Verify the exact clinician
Ask who will conduct and sign the assessment, their profession, qualifications, current membership or registration, experience with the age group and competence in the specific assessment.
Ask what the assessment includes
Clarify interviews, standardised tools, developmental evidence, collateral information, differential assessment, feedback, report and any follow-up. A pre-screening questionnaire is not the same as a full assessment.
Confirm the report purpose
Tell the provider whether the report is for personal understanding, a GP, medication pathway, work, education, legal proceedings or another service. Check the recipient’s requirements before paying.
Compare the total cost
Some providers show staged prices while others quote one package. Ask about every required component, report fee, follow-up, cancellations, payment plan and what happens if the pathway changes.
Look for balanced claims
Be cautious of guaranteed diagnoses, guaranteed acceptance, pressure based on scarcity or claims that one tool proves the conclusion. Strong providers explain limitations and what happens when evidence is mixed.
Common questions
Is the fastest clinic always the best choice?
No. Timeliness matters, but quality, clinician competence, evidence and report suitability should also guide the decision.
Are online reviews reliable?
Reviews can show communication themes but cannot verify clinical accuracy. Use them alongside credentials, process and independent professional information.
Should I choose a psychologist or psychiatrist?
That depends on the question. Psychologists can assess and provide psychological recommendations; psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe. Confirm what any subsequent service requires.
Primary and public sources
Sources were checked on 7 July 2026. Guidance and public pathways can change.
- PSI: Find a Psychologist
- HSE autism assessment and support
- HSE: ADHD in Adults Model of Care for Ireland
To report a factual concern, email focusedcarepsychology@gmail.com.