Qualifications
-
Dr. Jill Pollard is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (M10338C) with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is listed on the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) website: https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/pd/?pd_form_sub=1&pd_s=Jill+Pollard&pd_d=&pd_areas_of_practice=12&pd_language=
-
Why Chartered Status Matters
In Ireland, the title of Chartered Clinical Psychologist indicates that a clinician has met the professional standards set by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). It reflects a high level of training, ethical commitment, and clinical competence.
What Chartered Status Means for You
🔹 Recognised Professional Qualification
Chartered psychologists have completed accredited postgraduate training and supervised clinical practice. This designation signals that a psychologist meets the PSI’s standards for safe and effective practice.🔹 Ethical and Evidence-Based Practice
Chartered psychologists adhere to the PSI’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, which guides respectful, transparent, and client-centred care. Clients can expect that assessments and recommendations are clinically appropriate and ethically grounded.🔹 Independent Oversight and Accountability
Chartered psychologists are accountable to the PSI, which provides oversight, maintains complaints procedures, and monitors ongoing compliance with professional standards.🔹 Reports Accepted by Key Services
Public agencies such as the HSE and the Department of Education typically require assessments to be completed by Chartered or HSE-recognised psychologists. Reports from professionals without these credentials may not be accepted for accessing services or supports.🔹 Commitment to Continued Learning
Chartered psychologists engage in regular professional development, ensuring their practice remains current with evolving research and best practice guidelines.Choosing a Chartered Clinical Psychologist helps ensure your assessment is valid, informed by current standards, and recognised by schools, healthcare providers, and support services across Ireland.
-
Not necessarily.
Only Chartered Members of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) have completed doctoral-level clinical training and are recognised as fully qualified to conduct independent assessments and issue formal diagnoses.Clinics sometimes list PSI student or graduate members, but this does not mean they are Chartered or HSE-validated. If you're unsure, you can check the PSI register at www.psychologicalsociety.ie.
Recognition
-
All reports from Be Kind Psychology are:
Completed by a Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Aligned with HSE and Department of Education requirements
Accepted for SNA applications, ASD unit placements, Irish exemptions, Disability Allowance, Assistive Technology, and onward referrals
Multidisciplinary Assessments
-
Yes for children and adolescents under the age of 16, our autism assessments include input from a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to ensure a well-rounded and robust understanding of the individual’s profile. A recording of the ADOS-2 assessment will be made.
The SLT reviews video footage of the child engaging in natural play or structured tasks, allowing them to assess communication, interaction, and social reciprocity.
This collaborative approach ensures the assessment meets best practice standards and provides a comprehensive picture of strengths and support needs. All contributions are integrated into the final report.
However, this does not consist of a full SLT assessment.
-
For some autism assessments, particularly with younger children, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is part of the multidisciplinary team. When the assessment is conducted online or when direct SLT input isn’t possible, the SLT may review video footage of the ADOS assessment to evaluate communication, social interaction, and play.
All video recordings are shared securely using encrypted, password-protected platforms. Footage is stored in line with GDPR and clinical data protection standards and is retained only for as long as necessary to complete the assessment and reporting process, typically no more than 30 days. After this period, the recordings are permanently deleted.
Your privacy and your child’s dignity are fully respected throughout the process.
It is important to note that this does not constitute a full SLT assessment.
-
Not necessarily. At Be Kind Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) input is provided through a structured review of video footage, typically of the ADOS or other observational sessions. This is in line with best practice for autism assessment and is fully accepted by the HSE and Department of Education for the purposes of diagnosis and school supports.
Why is video review sufficient?
It allows the SLT to observe your child’s real-time social communication, language use, nonverbal interaction, and play in a structured context.
The footage is reviewed in detail alongside background information and parental reports.
This method allows for high-quality multidisciplinary collaboration without requiring additional in-person appointments for your child, which is especially helpful for children who find multiple appointments difficult.
How does this meet HSE and Department of Education standards?
The HSE requires Speech and Language Therapist involvement in autism diagnosis, but this does not always have to be face-to-face.
Our SLT input is provided by a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist experienced in autism assessments and integrated into the diagnostic decision-making process.
This approach is clinically robust, child-friendly, and consistent with the models used in many CDNT and CAMHS teams.
If a separate face-to-face SLT assessment is clinically indicated (e.g., for complex speech concerns), we will advise you accordingly.
-
No, the involvement of an SLT in our autism assessments is specifically to support diagnostic formulation, not to provide a full speech and language evaluation.
An SLT may:
Observe the ADOS-2 session
Provide input on aspects of communication relevant to autism diagnosis
Contribute to the multidisciplinary interpretation of the assessment
However, this does not constitute a full SLT assessment for speech, language, or communication disorders. If a detailed SLT assessment is needed (e.g., to explore language delay, articulation, or other communication concerns), we can refer your child to a CORU-registered SLT for that service.
