Mental Health Assessments
Chiswick, West London
We provide in-house psychological mental health assessments for children and young people aged 8-19 years, carried out by our Clinical Psychologist.
If you have concerns about your child or teenager’s mental health, mood level, general behaviour, if there has been a recent change in their demeanour or behaviour, or if they have been seeing a counsellor already but you feel you need more of an evaluation about their needs, a mental health assessment can provide insight and guidance.
The Assessment Process
We can offer assessments of mood, anxiety and behavioural difficulties, including trauma-related difficulties. Prior to the assessment we will ask you to fill in a detailed child development and family history form, and with your consent contact your child’s school for further information in relation to how your child presents and copes in the school environment. Although we will not contact the school without your consent, this is a fundamental part of the process, in order for our Psychologist to build a fuller picture of your child and their needs.
The mental health assessment itself, is carried out in our clinic, by our Clinical Psychologist and lasts between 2-2.5 hours. This appointment will be with parent/s and child together, although if appropriate, siblings are welcome to attend if they are of an age where they feel they would like to contribute to the discussion. The Psychologist will likely speak to the family together, and then individual family members on their own. Children will never be forced to separate from their parent, but as long as they are happy to part (whilst their parent/s can stay in the waiting room) the Psychologist will also see the child or young person alone.
The assessment will be a combination of discussion and play and if appropriate the use of sensory toys/craft. Each session will be adjusted according to each individual child and their family’s needs. The Psychologist will also take notes, and observations during the assessment. Depending on the presenting concerns, the Psychologist may ask parent/s and/or child to fill in additional questionnaires during the appointment, which usually will be scored within the session to allow for feedback to be given.
Following the assessment, the Psychologist will be able to share recommendations as to ideas of how to move forward and support any further referrals to other professionals, if necessary. Some of the time, there is a possibility of diagnosis, where appropriate. This would be a specific mood, or specific anxiety or specific trauma-related diagnosis. For eating concerns, a diagnosis of an eating disorder may also be given, although onward referral for medical support would likely be needed. A diagnosis of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) may also be made, if appropriate.
A mental health assessment report will then be shared with families within 14 days of the appointment.
Please note, this is an assessment only service, so after the appointment it may be likely that further sessions, with a counsellor or other professional are advised for your child. The report provided to you can be useful to share with any professionals who may be working with your child, as well as your child’s school and GP so appropriate provisions and medical care, if needed, can be put in place.
Please note: The Children’s Wellness Centre is not an emergency crisis clinic; therefore we are unable to accept referrals for children at high risk, actively pursuing suicidal behaviours. These children need a team input which is best achieved through the NHS, via an emergency Psychiatric appointment, either through your GP or A&E at your local hospital. Please ring 999 if you have immediate concerns about your child’s safety.
Assessment Fees
The cost of the mental health assessment and report sent to families within 14 days of the assessment date is £845.
A 50% deposit is payable in advance to secure your assessment date, and the remaining balance can be paid in installments.