Our Services

We are a diverse and experienced group of highly qualified Psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapists dedicated to supporting you through life’s challenges

    • Anxiety & Depression

    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Complex Trauma

    • Antenatal and Post Natal Depression/Bonding & Attachment

    • Adjustment Disorder

    • Eating Disorders & Body Image

    • Addictions & Gambling

    • Alcohol and other drugs

    • Stress & Anger Management

    • Suicide Prevention & Support

    • Mindfulness & Meditation

    • Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Cognitive (Intelligence) Assessment

    • Learning Disorder Assessment

    • Functional Capacity Assessment 

    • Interpersonal & Relationship Issues

    • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

    • Palliative Care Support

    • Childhood Trauma and Family of Origin Issues

    • Sexual Abuse, Domestic & Family Violence

    • Working with Migrants & Refugees

    • Cross Cultural Matters

    • Workplace Stress & Management

    • Transitional Life Change Issues

    • Emergency Services & First Responders

    • Emotion Focussed Couple Therapy

    • Family & Systemic Therapy

    • Relationship Distress (Affairs & Betrayal)

    • Family Separation/Divorce

    • Communication Strategies

    • Conflict Resolution

    • Family Mediation & Dispute Resolution

    • Gottman Relationship Counselling/ Checkup

    • Trauma Focussed CBT

    • Attachment and Child Centred - Play , Sand, Art Therapy

    • Parenting Support (Individual,Couple and Family Sessions)

    • Adjustment to Parenthood

    • Circle of Security Parent Education (Individual and Group Programs)

Neurodiversity

At Newport Counselling & Psychology Service, we proudly provide neurodiversity - affirming support for children, teens, and adults across Melbourne’s inner west. Our experienced team of psychologists, accredited mental health social workers, and endorsed mental health occupational therapists work with autistic clients, ADHDers, and people with other learning or sensory differences. Celebrating strengths, understanding challenges, and creating strategies that help you thrive. Whether in our sensory-friendly rooms or via telehealth, we offer a safe, respectful space where every mind is valued

Our Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

Our Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

Respect and Inclusion

Creating safe spaces where you feel understood

Strengths-Based Focus

Building on unique abilities, not changing who you are

Tailored Strategies

Designed for your sensory, communication, and learning needs

Assessments

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, as well as by restricted and repetitive behavior. Early and accurate diagnosis can provide the foundation for effective interventions and support. We provide a neuroaffirming approach to our ASD assessments which you can read more about here.

Assessment Components:

  1. Developmental History: Gathering comprehensive information about the individual's developmental milestones, behavioral patterns, and family history. Parents or caregivers are often the primary informants, especially for children.

  2. Structured Observations: Observing the individual in various settings, such as play sessions, to assess social interactions, communication skills, and repetitive behaviors.

  3. Standardized Testing: Using tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) help us to make clinical formulations.

  4. Cognitive and Language Testing: Assessing intellectual and verbal abilities, often important for determining support needs and identifying strengths and challenges.

  5. Medical Evaluation: Ruling out other conditions and understanding any co-existing health issues. This might include genetic testing, neurological assessments, or hearing tests.

  6. Behavioral and Functional Assessments: Understanding challenging behaviors, daily living skills, and adaptive functions to tailor interventions appropriately.

The results of the assessment guide diagnostic decisions and the formulation of individualised intervention plans. Diagnosis is based on the observed behaviour and developmental history, rather than the results of a specific test.

ASD is a spectrum, meaning individuals can manifest a range of symptoms with varying severity. An interdisciplinary team approach, including psychologists, speech and language therapists, pediatricians, and other professionals, often provides the most comprehensive assessment.

For more information on our approach, please read our handy guide here.

Book Assessment
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and intervention. We provide a neuroaffirming approach to our ADHD assessments which you can read about here.

Assessment Components:

  1. Clinical Interview: Gathering a detailed history of the individual's behavior, including onset, duration, and the impact of symptoms on daily functioning. Information about the individual's developmental, medical, educational, and family history is also obtained.

  2. Behavioural Rating Scales: Standardized questionnaires completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the individual themselves to evaluate the severity and frequency of symptoms. Common scales include the Conners 4 and/or Young DIVA (for clients aged 6-18) or the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) and/or the DIVA and the Vanderbilt Diagnostic Rating Scale (Parent and Teacher scales).

  3. Observations: Observing the individual in different settings, such as school or work, to gain insight into real-world manifestations of symptoms.

  4. Neuropsychological Testing: Cognitive tests can help identify specific attentional deficits and rule out other conditions. These might assess memory, attention span, impulse control, and executive functions.

  5. Physical Examination: To rule out medical conditions that might mimic ADHD symptoms. This might include vision and hearing tests, neurological evaluations, and other relevant medical assessments.

  6. Collateral Information: Gathering information from various sources, such as teachers or other professionals who interact with the individual, can offer a more holistic view of the presence and impact of symptoms across settings.

Diagnosis of ADHD is not solely based on tests but on a comprehensive understanding of the individual's behaviors across multiple settings and over time. Once diagnosed, appropriate interventions, which may include behavioral therapy, educational support, and medication, can be tailored to the individual's needs.

