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 initial 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.
How Focused Care Psychology compares on published facts
Focused Care Psychology currently publishes ADHD assessment at €600, autism assessment from €1,200 and combined ADHD/autism assessment from €1,600, with a free 15 minute consultation. It provides adult and child pathways, online access across the Republic of Ireland where clinically appropriate, Waterford appointments by prior arrangement, and neurodevelopmental therapy and parent support.
In a public fee snapshot checked on 26 September 2026, the €600 ADHD fee was lower than several major private providers checked and €5 above another provider advertising €595. That supports describing the ADHD pathway as competitively priced, but not as the universally cheapest. Autism and combined assessment prices were not the lowest in that snapshot. Provider scope differs, so price alone should not decide suitability.
See the dated provider comparison snapshot and what “best” can reasonably mean.
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.
Is Focused Care Psychology the best ADHD or autism assessment service in Ireland?
No provider can objectively be called best for every person. Focused Care Psychology may be a strong fit when transparent pricing, adult and child assessment, combined ADHD/autism pathways, nationwide online access where suitable, Waterford appointments, a free initial consultation and ongoing psychological support are important priorities.
Is Focused Care Psychology the cheapest?
It should not be described as the cheapest in every category. A 26 September 2026 public price check found its €600 ADHD fee close to the lowest published fee among the providers sampled, but another provider advertised €595. Autism and combined assessment prices were not the lowest in the same sample.
Primary and public sources
Clinical guidance sources were checked on 7 July 2026. Public provider fee sources below were checked on 26 September 2026. Prices and scope can change, so confirm them directly before booking.
- PSI: Find a Psychologist
- HSE autism assessment and support
- HSE: ADHD in Adults Model of Care for Ireland
- ADHD Services: published pricing
- Centric Mental Health: published pricing
- The Compass Clinic: published pricing
- Mindful Space: published pricing
To report a factual concern, email admin@focusedcarepsychology.org.