Psychological Assessments
Evidence-Based Assessments for Children, Adolescents and Adults
A Psychological assessment offers far more than a label. It provides a clear, evidence-based picture of how a person thinks, learns, processes information and functions in daily life - and it creates a practical foundation for the support and decisions that follow.
Vivien Suttner is a Clinical Psychologist with a Masters in Educational Psychology, specializing in comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments for individuals presenting with learning, attention, cognitive and behavioural problems. She focuses on diagnostic accuracy, clarity and practical recommendations that are meaningful for families, schools, GPs and other professionals.
Assessments are conducted in person at the Newtown clinic in Sydney's Inner West. Vivien also sees clients from the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta, Western Sydney and across greater Sydney. Telehealth appointments are available for clients across NSW and throughout Australia. Referrals are accepted from GPs, pediatricians, psychiatrists, school counsellors and allied health professionals.
Self-referrals are also welcome - no doctor's referral is required to make an enquiry.
When an assessment may be helpful
A psychological assessment may be appropriate when there are ongoing questions or concerns about learning, attention, cognition and behaviour. Assessments are available for children, adolescents and adults.
Assessments are commonly sought when:
A child or adolescent is experiencing learning difficulties, attention problems, behavioural concerns or academic underachievement.
An adult is seeking assessment for ADHD, learning differences or cognitive concerns.
There is uncertainty about diagnosis or contributing psychological factors.
Formal assessment is required to support educational accommodations, workplace adjustments or treatment planning.
Schools, GPs, paediatricians or psychiatrists require a comprehensive, defensible assessment report.
An assessment may be helpful if:
You’re noticing ongoing learning or attention difficulties that aren’t improving with time.
You or your child is working much harder than peers, becoming anxious, frustrated or avoidant around schoolwork.
Teachers, colleagues, or others have raised questions about focus, learning or behaviour.
You (or your child) seem bright but inconsistent, or things don’t match potential.
You’re wondering about ADHD, learning differences, or how someone thinks and processes information.
Emotions or behaviour feel big, intense, or hard to manage, and you’re unsure why.
You’re seeking clarity, reassurance or direction — not just a label.
A school, GP or specialist has suggested a formal assessment may be useful.
If you’re unsure, an initial conversation can help clarify whether an assessment is the right next step.
Why people choose an assessment:
Understand what’s really going on, rather than guessing or worrying.
Make sense of long-standing patterns in learning, attention, behaviour or emotions.
Replace self-blame or uncertainty with clear, evidence-based explanations.
Feel more confident about next steps — at school, work, or in daily life.
Learn what supports, adjustments or strategies are likely to be genuinely helpful.
Feel reassured that concerns have been taken seriously and thoroughly explored.
For many people, having a clear explanation — even when challenges are identified — feels lighter than ongoing uncertainty. It allows you to move forward with understanding, direction and support.
Types of Assessments
ADHD Assessment (Children & Adults)
Comprehensive ADHD assessments aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria, incorporating clinical interview and developmental history, behavioural rating scales, cognitive and executive functioning assessment and differential diagnosis where required.
Reports provide clear diagnostic conclusions and practical recommendations for educational, medical and workplace settings.
Personality & Behavioural Assessments
Personality and behavioural assessments may be indicated where there are complex emotional or interpersonal difficulties, diagnostic uncertainty and questions regarding personality structure or functioning.
These assessments are conducted where clinically appropriate and integrated with broader psychological formulation.
To discuss whether a personality or behavioural assessment is appropriate for your situation, please get in touch and Vivien will advise on the most suitable assessment pathway.
GET IN TOUCH
Cognitive and IQ Assessments
Cognitive assessments may be requested to clarify intellectual functioning, inform educational placement or support needs and assist with diagnostic formulation.
Reports clearly explain cognitive profiles and functional implications.
Learning Disability and Dyslexia Assessments
Assessment of learning and academic difficulties, including cognitive (IQ) assessment, academic achievement testing, identification of specific learning disorders (e.g. reading, writing, mathematics), assessment to inform educational planning and school-based supports.
Vivien’s background in Educational Psychology ensures results are translated into clear, school-relevant recommendations.
