Services · Nicosia
Assessments and diagnostic sessions
Sometimes, before deciding what help you need, you first want to understand what is really going on. A psychological assessment gives you a clearer picture and helps plan the next steps.
What a psychological assessment is
A psychological assessment is a structured way for a psychologist to understand how a person thinks, feels, learns and behaves. It is not a test you pass or fail. It is a series of meetings in which the psychologist gathers information from different sources and puts it together.
Depending on age and the question being asked, an assessment may include:
- conversations with the person and, for children, with their parents
- questionnaires
- observation, for example through play with younger children
- standardised psychological tools, when they are needed
- information from school or other professionals, always with your consent
When it can help
An assessment can be useful when there is a question that is hard to answer. For example:
- when a child is struggling at school and it is not clear why
- when there are concerns about development, speech or attention
- when behaviour or mood has changed and you want to understand what lies behind it
- when an adult wants to make sense of difficulties they have carried for a long time
- when your doctor or your child's school suggests a closer look
How it works at our centre
An assessment always starts with a conversation about what you want to find out. The psychologist then explains what will happen, why, and roughly how many meetings they expect. Assessments usually take place in person in Latsia, because many tools and observation need you to be in the room, especially with children.
When the picture needs another view, we can work with our external associates in psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special education. All our psychologists are registered with the Cyprus Psychologists' Registration Board.
Assessments are available privately and through GeSY where it applies. For GeSY you need a referral from your personal doctor or a specialist doctor. Ask us what applies in your case.
What you get from an assessment
At the end, we talk you through what the assessment shows, in plain language. We look at difficulties and also at strengths, which matter just as much. Together we think about possible next steps: therapy, support at home, working with the school or a referral to another professional.
An assessment is not about putting a label on you or your child. Its purpose is to help you understand what is needed and how to support it.
Assessment for adults
Assessments are not only for children. Many adults ask for one to understand difficulties they have lived with for years, for example with concentration, learning, mood or relationships. People often say that just putting words to what they have been living with was a relief. The process is shaped around your life and the question you bring, and you decide what happens next.
How to prepare
It helps to bring anything relevant you already have: school reports, earlier assessments or medical information. Think beforehand about what exactly worries you and since when. For children, tell them simply that they will meet someone to do some activities and have a chat. There is nothing to study for.
Frequently asked questions
Is an assessment the same as a diagnosis?
Not always. An assessment can lead to a diagnosis, but often it simply gives a clearer picture of difficulties and strengths.
Can an assessment be done online?
Some parts can be online, such as the first conversation with parents. Most of it, though, takes place in person.
Who will see the results?
You will. Results are confidential and we do not share them with the school or anyone else without your consent.
Is it covered by GeSY?
It can be, with a referral from your personal doctor or a specialist doctor. Check with your doctor or on gesy.org.cy, and ask us what applies.
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Sources and further reading
- American Psychological Association: Understanding psychological testing and assessment
- Σύνδεσμος Ψυχολόγων Κύπρου
- World Health Organization: Mental health of adolescents
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.