SLT input during the autism assessment helps ensure a robust and accurate diagnosis, but it is not a substitute for a full clinical language evaluation.
-
Yes, I can refer your child to a CORU registered SLT for a full SLT assessment. However, SLT involvement in the Autism assessment is limited to supporting diagnosis. A full SLT assessment is a separate service.
-
No, Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment is not included as part of our autism or ADHD assessments.
However, if sensory processing, motor coordination, or functional difficulties are identified during the assessment process, we will highlight these in the report and indicate whether onward referral to an Occupational Therapist may be beneficial.
OT input is not required to confirm a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD, but it can offer valuable insights into everyday regulation, participation, and independence where relevant.
How do I book an assessment?
-
Booking an Assessment with Be Kind Psychology
Booking an assessment is simple, secure, and designed to support your family every step of the way.
🛒 1. Choose Your Assessment Package
Visit our Assessment Packages page and select the option that best meets your needs — Autism, ADHD, Educational, Cognitive, or Developmental. Each package includes a full description of what’s included and the total cost.
💳 2. Pay Securely Online
You can pay for your assessment in one of the following ways:
Debit or credit card
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Klarna – Pay in 3 interest-free instalments (subject to eligibility at checkout)
Manual split payment – Pay in two parts (50% upfront to secure your booking and 50% before the final report is released)
If you would prefer a manual split payment, please email us at info@bekindpsychology and we will issue an invoice. Bank transfer details will be provided and your appointment can be scheduled once the first payment is received.
Your payment is processed securely via Stripe, and we do not store your card information.
💡 If you’re unsure or need to discuss payment options, we’re happy to help – just get in touch.
📅 3. We’ll Contact You to Arrange Appointments
Once payment is received (either in full or via the first instalment of a manual split payment), we’ll contact you within 2–3 working days to schedule your appointments. You’ll also receive:
A welcome email
A link to complete your background and consent form
Details on what to expect and how to prepare
A secure way to upload any school or clinical reports that may support the assessment
If you have a deadline (e.g., for school, funding, or support applications), please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Fees
-
Autism Assessment for children and adolescents - €2500 (including cognitive assessment if required)
Adult Autism Assessment - €2000
Educational Assessment - €1000
ADHD Assessment - €1000
Educational and ADHD Assessment - €1000
-
Psychological assessments are highly specialist services that involve far more than just the time spent in the room.
Each assessment typically involves:
Multiple structured sessions
Use of licensed, gold-standard tools (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R, WISC-V, SB-5)
Extensive preparation, scoring, and clinical formulation
A personalised, comprehensive report
A feedback session and guidance on next steps
10–18+ hours of clinician time per case
They are carried out by Dr. Jill Pollard, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience, ensuring the process is valid, ethical, and recognised by the HSE and Department of Education.
You are not just paying for a diagnosis, you are investing in clarity, accuracy, and a report that can unlock real-world support.
-
Some providers use unqualified or unchartered staff (e.g., assistant psychologists or psychology graduates) to conduct assessments. Others use checklists or informal interviews instead of recognised diagnostic tools.
These assessments may appear more affordable upfront, but they often:
Are not accepted by the HSE or Department of Education
Result in incomplete or unclear outcomes
Require families to pay again elsewhere for a valid report
At Be Kind Psychology, we provide a service that is ethical, defensible, and recognised.
-
💳 Payment FAQ
How do I pay for an assessment?
You can book and pay for your assessment securely through our website. Once you select your assessment package, you’ll be directed to a secure checkout page where you can pay via:
Debit or credit card
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Klarna (Pay in 3 interest-free instalments – subject to eligibility)
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted global payment platform. Your card details are never stored by us.
Is full payment required upfront?
Yes – full payment is required to secure your booking and begin the assessment process. This ensures we can allocate appointments promptly and fairly.
However, we understand that assessments are a significant financial commitment, so we offer flexible options (see below).
What if I can’t pay in full right away?
We offer two flexible options:
Klarna (Pay in 3 Instalments):
Split the cost into three equal, interest-free payments over 60 days. The first instalment is paid at checkout. Eligibility is determined instantly by Klarna.Manual Split Payment via Invoice:
Pay 50% upfront to secure your booking and the remaining 50% before the final report is released.
Just email us to request this option and we’ll issue an invoice with bank transfer details.
(No additional charges apply.)
Please note: Appointments cannot be scheduled until the first payment is received.
Do you accept bank transfers?
Yes. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer, especially for split-payment invoices, just contact us directly and we’ll provide payment details securely.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Our assessment packages are all-inclusive, covering:
Clinical interview
Developmental history
ADI-R and ADOS-2 (including SLT co-review)
Cognitive or developmental testing (if clinically indicated)
Adaptive functioning
Report writing
Feedback session with tailored recommendations
The only exception is if a full standalone SLT or OT assessment is required — this can be arranged separately for an additional fee. We will always discuss this with you in advance if it is indicated.
