what you and your child should know before visiting
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A psychological assessment can be useful when children or young people are having difficulties at school or are acting or developing in ways that are not expected. It can help to find out what are one´s strengths and weaknesses, and to plan for an adequate therapy or support. Thus, we are specifically interested in learning what works well!
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Depending on the reason for the referral, the assessment can take up a couple of hours and is usually split into several appointments.
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The initial clinical interview is done with the child or young person and the parents/caregivers. It is usually the first step in the diagnostic process, because it provides general information about a child’s developmental history and reason for referral. It typically involves asking a series of questions. Parents and/or caregivers are often asked to fill out questionnaires to provide information on a range of behaviors that assist with the assessment. Sometimes, it is important to interview teachers or other people who know the child or young person well (with the parent’s and child’s consent). If applicable, please bring preliminary medical/psychological/school reports, or other relevant information.
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During the assessment, the young person will be given standardised age-appropriate tests. Usually, they are playful and developmentally appropriate, and as relevant as possible in relation to everyday life and life at school. The child or young person should be motivated to perform to her/his best personal achievement level. Additionally, he/she will be observed during the assessment.
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During the assessment, the child or young person will be asked several questions and is required to complete various tasks to assess a range of abilities, for example, thinking and logical skills, skills in moving, reading, maths and their executive functions such as attention. In most cases, assessments of cognitive abilities form part of a comprehensive evaluation.
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All children and young people will find some things easy and some things hard to do. They should know that it is normal to not get all the answers right or finish all the items. No special preparation is needed. It is important that children are as relaxed as possible and be encouraged to just try to their best.
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Psychological assessments are often a complex and detailed process, which involves writing a detailed report and discussing the results of the assessment. Following the assessment, a recommendation of support will be given. You have full control over who has access to the report. Due to the psychologist’s confidentially agreement, the report is only handed to the person who took the assessment. In the case of children, the report is given to the parents or other official caregivers.
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Preparing your child for the assessment can reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation. Discuss with your child why you visit us and what is about to happen (i.e. talking and answering some questions, completing puzzles, making drawings, reading stories, and playing games). Children are less anxious and more likely to feel safe if they know what to expect.
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On the day of the appointment make sure that the child or young person is well rested and not hungry. Usually, I start the first appointment together with the child and the parent, explaining what we will do together and why we do that, and then ask the parent to wait outside during the assessment.
further information in German: Berufsverband Österreichischer Psychologinnenund Psychologen (BÖP)
general information
Consultation Fee: € 100,- to 120,- per session (50 minutes)
Preferential rates for students and recipients of social benefits by arrangement.
The first consultation is an integral part of the assessment and will therefore be charged (€ 120,-).
Cancellation policy: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Any cancellation (by phone, SMS or e-mail) that occurs 24 hours or more prior to the scheduled time can be rescheduled at no additional cost. Cancellations within 24 hours are fully charged.
Reimbursement: Some insurance plans will cover the cost of the assessment in full or in part. In the Austrian health insurance system, diagnostic assessments by clinical psychologists are part of statutory insurance benefits. The insured and her/his dependants may apply for partial reimbursement of the costs. Information on reimbursement will be provided upon your visit.
