Neuropsychology

Forensic Psychological Assessments – Melbourne

Independent Expert Opinion for Legal and Court Matters

At Back on Track Psychology, we provide forensic psychological assessments in Melbourne that assist courts, lawyers, tribunals, and government bodies to understand the psychological factors associated with offending, mental illness, substance use, and rehabilitation.

Our assessments offer independent clinical opinions grounded in empirical research, and are conducted by experienced forensic psychologists who understand the sensitivities and complexities of the justice system.

Comprehensive Risk and Forensic Assessments

We assess a range of psychological and behavioural factors relevant to offending, including:

• Developmental and psychosocial history
• Mental health and cognitive functioning
• Personality, coping skills and emotional regulation
• Drug and alcohol use
• Insight, empathy and remorse
• Criminogenic risk factors and protective factors
• Motivation for rehabilitation

We also provide expert opinion on treatment needs, risk of reoffending, and readiness for community reintegration.

Offence-Specific Psychological Assessments

We offer tailored forensic assessments for a wide range of offences:

✦ Sexual Offences

Clients charged with sexual offences often face high levels of stigma, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Our psychologists offer confidential, trauma-informed, and evidence-based assessments, including the use of structured risk assessment tools such as the STATIC-99R and RSVP.

We also provide offence-specific treatment used within both community and correctional settings, to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism risk.

✦ Driving Offences

From drink-driving and licence breaches to culpable driving causing death, we provide psychological assessments to clarify the role of mental health, substance use, trauma, and risk in the offending behaviour.

We also offer tailored psychological treatment to support insight development, trauma recovery, and relapse prevention, particularly for individuals struggling with grief or psychological distress after a driving offence.

✦ Violent Offences

We conduct in-depth assessments of individuals charged with violent offences, including family violence, assaults, and even acts of terrorism.

Our assessments explore early life experiences, substance use, trauma, and mental health. We use validated violence risk tools such as the HCR-20v3, and provide clear, structured clinical opinions to aid legal decision-making around sentencing, parole, and rehabilitation.

✦ Drug and Alcohol Offences

Forensic assessments of substance-related offending examine the interaction between addiction, trauma, mental health and criminal behaviour. We have extensive experience treating and assessing individuals who misuse alcohol, methamphetamines, cannabis, and other substances—often with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

We collaborate with medical professionals where required and can recommend or deliver therapeutic interventions for substance use and relapse prevention.

✦ Immigration & Character Assessments

Our psychologists are experienced in preparing reports for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Department of Home Affairs regarding risk of recidivism, character references, and psychological functioning relevant to visa and residency matters.

We take care to ensure assessments are culturally sensitive and informed by validated risk and personality tools. Our findings can support character references, non-refoulement claims, and visa appeals.

✦ Other Offences and Custom Reports

Our team also provides assessments across a wide range of other offence types, including arson, stalking, harassment, and public order offences. Each assessment is tailored to the referral question and conducted with utmost professionalism and care.

Referral Process & Important Notes

We welcome referrals from:

• Lawyers and legal representatives
• Courts and tribunals
• Parole and correctional services
• Government and statutory bodies

🔺 Please note:

• We do not accept self-referrals for forensic assessments.
• All forensic referrals must come through a lawyer or official representative.
• Due to ethical, legal, and clinical considerations, some referrals may not be accepted following an initial screening of the case information.

We are committed to maintaining the independence and integrity of our assessments and reserve the right to decline a referral where appropriate.

Medico-Legal Assessments Melbourne

Expert Neuropsychological Opinions for Legal and Insurance Matters

At Back on Track Psychology, we provide high-quality, independent medico-legal neuropsychological assessments in Melbourne to support legal, insurance, and occupational matters. Our team has extensive experience in preparing detailed expert reports that clarify the relationship between cognitive functioning and a person’s ability to work, make decisions, or engage in daily life following illness or injury.

These reports are designed to assist courts, insurers, lawyers, and tribunals in understanding the cognitive, emotional, and functional impact of neurological or psychological conditions.

When Is a Medico-Legal Assessment Required?

Our neuropsychologists in Melbourne are frequently engaged to provide expert opinions in the following legal contexts:

• Personal injury claims (e.g. TAC, WorkCover)
• Income protection and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance
• Fitness for duty / return to work assessments
• Criminal matters (e.g. mental impairment, fitness to plead)
• Guardianship or financial management decisions
• Testamentary capacity (legal capacity to make a will)

We accept referrals from:

• Lawyers
• Insurance companies
• Employers
• Courts and tribunals

⚠️ Please note: We are unable to accept self-referrals for medico-legal assessments to maintain our independence and objectivity.

