Assessments

Our Assessment Services

Depending on the purpose of the referral and the practitioner’s scope of practice, assessments available through Soothing Minds may include:

Psychological Assessments

Our psychology team can undertake psychological assessments to assist in understanding cognitive, emotional, behavioural and psychological functioning.

Assessment may involve clinical interviews, standardised assessment tools, review of relevant records and information from family members, carers or other professionals where appropriate.

Cognitive Assessments

Cognitive assessment can assist in understanding areas such as intellectual functioning, reasoning, processing and other aspects of cognitive ability.

The results can help identify areas of strength and difficulty and may assist with recommendations regarding appropriate supports and interventions.

Adaptive Functioning Assessments

Adaptive functioning assessments consider how a person manages everyday activities and responsibilities across areas such as communication, daily living skills, social functioning and independence.

These assessments can provide valuable information about the level and type of assistance a person may require in their everyday life.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Assessments

Mental health and psychosocial assessments may explore a person’s emotional wellbeing, psychological functioning, psychosocial circumstances, functional impacts, strengths, support needs and barriers to participation.

Where appropriate, standardised assessment measures may be used alongside clinical assessment and information obtained from other relevant sources.

Positive Behaviour Support Assessments

As part of Positive Behaviour Support, assessment may include functional behaviour assessment to develop an understanding of behaviours of concern, including the circumstances in which behaviours occur and the factors that may contribute to or maintain them.

Assessment findings are used to inform evidence-based, person-centred behaviour support strategies and the development or review of Behaviour Support Plans.

Functional and Support Needs Assessment

Assessment may also be undertaken to better understand how disability, mental health or other factors affect a person’s everyday functioning and participation.

This may include consideration of areas such as:

• communication and social interaction;
• emotional regulation;
• relationships and interpersonal functioning;
• self-care and daily living;
• decision-making and independence;
• community participation;
• behavioural support needs;
• psychosocial functioning;
• environmental barriers and supports; and
• the nature and level of assistance currently required.

A Comprehensive Approach

Assessment is more than completing a questionnaire or producing a score.

Where appropriate, our practitioners may draw information from a number of sources, including:

• interviews with the individual;
• standardised and validated assessment tools;
• behavioural observations;
• review of clinical and other relevant records;
• information from family members, carers and support workers;
• consultation with other treating professionals and service providers; and
• consideration of the person’s home, community and support environment.

This allows assessment findings to be considered within the context of the person’s everyday life.

Assessment Reports

Where a written report is required, findings are presented in a clear and professional manner and may include assessment results, clinical interpretation, identified strengths and areas of need, functional impacts and recommendations relevant to the purpose of the assessment.

Reports may assist with treatment and support planning, multidisciplinary care, Positive Behaviour Support, NDIS planning and review processes, or other clinical purposes.

Not Sure Which Assessment You Need?

You do not need to know the name of a particular assessment before contacting us.

If you are a participant, family member, Support Coordinator, health professional or other referrer, you can contact our team and explain what information you are seeking and why the assessment is required.

We can then determine whether Soothing Minds provides an appropriate assessment and which practitioner is best suited to undertake it.

Get In Touch

To enquire about an assessment, contact Soothing Minds or complete our online referral form.

When making an enquiry, it is helpful to tell us the reason for the assessment, who has requested it and whether a written report is required.