Psychological Assessment Process

Understanding the assessment process helps you prepare and know what to expect at each stage. At Waterman Psychology Services, assessments follow a structured process designed to provide clear results and practical recommendations.

This page outlines each step, how long it takes, and what you need to prepare.

Step 1: Booking the Assessment

The process begins by contacting the clinic to arrange an appointment.

You can book by phone or through the website. During booking, you may be asked for basic information about the reason for the assessment. This helps determine the appropriate type of assessment and the time required.

Timeframe:
Booking typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Appointment availability may vary depending on demand.

Step 2: Pre-Assessment Information

Before the assessment, you may be asked to complete questionnaires or provide background information.

This may include:

• developmental or educational history
• current concerns
• school reports or previous assessments

Providing accurate information at this stage helps ensure the assessment is targeted and relevant.

Timeframe:
Forms typically take 20 to 40 minutes to complete.

Step 3: The Assessment Day

The assessment is conducted in person and involves structured testing tailored to the referral question.

For children, the session is designed to be clear and manageable, with breaks as needed. For adults, the process focuses on attention, learning, and cognitive functioning.

Testing may include:

• cognitive assessments
• academic tasks
• attention and behavioural measures

The psychologist will guide the session and explain each task.

Timeframe:
Most assessments take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Some may be split across multiple sessions.

What Should My Child Bring?

To support the assessment process, bring:

• glasses or hearing aids if used
• any relevant school reports or documents
• snacks and water if needed

Children should be well-rested before the session to ensure accurate results.

Step 4: Scoring and Report Preparation

After the assessment, results are scored and analysed. This stage involves reviewing test data, identifying patterns, and forming conclusions.

The report includes:

• assessment results and interpretation
• identified strengths and areas of difficulty
• diagnosis, if applicable
• clear recommendations for support

Reports are written in a structured format so they can be used by families, schools, or workplaces.

Timeframe:
Report preparation is typically completed within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the assessment.

Step 5: Feedback and Debrief Session

Once the report is complete, a feedback session is scheduled.

During this session:

• results are explained clearly
• questions are addressed
• recommendations are discussed

The focus is on ensuring you understand the outcome and what steps to take next.

Timeframe:
Feedback sessions typically take 30 to 60 minutes.

How to Share the Report with a School

Reports are designed to be shared with schools or other professionals where needed.

You can:

• provide a copy directly to the school
• share it with teachers, learning support staff, or coordinators
• use it to support requests for adjustments or additional support

If required, the report can be used to guide discussions about classroom strategies or learning plans.

What Is Included in the Report

Each report is structured to provide clear and usable information.

It includes:

• background information and reason for assessment
• test results and interpretation
• identification of learning or attention difficulties
• diagnosis, where applicable
• specific, practical recommendations

The report is written so it can be understood without specialist knowledge.