Complex Psychological Assessment

The Complex Psychological Assessment service offers essential, in-depth psychological assessments for clients presenting with complex presentations of mental health, trauma, personality, neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive/neuropsychological, and forensic concerns. A dedicated team of highly experienced professionals, registered psychologists specialising in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology, will manage each assessment.

Our team of experts also actively contributes to the field through teaching and research in advanced clinical psychological assessments. What sets us apart is our commitment to a neurodiversity-affirming approach, ensuring each client receives an inclusive and well-rounded evaluation.

Who is it for? 

People 12 years and older who need specialist assessments (e.g., NDIS, diagnostic clarification, ASD/ADHD assessments, risk assessments, etc.).

When and where will it be held?

Appointments are available at the North Melbourne and Hawthorn clinics.

How much does it cost? 

The fees for the assessments depend on the type of assessments required. The cost will be determined following an initial session with the specialist psychologist. The standard cost starts at $1,800.00.

Who is facilitating the program?

Dr Joseph Allan Sakdalan is a registered psychologist and supervisor (BAS) who holds endorsements in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, and clinical neuropsychology. He is a member of the APS and a Fellow of the APS Colleges of Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists. Dr Sakdalan has extensive experience conducting cognitive and neuropsychological, mental health, personality, complex trauma, neurodivergence and forensic psychological assessments. He has more than 25 years of clinical experience working with clients with complex presentations such as mental health issues, intellectual/cognitive problems, neurodivergence, personality issues, complex trauma, offending behaviours (e.g., violent offending, sexual offending, stalking, etc.), sexual abuse, and substance use issues. He has provided expert evidence at the County and Supreme Courts in Australia.

Joseph enjoys teaching advanced clinical psychological assessments and specialty topics in forensic mental health and intellectual disability, neuropsychology, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychological treatment of clients with complex presentations. His research interests include providing neurodiversity-affirming assessment and treatment, forensic disability, program development and evaluation, and assessment and treatment of offenders.

Dr James Donnelly earned his Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Human Development with extensive training in psychotherapy, developmental disabilities, dementia and neuropsychology at Vanderbilt University. He then obtained further specialised training at the University of California at San Francisco in the USA. Dr Donnelly has been practicing as a psychologist for 30 years while also conducting brain, emotion and mental health research and lecturing in Psychology in the US, and since 2001, in Australia. He moved from San Francisco to Armidale, NSW to join the clinical psychology training program at the University of New England and was then privileged to serve as the first Head of Psychology at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

 

How can I get this assessment?

Fill out our Clinical Appointment Request Form.

Alternatively, you can contact our clinic admin staff at [email protected] or 1800 391 393.