What is a cognitive or intellectual assessment?

A cognitive assessment is used to assess a variety of skills and to provide an estimate of intellectual ability or IQ. Key areas of intellectual functioning associated with IQ include verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed and visual spatial processing. It is important to note that intellectual tests do not assess all skills associated with achieving life goals.

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment includes both cognitive and academic tests. It can help to identify a person’s strengths and/or weaknesses related to academic achievement. It is often used to explore learning difficulties or underachievement. Academic areas assessed may include Oral Language, Written Expression, Basic Reading Skills, Reading Comprehension & Fluency, Mathematics, Maths Fluency, phonological and orthographic processing etc. A variety of activities are used such as visual tasks, paper and pencil activities, listening tasks etc.

24/7 CRISIS LINES FOR EMERGENCY HELP

Lifeline

24-hour crisis helpline for individuals who are depressed or anxious.
Phone: 13 11 14
SMS: 0477 131 114
www.lifeline.org.au

Suicide Line Victoria

Free 24-hour access to counselling via phone/online; support tools for those affected by suicide living in Victoria.
Phone: 1300 651 251
Phone: 000 for immediate risk or visit your local hospital.
www.suicideline.org.au

Suicide Call-Back Service (Australia-wide)

Suicide Call Back Service is a free, national, 24/7 telehealth provider that offers professional phone and online counselling for people living in Australia.
Phone: 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH, HOSPITAL & ADDICTION INTAKE SERVICES

Eastern Mental Health Service

24/7 triage line: 1300 721 927
C/- Maroondah Hospital, Davey Drive, Ringwood East, Victoria, 3135.
https://www.easternhealth.org.au/site/item/113-mental-health-triage-emergency-department-response-team

Turning Point Eastern Treatment (TPETS) Intake Service

For people affected by addiction and substance use.
24/7 confidential, free alcohol and drug counselling by phone or online.
Phone:  1800-888-236
Locations:  https://www.turningpoint.org.au/about-us/visit-us
https://www.turningpoint.org.au/

Depression and Anxiety

Beyond Blue
Information and 24-hour contact service.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Contact a counsellor: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor
www.beyondblue.org.au

SANE

Information and help-line for complex mental health issues, including trauma.
Phone: 1800 18 7263
www.sane.org

Black Dog Institute

Information and resources for mental health issues.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

CHILDREN AND PARENTING

Kids Helpline

Age-appropriate online support (5-12yrs, 13-17yrs, 18-25yrs) for children-young adults, and parents/carers/schools.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelpline.com.au

Parentline

Service for parents/carers of children aged 0-18yrs old (open: 8am-12.00 midnight)
Phone: 13 22 89
www.services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS

Learning Difficulties Australia

Resources, training and find-a-tutor directory.
Phone: 1300 756 206
www.ldaustralia.org

ADHD Australia

Resources and support for people, families and carers related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD).
www.adhdaustralia.org.au

AMAZE (Autism)

Autism resources and support for individuals and families.
Phone: 1300 308 699
www.amaze.org.au
Support group link:  www.amaze.org.au/support/support-groups/