Screening
Screening is the first step in identifying potential mental health concerns. Through brief, structured questions and tools, I can quickly assess whether further evaluation or support is needed.
I only administer these as part of treatment if there is some sort of indication, or Australian / International guidelines suggest that we should screen for something.
Neurodivergency
Screening for neurodivergency, including ADHD and Autism, helps identify traits and challenges that may impact daily functioning and overall well-being.
Tools such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) assess the presence of neurodivergent traits, including attention, social interaction, and behavioural patterns. These screenings support the development of a targeted therapeutic approach and can guide decisions around further assessments or interventions.
While I regularly screen for ADHD and Autism, I generally do not conduct full assessments and suggest referral to a psychiatrist (for ADHD) or Autism specialist psychologist if indicated.
Substance Use Disorders
If you or I have concerns around problems with alcohol or substances, then we may complete a screening questionnaire. Common measurements include the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT).
Trauma
Screening for trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a crucial part of assessing your mental health before undertaking treatments like EMDR. Tools such as the Life Events Checklist (LEC), Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) are used to identify and evaluate past traumatic events, their impact, and how they may be influencing your current mental health.
Dissociation
Screening for dissociation and emotion regulation helps identify patterns of disconnection from reality or difficulties in managing emotions, which can affect mental well-being.
Tools like the Dissociation Experience Scale (DES) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) assess the extent of dissociation and emotional challenges, while the MID-60 provides insights into the regulation of emotions and the impact of emotional dysregulation on daily functioning. These screenings aid in tailoring effective therapeutic interventions, including trauma-focused treatments like EMDR.
Disordered Eating
Screening for eating disorders involves using tools like the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to assess eating behaviours, body image concerns, and related psychological symptoms.
The EDE-Q helps identify patterns of disordered eating, including binge eating, restriction, and compensatory behaviours, providing insight into the severity of the disorder and informing the treatment plan.
This screening can guide referrals for further assessments or support the ongoing monitoring of treatment progress, and it is generally required to access Medicare rebates under an Eating Disorder Plan.
Screening
Screening involves brief, structured tools and questions to identify potential mental health concerns or symptoms that may require further attention or assessment (e.g. ADHD screening).
Assessments
Assessments are comprehensive evaluations where I gather in-depth information about your mental health, including psychological tests, interviews, and history, to form a clear understanding of your needs.
Reports
Reports provide detailed, written summaries of assessments, which may include diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and supporting evidence, often used for referrals, legal purposes, or medical care coordination.
Assessments
My psychological assessment services offer a thorough exploration of various mental health, neurodivergent, and emotional concerns to support accurate understanding and diagnosis. By utilising evidence-based tools and tailored approaches, I aim to provide clarity and actionable insights to guide your treatment and personal growth.
WPATH Assessments
WPATH assessments for gender dysphoria are aligned with WPATH's current Standards of Care guidelines and provide supportive documentation for individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery. These assessments typically require 3–4 sessions, with a separate fee for report writing, though the process may vary depending on individual circumstances.
As a member of WPATH, AsiaPATH, and AUSPATH, and with advanced mental health care training through WPATH, I am well-equipped to provide these assessments.
Clients should confirm with their surgeon whether an assessment from a general registered psychologist, like myself, is acceptable or if a clinical psychologist is required.
In Australia, WPATH assessments are not necessary for hormone replacement therapy, which can be discussed directly with a GP. Additional sessions or support beyond the outlined process may be required.
ADHD Assessments
I provide ADHD assessments for adults who do NOT intend to seek medication as part of their treatment should they be diagnosed.
Only psychiatrists can prescribe ADHD medication and generally need to conduct their own assessments for this.
To save you time, money, and effort, if you intend to seek medication, I suggest seeking ADHD assessment by a psychiatrist. This can be costly, so if you would like to be screened for ADHD, to see whether a full assessment is beneficial, I can help with that.
Other Assessments
Please contact me to discuss any other psychological assessment needs.
Reports
At times, clients require reports following psychological assessment, or for legal or family court related issues.
In general, reports are charged at the same hourly fee for treatment, depending on how many hours are required to prepare the report.
Where reports are not prepared to support my on-going treatment with clients (such as legal reports), these generally attract Goods and Services Tax.
Reports following Psychological Assessment
Some clients require reports following detailed psychological assessments, for a range of reasons.
Each report varies as to the amount of time required to prepare them, and the fees may vary as a result.
Some conditions are diagnosed in the course of ordinary treatment, and may be stated with treatment update reports to doctors, which may be sufficient for some clients.
Legal / Forensic Reports
Clients sometimes require legal / forensic reports. Please contact Brydan to discuss these. He does not automatically accept requests for reports, and needs to determine whether he is appropriate to complete the necessary assessments and reports.
Victims of Crime Assessments
Some clients seeking financial support through state victims of crime agencies, may require assessments and reports. While such agencies often reimburse for these, I require payment directly from the client who can be reimbursed through the relevant agency. Please contact Brydan to discuss.