What’s Involved in a Medico-Legal Neuropsychological Assessment?

A typical medico-legal neuropsychological assessment includes:

• A comprehensive clinical interview
• Administration of standardised, evidence-based cognitive and psychological tests
• Review of medical records and other relevant documentation
• Collateral information, where appropriate, from family, carers or professionals
• Optional provision of expert witness testimony in court

Our assessments evaluate domains such as:

• Memory and attention
• Executive functioning and problem-solving
• Mental health and emotional functioning
• Work capacity and insight
• Decision-making and cognitive capacity

Following the assessment, we provide a thorough and independent expert report that directly addresses the legal questions posed, including:

• Diagnosis
• Causation
• Prognosis
• Functional capacity
• Rehabilitation or treatment recommendations

Types of Medico-Legal Reports We Offer

We tailor each assessment to suit the legal context. Common types include:

Personal Injury and Compensation

Evaluating cognitive and emotional impacts following brain injury, trauma, or psychological harm due to workplace accidents, motor vehicle accidents, or public liability claims.

Fitness for Duty / Return to Work

Providing expert opinion on whether an employee is cognitively and psychologically capable of returning to work after illness or injury.

Capacity and Competency

Determining whether someone has the capacity to make legal, medical, or financial decisions, often in relation to guardianship, powers of attorney, or testamentary capacity.

Criminal and Forensic Evaluations

Assessing cognitive impairment, mental illness, or intellectual disability to support questions of criminal responsibility, risk, or sentencing mitigation.

Personality Assessments in Melbourne

Clinical & Workplace Applications

At Back on Track Psychology, we offer comprehensive personality assessments in Melbourne to support both clinical diagnosis and personal or career development. Our assessments are administered by qualified psychologists with extensive experience across medical, psychiatric, forensic, and workplace settings.

Clinical Personality Assessments – Understand Your Mental Health

Personality assessments are powerful diagnostic tools that help individuals and referring doctors better understand the root causes of psychological distress. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma-related issues, or psychosis, a structured personality evaluation can provide deeper insight into your emotional functioning and long-standing personality traits.

We use gold-standard psychometric tools such as:

• MMPI-2-RF (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)
• PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory)
• MCMI-IV (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory)

These assessments can help:

• Differentiate between complex or overlapping mental health presentations
• Clarify diagnostic questions (e.g., Borderline vs. Bipolar Disorder)
• Provide tailored treatment recommendations for you or your therapist
• Support reports for medical, legal or psychiatric purposes (e.g. NDIS, TAC, courts)

What to expect: You’ll attend an interview with a psychologist, complete evidence-based questionnaires, and receive a comprehensive feedback session. We also provide detailed reports to support your GP, psychiatrist, or legal team if required.

Personality Profiling for Careers, Employment & Self-Discovery

We also offer personality profiling for self-development, career exploration, and workplace success. These assessments are ideal for individuals, professionals, and organisations seeking to understand interpersonal styles, leadership tendencies, motivation, and job fit.

Whether you’re:

• A professional navigating a career change
• A young adult exploring career direction post-school or uni
• A business leader wanting to build high-functioning teams
• A coach or HR professional seeking job-personality alignment tools

… our personality assessments can help uncover your values, strengths, blind spots, and ideal work environments.

For Employers: We offer tailored reports, debrief sessions, and behavioural interview guides based on personality profiles. Whether you’re recruiting, building teams, or managing leadership succession, our psychologists can support your decision-making with robust and ethical assessment practices.

Memory and Dementia Assessment in Melbourne

When Is a Memory Assessment Needed?

Occasional forgetfulness like misplacing your keys or forgetting someone’s name is normal. But if memory lapses become more frequent, interfere with daily life, or are accompanied by changes in thinking, problem-solving, or personality, it could signal something more serious.

A memory assessment is recommended when:

• You or someone close to you has noticed ongoing memory difficulties
• There are concerns about mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• You’re worried about dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or age-related cognitive decline
• You’re experiencing brain fog, word-finding issues, or difficulties learning new things
• You have health anxiety about developing dementia or a neurological illness

Early assessment allows for early intervention, planning, and support—and can provide peace of mind if no condition is identified.

Benefits for Geriatricians and Neurologists:

• Objective baseline data for longitudinal tracking
• Clear, structured reports for diagnosis confirmation
• Tailored cognitive profiles to guide medication and intervention
• Identification of co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or health-related cognitive symptoms
• Inform return-to-work, driving, or capacity decisions

We’re committed to clear communication and timely feedback. With consent, we liaise directly with your referring team to ensure our findings integrate seamlessly into your care plans.

