Mental Health/Diagnostic Assessment
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, we provide comprehensive and compassionate diagnostic assessments to help individuals better understand their mental health. These assessments are designed to bring clarity and direction, identifying what may be contributing to ongoing difficulties and how best to support recovery and wellbeing.
Understanding Diagnostic Assessment
Many people seek a diagnostic assessment when they have been struggling for some time and want to make sense of their experiences. You might be feeling anxious, low in mood, emotionally reactive, or “stuck” in patterns that feel hard to shift. Sometimes, there is uncertainty about what’s happening, whether symptoms relate to stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or another condition, or you may have tried therapy or medication without clear improvement.
A diagnostic assessment can help clarify what’s going on beneath the surface and guide the next steps for treatment and support. It can be particularly helpful when:
Symptoms have persisted or become more intense over time
Mood, motivation, or concentration have changed significantly
Emotional reactions feel hard to manage or seem out of proportion
Relationships, work, or study are being affected by distress or withdrawal
There’s a mix of overlapping concerns (e.g., anxiety, trauma, and attention difficulties)
A formal diagnosis is needed to access therapy, medication, or funding supports
These assessments can assist in identifying a range of mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety)
Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
Trauma-related conditions (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma)
Personality or relational difficulties
Adjustment issues following stress or life change
What a Diagnostic Assessment Involves
Our diagnostic assessments are tailored to the individual and may include:
Clinical interviews exploring background, symptoms, and how they impact daily life
Standardised questionnaires and psychological measures to assess mood, anxiety, and overall functioning
Input from family members, caregivers, or treating professionals (with consent) to gain a well-rounded understanding
Formulation and feedback, where results are explained clearly and linked to evidence-based treatment recommendations
This process helps to not only identify whether a diagnosis fits, but also to understand why symptoms are occurring, taking into account emotional, social, environmental, and biological factors.
Our Approach
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we seek to understand each person’s story including the experiences, stressors, and supports that have shaped their wellbeing.
Our clinicians provide a safe and validating space, helping clients feel understood. We aim to turn complexity into clarity, so that individuals and families leave with both insight and a clear path forward for care.
After the Assessment
Following the assessment, we provide a detailed feedback session and written report outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations. These may include:
A diagnostic summary (if appropriate)
Individualised treatment and therapy recommendations
Strategies for emotion regulation and self-care
Suggestions for collaboration with your GP, psychiatrist, or other health providers
Referrals for additional supports or specialised services
A diagnostic assessment can be an important step toward healing, helping you understand your experiences, access the right interventions, and move forward with greater confidence and wellbeing.
Costs and Referrals: No referral is required for assessments. Assessment fees vary depending on age and complexity. Please contact our clinic for a detailed quote and rebate information. Book Now
