Conditions We Treat

Mental Health Assessments for Children & Young People

A comprehensive clinical assessment exploring a child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, thoughts and everyday functioning.

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30 min consultation

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When a Mental Health Assessment May Be Considered

Understanding Changes in Emotional Wellbeing

A mental health assessment may be considered when changes in a child's mood, behaviour or everyday functioning continue over time, cause distress or begin affecting home, school or relationships. Parents, caregivers or professionals may notice:

  • Persistent worry, fear or anxiety
  • Ongoing sadness, low mood or irritability
  • Withdrawal from family, friends or activities
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • Obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviours
  • Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • School avoidance or reduced participation
  • Behavioural changes
  • Trauma-related difficulties
  • Self-harm
  • Thoughts about death or suicide

Individual signs do not confirm a mental health condition. An assessment helps develop a clearer understanding of the child's experiences and needs.

What the Assessment Explores

Looking at the Whole Child

A boy covering his face while sitting on a grey couch

Emotional Wellbeing

The child's mood, fears, worries and ability to manage emotions.

A boy holding a cloth to his face

Thoughts and Behaviour

How the child's thinking patterns and behaviours show up day to day.

A boy reaching out a hand in a warmly lit room

Relationships & Environment

How the child relates to others and is shaped by their surroundings.

A boy sitting on a step with his hand near his mouth

Development and Health

The child's physical health and developmental history alongside their presentation.

A boy's face obscured by smoke, looking distressed

Safety and Risk

Any factors affecting the child's immediate safety and wellbeing.

The Assessment Process

A Sensitive and Structured Approach

Initial Consultation

The clinician meets with the child and family to discuss current concerns, relevant history and how the difficulties affect everyday life.

A grandfather and grandson meeting with a doctor at her desk
A girl talking with a therapist in a bright room

Information Gathering

With appropriate consent, information may be gathered from parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the child's care.

Clinical Assessment

The process includes clinical interviews, observations, and age-appropriate assessments.

A group of adults and children in a colourful classroom setting
A woman gesturing while talking with a man taking notes

Clinical Review

The clinician considers the available information, any associated risks and whether multidisciplinary input may be helpful.

Feedback and Recommendations

The findings are discussed with the child and family, alongside appropriate recommendations and next steps.

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The process may vary according to the child's age, communication needs and individual presentation.

A young man sitting thoughtfully against a wooden wall

Currently Reading

Psychology

Assessing emotional wellbeing and providing support.

The Team

The Multidisciplinary Team

The professionals involved will depend on the child's individual presentation and level of support required. Choose a discipline to see its role.

Where specific needs are identified, input from other disciplines like occupational or speech therapy may contribute, focusing on:

  • Sensory processing
  • Communication skills
  • Developmental progress
  • School-based needs

Following the Assessment

Clear Recommendations and Next Steps

What we saw, in plain language

Following the assessment, the family will receive an explanation of the findings and recommendations. Where appropriate, this may include a written report.

Written for families first, professionals second.

A woman on the phone at her laptop while a child plays nearby
A smiling young boy in front of a brick wall

Important Notice

If a Child or Young Person Is in Immediate Danger

Hiba by Anthalora is an outpatient service and does not provide emergency or crisis intervention.

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, at risk of harming themselves or others, or requires urgent medical or psychiatric attention, contact the appropriate UAE emergency service or attend the nearest emergency department immediately.

Please do not wait for an outpatient consultation in an emergency.

Our Philosophy

Preparing for the Assessment

The team will explain any additional preparation required before the assessment begins.

01

Gather what you have

Families may be asked to provide relevant medical, educational, or mental health information before the appointment.

02

Share existing records

This could include previous reports, medication details, or detailed information about current support your child is receiving.

03

Come well-rested

We recommend that your child attends the assessment well-rested to ensure they feel entirely comfortable throughout the process.

04

Arrive as you are

There is nothing to rehearse. We will guide you on how to talk to your child about the day in a way that suits their age and understanding.

A group of adults and children in a colourful classroom setting

Let's Connect

Considering a Mental Health Assessment?

Speak with our team about your concerns and whether a mental health assessment may be an appropriate next step for your child.