Exclusive Service
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment
Our Approach
At The London Neurocognitive Clinic, our child and adolescent psychiatric assessment service provides a comprehensive, developmentally informed evaluation for young people. We assess a range of presentations including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, autism-related emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma-related conditions, OCD, and emerging mood disorders, helping to clarify diagnosis, understand the young person’s cognitive and emotional needs, and guide appropriate next steps.
What happens during a child and adolescent psychiatric assessment?
A child and adolescent psychiatric assessment includes a detailed clinical interview exploring the nature, onset, and progression of difficulties, as well as their impact on mood, thinking, behaviour, social relationships, and everyday functioning. The assessment is adapted to be age-appropriate, ensuring the young person feels comfortable and heard throughout the process.
We gather a thorough developmental and family history, and where relevant, the assessment may draw on collateral information from those who know the young person well, as well as a review of previous reports and relevant records.
The outcome of the assessment is a clear clinical understanding, which may include diagnostic impressions, a developmentally informed formulation, and tailored recommendations that address the young person’s cognitive, emotional, and practical needs.
When should a young person be considered for psychiatric assessment?
A psychiatric assessment may be helpful when a young person is experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties that are persistent, distressing, or interfering with their everyday life. This might include ongoing difficulties with mood, anxiety, attention, or social interaction, or behavioural changes that feel out of character or difficult to understand.
An assessment may also be appropriate where there are concerns about a possible underlying condition, where previous support has not fully addressed the young person’s needs, or where a clearer understanding is needed to guide the right interventions.
What are the outcomes of a child and adolescent psychiatric assessment?
A comprehensive child and adolescent psychiatric assessment can provide:
- Greater clarity around a young person’s emotional and behavioural difficulties
- A developmentally informed understanding of how cognitive and emotional factors interact
- Identification of conditions that may have been previously unrecognised or overlooked
- Guidance on appropriate support pathways, including therapeutic interventions and specialist referrals
- A structured clinical report that can be shared with other professionals or services involved in the young person’s care
Questions our clients ask
Frequently asked questions
You may have lots of questions and that’s understandable. We have provided some answers below to frequently asked questions but if you’re still unsure about something do get in contact with us.
Do I need a referral for a child and adolescent psychiatric assessment?
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment for a young person.
Will I receive a report following the assessment?
Yes. A detailed report outlining findings and recommendations can be provided following the assessment.
Can this assessment be combined with other services?
Where appropriate, child and adolescent psychiatric assessments can be integrated with neuropsychological assessment or other services offered by the clinic.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about Dementia or would like to find out whether it could benefit you or someone you care for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.
This service is for psychiatric assessment only. The London Neurocognitive Clinic does not provide ongoing psychiatric treatment or medication management. Recommendations for treatment can be provided following assessment, and individuals may be referred to appropriate services where needed.