Assessments
At Mind-U, the initial assessment is a key part of understanding how we can best support your child or young person. It provides a safe, confidential space to explore their emotional wellbeing, mental health, developmental history, and current challenges.
Purpose of the Assessment
The assessment helps us to:
Understand the concerns that led to the referral
Explore emotional, behavioural, and psychological functioning
Identify strengths, needs, and risk factors
Develop a clear formulation or understanding of the issues
Decide on the most appropriate type of support or intervention
Who Will Be Involved?
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Assessments are carried out by a qualified clinician, such as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.
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We typically involve both the child or young person and their parent(s) or carer(s), either together or separately depending on age and presentation.
Discussion
of current concerns, emotional and behavioural patterns, relationships, school experiences, and significant life events
Developmental history
including early milestones, physical health, and family history
Standardised questionnaires or screening tools
to support understanding
(e.g. for anxiety, ADHD, or trauma)
Observation
of the child or young person’s interaction, play, or communication (especially in younger children)
What Happens During the Appointment?
The assessment may include:
Length of the Appointment
60
minutes
90
minutes
In some cases, especially where concerns are complex, further sessions or multidisciplinary input may be recommended.
After the Assessment
Verbal Feedback
You will receive verbal feedback at the end or shortly after the assessment.
Written summary
or report
A written summary or report may be provided upon request or if agreed in advance.
The clinician will discuss the recommended next steps, which may include:
Therapeutic intervention
e.g. individual therapy, family work
Further assessments
e.g. neurodevelopmental, cognitive, or psychiatric review
Signposting to other services or support networks
Children with early trauma, neglect,
loss and relational difficulties.
This may include:
Behavioural problems at home and school,
Health or sensory processing issues,
Emotional regulation concerns
Story Stem Assessment
Cognitive Assessments/Specialised neurodiversity assessments