What Happens During a Memory Assessment?

Our memory assessments are conducted by registered clinical neuropsychologists and involve the following:

1. Clinical Interview: We gather detailed information about your history, lifestyle, medical background, and current concerns.
2. Cognitive Testing: Standardised neuropsychological tests assess:
   • Memory (short-term, long-term, verbal and visual)
   • Attention and concentration
   • Executive functioning (planning, organisation, problem-solving)
   • Language and word-finding
   • Processing speed
   • Mood, anxiety, and psychological wellbeing
3. Feedback and Report: You’ll receive a comprehensive report with findings, a clear explanation of results, and practical, individualised recommendations. A feedback session with your neuropsychologist is included.

We collaborate with your GP, geriatrician, or neurologist to support integrated care, further investigations (e.g. MRI, blood tests), or treatment planning.

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition where a person experiences greater memory or thinking difficulties than expected for their age—but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life.

MCI can be:

• Amnestic: Mainly affecting memory
• Non-amnestic: Affecting other thinking skills like attention or executive functioning

While MCI increases the risk of developing dementia, not everyone with MCI progresses to dementia. Some people even improve. Neuropsychological assessment helps clarify the picture and guide early supports.

Types of Dementia We Assess

Our team is experienced in diagnosing and differentiating between types of dementia, including:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
  The most common form of dementia, characterised by gradual memory loss, word-finding difficulty, disorientation, and changes in behaviour.
• Vascular Dementia
  Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Symptoms may appear suddenly or progress stepwise.
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
  Presents with cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, Parkinsonian symptoms, and REM sleep disturbances.
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
  Affects younger individuals more often (50s–60s), with early changes in personality, social behaviour, or language.
• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia & Huntington’s Disease
  Neurodegenerative disorders that often involve memory, movement, and mood changes.

Each type of dementia requires a different treatment, communication style, and planning pathway—making accurate diagnosis crucial.

Health Anxiety and Memory Worries

It’s not uncommon to worry about memory loss, especially if you’ve seen a loved one experience dementia. But not all memory concerns are due to dementia. Memory difficulties can be caused by:

• Stress or burnout
• Depression or anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Medication effects
• Thyroid issues

We also work with individuals experiencing health anxiety, who are worried about “losing their mind” or getting dementia in the future. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment can offer reassurance or clarify when early supports may be helpful.

Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) & Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in Melbourne

At Back on Track Psychology, we specialise in Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) services across Melbourne and surrounding areas. These services are particularly helpful for individuals with autism, intellectual disability, or other neurodevelopmental conditions, and are often a critical step in gaining access to NDIS-funded behaviour support.

Our approach is guided by the belief that behaviour is meaningful and that everyone deserves to be understood, respected, and supported to thrive.

What Is a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?

A Functional Behaviour Assessment is a structured process used to understand the purpose behind behaviours of concern. Rather than simply trying to eliminate a behaviour, we seek to understand why it is occurring—so we can replace it with positive, functionally equivalent behaviours that improve the person’s quality of life.

Common Behaviour Functions Identified in FBA:

• Escape/Avoidance: Trying to get out of unwanted tasks or situations (e.g. resisting toileting).
• Access to Tangibles: Seeking access to preferred items or activities (e.g. demanding snacks or iPads).
• Attention Seeking: Wanting connection or interaction (e.g. yelling to get noticed).
• Automatic/Sensory: Behaviour that is internally reinforcing (e.g. rocking or humming).

The FBA Process at Back on Track Psychology:

1. Indirect Assessment: Interviews with carers, educators, and other key supports.
2. Direct Observation: In-home, school, or community-based observation of the behaviours in context.
3. (Optional) Functional Analysis: A more structured experimental approach used in complex cases.

Every FBA leads to the development of a Behaviour Support Plan based on the specific function of the behaviour.

What Is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred and evidence-based approach designed to reduce behaviours of concern and promote meaningful, long-term improvements in quality of life. It is the gold-standard model of behaviour support under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and is a central part of our practice at Back on Track Psychology.

Core Principles of PBS:

• Person-Centred: Focused on the individual’s values, culture, and goals.
• Improves Quality of Life: Enhances participation, autonomy, and relationships.
• Rooted in Functional Behaviour Assessment: Addresses why behaviours occur.
• Individualised Support Plans: Tailored strategies that teach new skills and prevent behaviours of concern.
• Reduces Restrictive Practices: Focuses on proactive strategies and only uses restrictions as a last resort.
• Evidence-Based: Draws from the latest research in behavioural psychology.
• Collaborative: Involves families, educators, and allied health teams in consistent support planning.

