Dr Tracey Weiland
Clinical Psychologist, Yarrambat, Shire of Nullimbik
Assessments
A valuable step in understanding symptom patterns, severity, and progress over time
Why Do We Conduct Assessments?
Nobody deserves to be “boxed in” or labelled. So why do we conduct assessments?
Accurate diagnosis
Without accurate assessment, treatment options may be limited by tunnel vision. What looks like a duck and quacks like a duck must be a duck, right? WRONG! When conditions are masked or missed through tunnel vision, missed opportunities for treatment can occur. In completing a thorough assessment, my intention is not to box you in but to avoid overlooking important symptoms.
To identify co-occurring conditions
Several conditions have overlapping features but may have vastly different presentations. When there is a diagnosis for one condition, it will be important to assess for conditions know to be co-occuring.
To facilitate treatment planning
With an accurate understanding of signs and symptoms, we can work together to develop a collaborative treatment plan. Recommending treatment options are based on the available evidence, your willingness or preference, and may involve input from your GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician, or services such as NDIS or Workcover.
To monitor response and progress
Using validated tools to periodically assess responses to therapy provides us with data about what treatment approaches are effective for you.
Types of Assessments
For children and some adults, a developmental history exploring milestones and early childhood experiences can flag possible conditions.Adult and
At the start of therapy, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive history of the issue or problem for which you are seeking help. This enables us to develop an accurate treatment plan. You may be eager to commence learning strategies to alleviate symptoms. Where possible, strategies will be introduced early. To assess response to treatment, we may then repeat assessments.
Certain conditions are known to cluster together. To explore co-occurring and differential (alternative) diagnoses, you may be asked to complete freely available screening tools.
Behavioural and emotional functioning is an essential component of multiple conditions, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Assessments are improved when we combine objective ratings from numerous sources [parents, teachers, self]. Assessments available for adults, adolescents and children.
I use validated tools to screen for and diagnose ADHD and ASD, in accordance with national guidelines. Results can be communicated to your GP and Psychiatrist who will guide medication treatment options. Best outcomes are achieved with a combination of psychological therapy and medication.
Consistently under-performing, getting sacked or finding it overwhelming to live life?
The tasks of living can be immensely tough for some. Regardless of diagnosis, functional impairments or the inability to adapt like those around you may point to a significant disability affecting quality of life, but which may benefit from support or treatment.
Whether you are considering marriage or going through a rough patch with your partner, a relationship check-up can help by identifying which evidence-based strategies will most benefit you.
Get in touch
Please contact me directly to arrange an appointment or enquire about the services available.