ADHD can coexist with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders. Thus, a thorough assessment ensures that all co-occurring conditions are identified and addressed. It's also worth noting that ADHD symptoms can vary between individuals and across different stages of life. An interdisciplinary approach involving psychologists, pediatricians, educators, and other professionals can offer the most comprehensive insights.

For more information on our approach to ADHD assessment, please read our handy guide here.

Book Assessment
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Cognitive (Intelligence) Assessment

A cognitive psychological assessment evaluates an individual's mental processes, including memory, attention, perception, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Such assessments are vital for understanding cognitive strengths and weaknesses, informing diagnoses, and guiding interventions.

Assessment Components:

  1. Clinical Interview: Gathering a comprehensive understanding of the individual's developmental, educational, medical, and psychosocial history. This sets the context for interpreting findings from standardized tests.

  2. Standardized Neuropsychological Tests: Tools designed to measure specific cognitive functions. Common tests include:

    • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS): For assessing adult intellectual abilities.

    • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC): For evaluating intellectual functioning in children.

    • Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure: For evaluating visuospatial skills and memory.

    • Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST): For assessing executive functions.

  3. Memory Assessment: Tests designed to measure various aspects of memory, such as short-term, long-term, and working memory. Examples include the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT).

  4. Attention and Concentration Tests: These measure the individual's ability to focus, sustain, and shift attention. Tests like the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) are commonly used.

  5. Executive Functioning Tests: Assessing higher-order cognitive processes such as planning, organizing, and cognitive flexibility. The Trail Making Test and the Stroop Test are popular choices.

  6. Other Assessments: Depending on the referral question, evaluations might also include tests for language, visuospatial skills, motor abilities, and other specific cognitive functions.

Results provide a profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to:

  • Diagnose neurocognitive disorders (e.g., dementia, traumatic brain injury).

  • Guide rehabilitation strategies.

  • Recommend accommodations in educational or workplace settings.

  • Understand the cognitive impacts of medical conditions or treatments.

It's essential to interpret results in the context of the individual's background, as factors like age, education, culture, and language proficiency can influence test performance. Regular re-assessments might also be required to monitor cognitive changes over time.

Book Assessment
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Learning Disorder Assessment

A learning disorder assessment evaluates an individual's difficulties and strengths in areas such as reading, writing and mathematics to understand their educational needs. This comprehensive assessment is often used to diagnose learning disabilities, guide academic interventions, and recommend classroom accommodations.

Assessment Components may include all or some of the following:

  1. Clinical Interview: Gathering detailed background information on the individual's developmental, academic, behavioral, and social history. Parents, teachers, and the student (if age-appropriate) may be interviewed.

  2. Achievement/Academic Testing: Evaluating skills in areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language. Examples of tests include:

    • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III)

    • Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV)

  3. Cognitive/IQ Testing: To measure intellectual abilities. Commonly used tests include:

    • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)

    • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)

  4. Behavioural and Emotional Screening: Identifying any behavioral or emotional issues that might impact learning. Rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or the student can be used, such as the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Reference Form (TRF).

  5. Information Processing Assessment: Investigating how the student processes auditory and visual information, attention, memory, and executive functions.

  6. Classroom Observations: Observing the student in the educational setting can provide insights into their behaviour, social interactions, and academic performance in real-world contexts.

  7. Review of Records: Examining past report cards, standardized testing scores, teacher notes, and other relevant documentation.

Based on the collected data, the assessment provides:

  • A clear profile of the student's strengths and challenges.

  • Diagnoses of specific learning disorders or other educational challenges.

  • Recommendations for classroom accommodations, interventions, or special education services.

A learning disorder assessment is not a one-size-fits-all process. It must be tailored to the individual's unique concerns and background, considering factors like age, language, and cultural influences. Feedback sessions post-assessment are essential to ensure that caregivers, educators, and the student (if appropriate) understand the results and recommendations.

For more information on Specific Learning Disorders, please read our handy guide here.

Book Assessment

Functional Capacity Assessment

A Functional Capacity Assessment evaluates how a person's psychological condition affects their ability to perform everyday activities, work tasks, and participate in daily life. It provides a comprehensive picture of an individual's current level of functioning across multiple domains.

Who Might Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Functional Capacity Assessments are often requested for NDIS applications and plan reviews, WorkCover and insurance claims, Disability Support Pension (DSP) applications, return-to-work planning, and educational or workplace accommodations. They can be particularly helpful when documentation is needed to demonstrate how a condition impacts day-to-day functioning.

What Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Involve?

The assessment includes a comprehensive clinical interview exploring your history and current circumstances, standardised assessment tools measuring functional ability across key life domains, consideration of how psychological conditions (such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or autism) impact daily activities, and a detailed written report with findings and recommendations. The report provides clear, evidence-based information about functional strengths and limitations that can support applications for funding, services, or accommodations.

It's essential to interpret results in the context of the individual's background, as factors like age, education, culture, and language proficiency can influence test performance. Regular re-assessments might also be required to monitor cognitive changes over time.

Book Assessment