Do you offer payment plans beyond two instalments?
At present, we offer:
Klarna’s 3-instalment option (via checkout)
Manual 2-part split payments (by invoice)
We do not currently offer extended in-house payment plans, but Klarna is available to most users and may provide the flexibility you need.
-
If you have concerns about your child, but are unsure about what they might need, book a Parent Consult appointment with one of our Psychologists. We will look at all the background information, talk to you about your concerns and give you advice about what the next best steps might be for your child. Click here to book a consultation.
-
There are no hidden costs. All of our fees are outlined clearly on our website.
Our Autism assessments are all-inclusive. You will not be charged extra if, during the process, a cognitive or developmental assessment, additional observations, or SLT input is clinically required.
At the same time, we only include components that are evidence-based, purposeful, and necessary. We never over-assess or charge for unnecessary services.
-
Some health insurance policies will provide a partial refund or contribution towards the assessment. This varies. You will need to check with your insurer and contact them directly. All assessments are completed by a chartered Clinical Psychologist. Generally, insurance companies will only contribute towards assessments completed by a Chartered Clinical Psychologist.
-
Yes, in Ireland, you can claim tax relief on the cost of psychological assessments, including autism and ADHD assessments, provided certain conditions are met.
Eligibility Criteria
Registered Practitioner: The assessment must be carried out by a psychologist who is a registered practitioner.Citizens Information
Referral Requirement: If the psychologist is not a registered medical practitioner, a referral from a registered medical practitioner (e.g., your GP) is typically required for the expense to qualify for tax relief.
Purpose of Assessment: The assessment should be for diagnostic purposes and not for general well-being or personal development.Wikipedia+5Laya Healthcare+5Revenue+5
💶 Tax Relief Rate
You can claim tax relief at the standard rate of 20% on qualifying medical expenses, including eligible psychological assessments.Citizens Information+1Wikipedia+1
🧾 How to Claim
Online via myAccount: If you are a PAYE taxpayer, you can claim tax relief through Revenue's myAccountservice.Laya Healthcare+2Citizens Information+2McMahon & Co+2
Self-Assessed Taxpayers: If you are self-employed or a self-assessed taxpayer, you can claim through the Revenue Online Service (ROS) by completing the health expenses section on your annual Income Tax Return (Form 11).Citizens Information+1McMahon & Co+1
Documentation: Keep all receipts and any referral letters from your GP or medical practitioner. You do not need to submit these with your claim, but you should retain them for six years in case Revenue requests them.Citizens Information+1D2 Medical+1
🕒 Time Limit
Claims for tax relief on medical expenses must be made within four years from the end of the tax year in which you paid the expenses.Wikipedia+6D2 Medical+6Laya Healthcare+6
For more detailed information and to ensure your specific circumstances qualify, please refer to the Revenue website or consult with a tax professional.
-
Is it safe to pay upfront?
Yes, paying upfront or in two parts is standard and secure practice for high-quality private psychological services. Just like private healthcare, educational assessments, or specialist consultations, advance payment confirms your place and allows us to begin organising your assessment.
At Be Kind Psychology, we offer two payment options:
🔒 1. Full Upfront Payment
Your payment is processed securely via Stripe, a globally trusted payment platform (used by companies such as Amazon and Shopify). We never store or access your card details, and all transactions are encrypted.
🧾 2. Split Payment (by Invoice)
If you prefer, you can pay in two parts:
50% is required upfront to confirm your booking
The remaining 50% is due before the final report is released
To request this option, just email us and we’ll issue two invoices. There’s no additional charge for using the split-payment method.
✅ Our Guarantees
Assessments begin within 4–8 weeks of your first payment (typically starting with a parent interview or consultation)
If we cannot offer an appointment within this timeframe and no suitable alternative is agreed you will receive a full refund
We offer a 72-hour cooling-off period: if you change your mind within 72 hours of payment and no appointment has taken place, we’ll refund you in full
This payment policy is designed to support transparency, fairness, and peace of mind, while ensuring we can plan your assessment efficiently and ethically.
-
At Be Kind Psychology, we approach every assessment with care, integrity, and clinical responsibility. Occasionally, following the initial consultation or background interview, we may determine that:
The requested assessment is not clinically indicated at this time
A different type of assessment or referral would be more appropriate
Further progress is not possible due to missing information, lack of consent, or other practical barriers
In these cases, we will:
Discuss our clinical reasoning with you clearly and sensitively
Outline next steps or alternative recommendations
Only proceed with further assessment components if clinically appropriate and mutually agreed
If we conclude that the assessment should not continue beyond the first appointment, we will charge only for the work completed to date (usually €200–€500, depending on the time and analysis involved), and the remaining balance will be refunded.
