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Get a Diagnostic Assessment

A diagnostic assessment utilises a combination of clinical interview, observations and review of previous reports and standardised tests to determine whether or not the person meets DSM-V-TR diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity, Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia), and Mood Conditions.

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Why Choose Happy Brain for Diagnostic Assessments?

Happy Brain is a Queensland-based psychology clinic. We provide diagnostic assessments in-clinic for people in Brisbane and Ipswich and for others elsewhere via telehealth. Our clinical psychologists take a trauma-informed, client-centred, holistic, strengths-focused, and neuro-affirming approach to diagnostic assessment. Here’s what this means in practice

  • We recognise the effects of trauma and events in a person’s life on their mental health condition and deliver our diagnostic assessment services with this in mind.

  • We take the time to get to know each client and their unique story. 

  • With your consent, we work with your support systems to ensure we have the most comprehensive information for our diagnostic assessment. 

  • Our diagnostic assessments provide you with helpful information about yourself which emphasises your unique strengths.

  • ​We recognise, accept, and celebrate neurodivergence throughout our delivery of diagnostic assessment services.

  • What is a Trauma Psychologist?
    A trauma psychologist is a mental health professional who is qualified to provide trauma therapy. Trauma psychologist qualifications can include an academic degree in psychology and training or experience in providing EMDR trauma therapy. The most important quality of a trauma psychologist is that they know how to work with individuals and groups who have experienced or are experiencing trauma. Trauma psychologists help people process and heal from trauma, enabling these individuals and groups to lead more mentally-healthy and enjoyable lives.
  • What Qualifies as Psychological Trauma?
    The long-term negative effects on functional capacity and well-being as a result of a traumatic experience are what qualify as psychological trauma. As the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and Administration (SAMHSA) defined it in their Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach 2014 manual, “Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically and emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”
  • How do I know if I Need Trauma Therapy?
    Signs that you need trauma therapy include the following: Intense, uncontrollable emotions, memory, consciousness, and self-perception (Yadav, McNamara & Gunturu, 2024, Trauma-Informed Therapy) Impaired physical, emotional, mental, psychological, or interpersonal functioning Persistent feelings of fear and mistrust towards other people (Kimberg & Wheeler, 2019, Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care) Overwhelming sense of not being safe or secure Sleep disturbances such as nightmares and insomnia Trauma shows up differently in each person. If you have a distressing symptom that isn’t mentioned in the list above or think trauma therapy would be helpful to your well-being, you can still seek trauma therapy or the assistance of a trauma psychologist.
  • What is a Trauma-Informed Psychologist?
    A trauma-informed psychologist is a psychologist who follows a trauma-informed approach in their delivery of mental health services such as therapy. First proposed by Maxine Harris and Roger D. Fallot, the trauma-informed approach was further expanded on by SAMHSA. Trauma-informed psychologists realise the effects of trauma and events in the person’s life on their mental health condition and respond to this realisation by applying the 6 principles of a trauma-informed approach (SAMHSA, 2014): Safety - Trauma-informed psychologists ensure that the people they help feel physically and psychologically safe in their physical settings and interactions. Trustworthiness and Transparency - Trauma-informed psychologists build and maintain trust with the people they help. Peer Support - Trauma-informed psychologists offer ways for the people they help to establish healthy relationships with their peers. Collaboration and Mutuality - Trauma-informed psychologists and the people they help are partners in the latter’s well-being, collaborating towards the best outcome. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice - Trauma-informed psychologists empower others to develop their strengths and sense of self, share their opinions, advocate for themselves, and make shared choices regarding their mental health. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues - Trauma-informed psychologists address historical trauma, recognise cultural factors, and provide gender-responsive services.
  • What is the Difference Between Trauma Therapy and Trauma-Informed Therapy?
    Trauma therapy is focused on treating the trauma that an individual or group has experienced or are currently experiencing. Trauma-informed therapy is therapy provided in a trauma-informed manner. For example, if a person seeking therapy (but not explicitly seeking trauma therapy) goes to a psychologist who provides therapy in a trauma-informed manner, then that person is receiving trauma-informed therapy. However, this doesn’t mean those seeking trauma therapy won’t also receive trauma-informed therapy. Whether or not the therapy is trauma-informed depends on the manner in which it is provided.

Our Diagnostic Assessment Process 

This is just a general outline of what a diagnostic assessment is like at Happy Brain. We adjust the process to the needs, concerns, personality, and situation of each person seeking a diagnostic assessment from us.

Free Consultation

Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit. If we think so and you think so too, we’ll move forward with scheduling your first session with one of our psychologists. We do our best to match you with the right psychologist for your needs.

First Session

During the session, you can tell them why you’re seeking a diagnostic assessment (if you’re comfortable with doing so) and other concerns you may have. With your consent, the psychologist will review reports from your previous mental health services provider.

Diagnostic Assessment

Complete the diagnostic test/s. If you consent and your household members are willing, the psychologist may contact them as well for other questionnaires. The psychologist will score and interpret the completed test/s and questionnaires. Schedule sessions with the psychologist for clinical interviews and observations (if you’re comfortable doing so).

Feedback Session

The psychologist will then discuss the results of the diagnostic test/s, interviews, and observations as well as give their recommendations based on the results. Feel free to provide your input on what the results mean for you (e.g., how you feel about the results, whether you agree or disagree with certain parts, and what you think would be best for you in light of the results).

Diagnostic Report

Receive the final report, including scoring and interpretation of results, from the psychologist. 

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