Clinical assessments

I offer clinical psychological assessments for adults (18 and over) with common mental health difficulties, such as stress, low mood, anxiety, the effects of trauma, or possible ADHD. I welcome referrals from GPs and from individuals directly.

What the assessment is for

The aim is to understand the difficulty. A diagnosis is one possible outcome, but it need not be the objective. Another is a psychological formulation: an account of what is going on, how it developed and what is likely to help.

What I assess

• Stress, low mood and anxiety
• Psychological difficulties after trauma or another adverse event, where the aim is to understand the difficulty and guide treatment
• Possible ADHD
• Return to work or adjustments to a person's role, where the aim is to protect the person's health at work. The assessment is arranged by the person, and they can share the report with their employer if they choose

What is involved

• A clinical interview by secure video
• Standardised questionnaires, completed in advance
• With your consent, information from a family member or partner
• A review of any earlier professional reports you wish to share

What you receive

A written report setting out a formulation, a diagnosis where one applies, and recommendations based on current evidence, with signposting to public and private services where appropriate. The report goes to you. With your consent, it can also go to your GP or to anyone else you choose.

A starting place

The assessment is a starting place. I do not provide treatment and I do not prescribe. I cannot fast-track access to other services, and waiting lists may apply.

Who it suits

The service suits adults who are well enough to take part in an assessment by video and who have a GP. It is not a crisis or urgent service, and it does not provide ongoing treatment.

Fees

Fees are quoted on enquiry.

Separate from medico-legal assessments

This service is separate from my medico-legal work. If you need a report for a claim, a solicitor or a court, that is a medico-legal assessment. Please see For solicitors or For individuals and families instead.

To refer or enquire

Email info@amckiernan.ie with the subject line "Clinical assessment enquiry" and a brief note of what you would like assessed. Enquiries are answered promptly, typically within 24 hours.