Clarity, support, and a pathway to emotional wellbeing.
Our Mental Health Assessment helps families understand a child or young person’s emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. We explore concerns such as anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, behaviour changes, and social‑emotional skills—so you can feel confident about the next steps. Assessments are available in‑clinic (Derrimut), at home or school across Melbourne’s west and north, and via telehealth across Australia.
Who this is for
A Mental Health Assessment is recommended for children and teens who are experiencing:
- Big feelings or emotional dysregulation (worry, fear, overwhelm, sadness).
- Changes in behaviour or mood, including withdrawal, irritability, or difficulty coping with daily demands.
- School avoidance, peer difficulties, or social‑emotional challenges.
- Impacts from anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or behavioural conditions.
- Unclear patterns where emotional, developmental, and behavioural needs may overlap.
If your child is struggling and you’re not sure why—or you’ve tried supports and still feel stuck—an assessment can provide clarity and direction.
What the assessment involves
Our Mental Health Assessment follows Australian best‑practice psychological assessment methods and SLCN’s whole‑child, strengths‑based framework.
1) Intake & History
We begin with a collaborative discussion about your child’s emotional wellbeing, developmental history, family context, and your goals. This ensures the assessment is tailored and compassionate.
2) Multi‑method mental health assessment
Depending on your child’s age and needs, the assessment may include:
- Clinical interview with caregivers and, where appropriate, with the child.
- Emotional and behavioural screening tools to explore anxiety, depression, stress, social‑emotional difficulties, and coping patterns. Tools may include validated measures used across child mental health assessments.
- Observation of emotional regulation, social interaction, communication, and coping in structured or naturalistic settings.
- Cognitive, developmental, or behavioural assessments when mental health concerns overlap with learning, neurodevelopmental, or behavioural presentations.
3) Holistic formulation across SLCN’s eight developmental areas
We examine how mental health patterns interact with communication, social skills, executive functioning, daily living skills, academic participation, and behaviour—so recommendations are practical and connected to real life.
4) Feedback & written report
You receive a clear, family‑friendly report that includes:
- A summary of emotional, social, and behavioural strengths
- Identified mental health concerns or contributing factors
- A structured plan with strategies for home, school, and therapy supports
- Guidance on referrals or further interventions if needed
Reports are designed to be shared with schools, paediatricians, and allied health teams.
What you’ll walk away with
- A clear understanding of your child’s emotional and social wellbeing.
- Insight into what’s driving stress, overwhelm, mood changes, or behaviour shifts.
- Practical strategies to support emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.
- Recommendations for therapy, school supports, or lifestyle adjustments.
- A comprehensive report to guide collaborative care.
Our approach
- Warm, child‑centred, and trauma‑informed: We prioritise safety, trust, and connection in every session.
- Evidence‑based practice: Assessments follow national mental health, psychology, and neurodevelopmental guidelines.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration: When helpful, we integrate input from psychology, speech pathology, OT, behaviour therapy, and school teams.
- Flexible delivery: Available in‑clinic, in homes or schools across Melbourne’s west & north, or anywhere in Australia via telehealth.
After the assessment: next steps
Following the assessment, your child may benefit from:
- Psychology therapy to build emotional regulation, resilience, social‑emotional skills, or manage anxiety/mood challenges.
- Parent support or coaching to help embed strategies into daily routines.
- School collaboration to implement wellbeing supports, reasonable adjustments, or safety plans.
- Additional assessments, if mental health needs overlap with developmental, learning, or behavioural challenges.
Availability & bookings
Appointments are available now.
Book online or contact our team on 03 80 880 527 or info@slcn.com.au to discuss whether a Mental Health Assessment is the right next step for your child.
