for families in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.