What Are Behaviours of Concern?

Behaviours of concern are actions that pose a risk to the safety or wellbeing of the person or others around them. These behaviours can significantly impact school, home, and community participation—and may signal unmet needs or distress.

Examples of behaviours of concern include:

• Physical aggression (e.g. hitting, biting)
• Verbal aggression (e.g. yelling, threats)
• Self-injury (e.g. head-banging, skin-picking)
• Withdrawal and social isolation
• Property damage
• Illegal or risky behaviours

Understanding the function of these behaviours is the first step toward meaningful and compassionate support.

Neuropsychological Assessment Melbourne

Cognitive, Memory & Brain Function Testing for Adults and Children

At Back on Track Psychology, we provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessments in Melbourne for individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. These assessments help to identify changes or challenges in brain function, offering detailed insight into your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re seeking support after a brain injury, experiencing memory difficulties, or needing an assessment for legal, educational, or NDIS purposes, our team of registered neuropsychologists is here to help.

What Is a Neuropsychological Assessment?

A neuropsychological assessment is a thorough evaluation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning using a combination of:

• Standardised cognitive testing
• Clinical interviews
• Behavioural observations
• Review of medical and developmental history

This process provides a detailed map of how the brain is functioning and can assist with diagnosis, treatment planning, and decision-making across a variety of health, education, and legal contexts.

What Do We Assess?

Our neuropsychological assessments systematically evaluate:

• General intelligence and IQ
• Memory and learning (verbal and visual)
• Executive functioning (planning, flexibility, organisation)
• Problem solving and conceptualisation
• Attention and concentration
• Language skills (receptive and expressive)
• Academic skills (reading, writing, arithmetic)
• Visual-spatial and motor abilities
• Emotional functioning, behaviour, and personality
• Decision-making capacity

Each assessment is tailored to your unique needs and presenting concerns—no two assessments are the same.

When Is a Neuropsychological Assessment Needed?

A referral to a neuropsychologist is recommended when there are concerns about thinking, memory, learning, behaviour, or personality. Common reasons for assessment include:

• Acquired brain injury (e.g., concussion, trauma, stroke)
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism, learning disabilities)
• Dementia and age-related cognitive decline
• Mental health conditions affecting cognition (e.g., depression, PTSD)
• NDIS funding applications and functional capacity evaluations
• Return-to-work, study, or driving decisions
• Capacity assessments (e.g. Power of Attorney, wills, guardianship)
• Monitoring of neurological or degenerative conditions
• Substance-related cognitive impairments
• Sports-related concussion assessments and baseline testing

We also provide medico-legal neuropsychological reports for court, insurance, and compensation matters.

What to Expect During a Neuropsychological Assessment

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation typically includes:

1. Initial Interview – Discussion of presenting concerns, history, and relevant background. Family members may be invited to contribute.
2. Cognitive Testing – You’ll complete a variety of structured tasks. There are no invasive procedures, no needles, and no pain.
3. Duration – The full assessment may take a few hours of face-to-face time. It can be completed in one session (with breaks) or across multiple sessions depending on your needs (this could be telehealth too for some cases)
4. Interpretation and Reporting – Your neuropsychologist will score and analyse your performance and write a comprehensive report.
5. Feedback Session – A follow-up appointment is held to explain the results, diagnosis (if applicable), and outline future care recommendations.

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Following injury or illness, some individuals may experience lasting impacts on their memory, thinking, emotions, or social behaviour. Our neuropsychological rehabilitation program supports individuals in:

• Adapting to cognitive changes using evidence-based strategies
• Maximising independence and quality of life
• Returning to work, education, or social participation
• Developing compensatory strategies to manage cognitive or emotional difficulties

This holistic approach focuses on strengths-based recovery and long-term support.

Sports Concussion Assessments

We offer neuropsychological concussion management for amateur and elite athletes, including:

• Assessment of sports-related concussion and post-concussion symptoms
• Baseline cognitive testing prior to competition
• Return-to-play guidance in line with sports safety standards

• Experienced team of clinical neuropsychologists in Melbourne
• Specialised in NDIS neuropsychological reports
• Assessments for children, teens, adults, and older adults
• Evidence-based recommendations and personalised feedback
• Collaborative support with doctors, legal teams, schools, and allied health

Book a Neuropsychological Assessment in Melbourne

Whether you are seeking clarity about memory issues, needing documentation for the NDIS, or recovering from a brain injury or concussion, Back on Track Psychology offers expert, compassionate, and timely assessments.

📞 Contact us today to book your neuropsychological assessment or to learn more about our services. Telehealth options are also available.