The Assessment Process
All assessments are structured, thorough and individualised. The process typically includes:
Initial intake and history gathering
Standardised psychometric testing
Collateral information where relevant (e.g. school, referrer)
A comprehensive written report
Feedback session to explain findings and recommendations
Reports are written in clear, professional language and are suitable for use by:
Schools and universities
GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists
Allied health professionals
Employers (where appropriate)
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Contact the practice to discuss your concerns and what you’re hoping to understand. We’ll guide you on whether a psychological assessment may be helpful.
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An initial appointment allows for history taking, clarification of questions, and discussion of the most appropriate assessment pathway.
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Assessment sessions involve standardised testing, clinical interview and, where relevant, collateral information.
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You will receive a comprehensive written report and a feedback session to explain findings and recommendations.
Clinical Psychologist with Masters in Educational Psychology, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Meet Vivien Suttner
Vivien Suttner is a registered clinical psychologist with a Masters in Educational Psychology and over 25 years of experience in psychological therapies and specialises in comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments for individuals presenting with learning, attention, cognitive and behavioural problems.
She is a board-approved supervisor, a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a registered Medicare and DVA provider. Her assessments are accepted by GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, the NDIS and schools across Australia.
Vivien's focus is always on diagnostic accuracy - giving individuals and families clear, evidence-based answers and practical recommendations they can act on.
“Understanding ourselves can help us to make sense of so much of life. Whether it’s school, a relationship or any other area of difficulty, understanding why we are the way we are can help us to be kinder to ourselves and to be the best that we can be.”
Vivien Suttner, Principal Psychologist
FAQS
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Assessment fees at 360 Psychology range from $650 for a basic assessment to $2,400 for a comprehensive ADHD, cognitive and learning assessment.
A breakdown of fees is available upon request, and payment plans can be arranged where needed.
If you are unsure which assessment is right for your situation or for your child, please complete the enquiry form and Vivien will be in touch to help work out the best approach.
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Vivien regularly accepts referrals from GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, school counsellors and learning support teams, and allied health professionals.
Self-referrals are also welcome - no doctor's referral is required to get in touch or book.
Assessment reports are aligned with DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and include clear clinical rationales, detailed results and practical recommendations. Liaison with referrers, treating teams and schools can be arranged where appropriate.
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A GP referral is not required to book an assessment or therapy at 360 Psychology, you are welcome to contact Vivien directly.
However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates for therapy sessions, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. Under the Better Access initiative, eligible clients can receive up to 10 Medicare-rebated therapy sessions per calendar year.
Assessment fees are not currently rebatable through Medicare, though some private health insurance Extras covers may provide a partial rebate - it is worth checking with your insurer.
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Private health insurance coverage for psychology varies by insurer and policy. If you have Extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate on psychology sessions - it is worth contacting your insurer to confirm. Private health insurance does not typically cover psychological assessment fees, though this varies by policy.
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Yes, and this is a very common situation. Many people come to Vivien unsure whether an assessment is needed, or uncertain which type is most appropriate for themselves or for their child.
An initial conversation can help clarify whether an assessment makes sense, what it would involve, and what the likely next steps would be.
Please complete the enquiry form and Vivien will be in touch.
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There are several things that set 360 Psychology apart. Vivien is a clinical psychologist with specialist training in educational psychology and over 25 years of clinical experience, bringing depth and rigour to every assessment.
The focus is always on diagnostic clarity and practical recommendations that genuinely make a difference.
Vivien has experience working across clinical, educational and multidisciplinary settings, which means assessments are understood and accepted by GPs, paediatricians, schools, NDIS providers and other professionals.
Reports are written to be useful, defensible and clearly interpreted - both by the people who receive them and by the professionals who rely on them.
The practice is accessible from across Sydney and, via telehealth, from anywhere in NSW and Australia.
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Yes. Vivien offers telehealth assessments for clients across NSW and throughout Australia - including Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Some components of a comprehensive assessment may need to be completed in person at the Newtown clinic; however, initial consultations and feedback sessions are well suited to telehealth.
Please mention your preference when you enquire.
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Psychological assessments at 360 Psychology can support NDIS access requests and planning processes.
Assessment reports are comprehensive, evidence-based documents that can provide the diagnostic information required for NDIS access.
Please contact Vivien to discuss whether an assessment is likely to assist your application.
Book a Psychological Assessment
To discuss whether a psychological assessment is appropriate, book an assessment or to make a referral, please complete this form and Vivien will be in touch.