Psychological Assessment Service
At ISM Psychological Services, comprehensive assessment is central to understanding a child or young person’s needs and planning effective intervention.
Every referral begins with an initial consultation to explore the presenting concerns and consider the most appropriate next steps. We offer a free consultation to discuss the difficulties being experienced before any assessment is agreed.
Where assessment is indicated, we use a structured, formulation-led approach. This may include:
- Standardised psychometric assessment tools
- Developmental and psychological screening measures
- Evidence-based structured professional judgement risk assessments
- Clinical interviews with the child or young person
- Consultation with parents, carers or other professionals (where appropriate)
Specialist Psychological Risk Assessment
For young people who present with higher levels of risk, we are able to undertake structured assessments relating to risk of harm to self or others, including concerns such as violence, harmful sexual behaviour, general offending, vulnerability or exploitation.
All assessments are tailored to the individual. We meet with the young person and their family (or carers) to ensure the process is transparent, collaborative and proportionate to need.
Where required, a comprehensive written report can be provided. Reports include psychological formulation, assessment findings and clear recommendations to guide intervention planning. The purpose and scope of any written report will always be discussed and agreed in advance.
Our aim is to provide clear, evidence-based understanding that supports informed decision-making and meaningful change.
Our Assessment Services
At ISM Psychological Services, we provide comprehensive, formulation-led assessments tailored to each child or young person. All assessments are trauma-informed, proportionate to need and designed to guide clear, structured intervention planning.
Our work aligns with our Therapeutic Parenting in Residential Childcare (TPRCC) framework, ensuring consistency between assessment, therapy and residential care practice.
Therapeutic Assessments
We assess a wide range of emotional, behavioural and developmental concerns, including:
Emotional & Mental Health
- Anxiety and low mood
- Emotional dysregulation
- Anger and aggression
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Trauma and developmental trauma
- Low self-esteem and shame
Behavioural & Social Functioning
- Oppositional or conduct difficulties
- Impulsivity and risk-taking
- Peer relationship difficulties
- School refusal or disengagement
Developmental & Cognitive Functioning
- Cognitive ability and learning profile
- Executive functioning (attention, planning, impulse control)
- Attachment difficulties
- Impact of early adversity or disrupted care
- Low self-esteem and shame
Parenting & Systemic Context
- Parenting capacity
- Family dynamics and support needs
Forensic & Risk Assessments
Where safety or offending concerns are present, we provide structured professional judgement assessments to support safeguarding and risk management.
Risk of Harm
- Violence or aggression
- Harmful sexual behaviour
- General offending and risk of re-offending
Vulnerability & Exploitation
- Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
- Online exploitation and grooming
- County lines involvement
Other Risk Concerns
- Risk to self or others
- Fire-setting behaviours
- Victim awareness and empathy development
Findings are integrated into a clear psychological formulation and aligned with the TPRCC framework, supporting relational safety, accountability and meaningful behavioural change.
Who Can Refer?
We welcome referrals from:
- Parents and carers
- Local authorities and social work teams
- Residential childcare providers
- Schools and education services
- Youth justice and criminal justice services
- Solicitors and courts
Private self-referrals from families are also accepted.
Our aim is to provide clear, evidence-based assessment that strengthens safeguarding, informs care planning and promotes lasting positive outcomes.
Locations
We accept referrals from all over Scotland and the North of England. We are partnered with Psyche Health who are based in Bolton.
Cost
There is no fixed cost on assessments as this is decided on a case by case basis. Please complete the contact form or call to arrange a consultation.
Please complete our contact form or call to arrange a free consultation to discuss your psychological assessment needs. Timescales for completion of work and production of a report will be discussed in the initial consultation.