Specific Learning Disorder Assessments in Melbourne

Educational Assessments for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia

At Back on Track Psychology, we offer comprehensive assessments for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) in children, adolescents, and young adults. Our experienced team of psychologists in Melbourne specialise in identifying and differentiating between learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia through evidence-based, individualised psychoeducational assessments.

What Is a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)?

Specific Learning Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to acquire or use academic skills efficiently. It is a form of neurodivergence and is not explained by low intelligence, lack of motivation, or external factors like poor schooling or psychosocial adversity.

SLDs can impact different academic domains, including:

• Dyslexia – Persistent difficulties with reading accuracy, fluency, or comprehension.
• Dysgraphia – Challenges with written expression, including spelling, grammar, and handwriting.
• Dyscalculia – Difficulties with number sense, memorisation of arithmetic facts, and mathematical reasoning.

At Back on Track Psychology, we go a step further by differentiating between the subtypes of dyslexia and dysgraphia:

• Phonological dyslexia – Difficulty decoding sounds within words.
• Orthographic dyslexia – Difficulty recognising whole words and spelling patterns.
• Motor dysgraphia – Poor fine motor skills impacting handwriting.
• Language-based dysgraphia – Difficulty translating thoughts into written language.

This level of detail ensures that interventions are not only targeted but also tailored to the unique learning profile of each child.

Why an Educational Assessment Matters

We provide SLD assessments in Melbourne that evaluate both cognitive abilities and academic performance. This includes:

• Standardised IQ and academic testing
• Evaluation of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics
• Assessment of working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning
• Review of developmental, emotional, and educational history

These assessments help determine whether a child’s academic challenges meet the diagnostic criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder under the DSM-5.

Benefits of Early Identification and Diagnosis

A formal diagnosis of an SLD opens the door to essential educational supports, including:

• Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and targeted Tier-3 interventions
• Special Consideration in school exams, including NAPLAN and VCE
• Access to school-based support services, tutors, and funding
• Improved understanding and self-esteem for the child

Our detailed assessment reports are recognised by schools, allied health teams, and government services, providing a strong foundation for advocacy and tailored intervention planning.

We’re passionate about supporting neurodivergent learners to thrive. Our psychologists bring advanced training and experience in:

• Educational and developmental psychology
• SLD diagnosis and differentiation
• Strength-based, trauma-informed approaches
• Collaborating with schools and families for practical, real-world outcomes

Whether you’re seeking a dyslexia assessment in Melbourne, exploring concerns about dysgraphia or dyscalculia, or needing clarity on your child’s learning profile, we’re here to help.

Child Psychologist Near Me in Melbourne: When and Why to Seek Help

Wondering if your child needs support? You’re not alone. Many families Google terms like “child psychologist near me in Melbourne” or “best psychologist Melbourne for kids” when facing emotional or behavioural challenges.

At Back on Track Psychology, we help children aged 3 to 12 build emotional resilience, social skills, and healthy coping strategies. Our Melbourne child psychologists work closely with families to understand each child’s unique needs.

Signs your child might benefit from seeing a psychologist:

• Frequent meltdowns or trouble regulating emotions
• Social difficulties at school or with peers
• Ongoing anxiety or excessive worries
• Difficulty adjusting to changes (e.g., new sibling, school)
• School refusal or sleep issues

Our friendly psychologists near you in Melbourne offer a warm, child-centred approach. We use play-based therapy, CBT, and emotion coaching to help your child thrive.

Tip: Searching for “best child psychologist near me” in Melbourne? Ask about experience with your child’s specific challenges and therapy style.

How to find Best Melbourne Psychologist: Support for Anxiety, Burnout & Depression

If you’re searching for the best Melbourne psychologist, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn next. Whether you’re facing anxiety, burnout, or depression, speaking with an experienced psychologist in Melbourne can be the first step toward healing.

At Back On Track Psychology, we have psychologist who specialise in adult mental health, offering personalised therapy to help you get your life back on track. Our experienced team of Melbourne psychologists understands that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We match you with the right clinician for your unique goals.

Common reasons adults seek therapy include:

• Chronic stress and workplace burnout
• Generalised anxiety and panic attacks
• Low mood, depression or a sense of hopelessness
• Sleep difficulties
• Life transitions (divorce, grief, career change)

Whether you’re looking for a psychologist near me in Melbourne’s northern suburbs or prefer Telehealth, we offer flexible appointment options to suit your lifestyle.

Tip: Search “Melbourne psychologist near me” and include your mental health concern (e.g., anxiety, burnout) to find the most relevant support.