This ensures families are not charged for unnecessary or incomplete assessments, and reflects our commitment to ethical, person-centred practice.
Services
-
We offer autism and ADHD assessments (identification) for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as cognitive, developmental, and educational psychology assessments.
-
You can book a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether an assessment is appropriate and what type would be most helpful.
-
If you have concerns about your child, but are unsure about what they might need, book a Parent Consult appointment. We will look at all the background information, talk to you about your concerns and give you advice about what the next best steps might be for your child.
-
The duration of your assessment depends on the type of assessment being completed (e.g., autism, ADHD, cognitive, or educational), but most involve a combination of structured interviews, standardised observations, and questionnaires completed over a few sessions.
As a general guide:
Each appointment typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes
Most assessments involve 2 to 4 sessions depending on the child or adult’s needs
The entire process — from the first appointment to final feedback and report — is usually completed within 6 to 8 weeks of the first session
We tailor each assessment to the individual, so timelines may vary slightly based on clinical complexity, availability, and whether additional information (e.g., from schools or professionals) is required.
Our goal is to balance efficiency and thoroughness, ensuring that you receive a high-quality, evidence-based assessment without unnecessary delay.
If you are working toward a specific deadline — for example, a school placement, CAO deadline, or access to support services — please let us know at the time of booking. We will let you know if we can accommodate your timeline before confirming the assessment.
Location
-
Our main clinic is located in An Lar Holistic Centre in Dunlavin. We are above An Lar Coffee Shop in Dunlavin. There is free parking outside. There are green areas nearby and a playground.
-
Yes — absolutely.
While Be Kind Psychology is based in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, we offer a hybrid model that makes our assessments accessible to clients across Ireland.
✨ Here's how it works:
Most components are completed online
Key elements such as the developmental history interview, diagnostic interviews (e.g., ADI-R), parent consultations, and feedback sessions are conducted via secure video call.Only one in-person session is typically required
For child or adult autism assessments, a face-to-face session is usually needed for the ADOS-2 or cognitive/developmental testing. These sessions last around 2 hours and are held in our calm, welcoming clinic space.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The clinic is located approximately one hour from Dublin and is easily accessible from the M7. There is free on-site parking, and the building is in a quiet, peaceful, and private setting — ideal for children and adults who may prefer low-stimulation environments.
There is a green area directly opposite the clinic and a playground just a few minutes’ walk away, making it a child-friendly location for families attending in person.
Most clients only need to visit the clinic once, with the rest of the process completed online at your convenience.
Families regularly travel from across Leinster and beyond to access our high-quality, recognised assessment service — and we’ll work with you to make the process smooth and manageable.
-
We understand that travelling long distances can be challenging, and we aim to keep in-person visits to a minimum.
Many parts of the assessment can be completed via secure video calls, including the developmental history interview, diagnostic interviews (e.g., ADI-R), and feedback session.
In most cases, only one visit to the clinic is required.
For children and adolescents, autism assessments include a face-to-face session for direct observation (e.g., ADOS-2).
If a Cognitive Assessment is also needed, this will also take place in person.Where both an Autism Assessment and Cognitive Assessment are required, we will do our best to arrange them on the same day to reduce the need for multiple visits.
The clinic is located one hour from Dublin, close to the M7, with free parking and a quiet, child-friendly setting. Most families only need to visit once, and we’re happy to coordinate the schedule to support your travel needs.
Miscellaneous
-
Please bring any previous reports with you. If you are bringing a child, bring snacks and a drink.
-
You do not require a referral to attend the Be Kind Psychology Clinic. However, if you have been referred, you can bring your referral letter with you.
-
A feedback session is included in all assessment fees. If you wish to have a follow up session, you can book a parent or individual consultation.
-
I offer consultations for parents and individuals seeking guidance, behavioural support, or post-diagnostic advice. I can also refer to you to trusted professionals within my network for ongoing parent support. I only refer to trusted individuals.
-
Yes. Every assessment includes a comprehensive, professional report detailing findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and tailored recommendations. This report meets HSE standards and can be used for schools, colleges, or accessing supports.
-
No. We provide a detailed report that families can use to support applications. We do not complete additional forms, as these are typically handled by your GP or other medical professionals.
-
Sometimes a child or parent is sick on the day of an assessment. We ask that you let us know as soon as you can.
We understand that people get sick. We will reschedule your appointment.
Online Assessments
-
Yes, many of our assessments — including adult autism and ADHD assessments — can be completed online, depending on your needs and clinical appropriateness.
Cognitive assessments and the play based part (ADOS-2) of the Children’s Autism Assessments need to carried out in clinic.
-
Yes — for adults an online autism assessment is fully valid and recognised, with the same clinical value as an in-person assessment.
For children and adolescents, the ADI-R interview and the feedback session can be carried out online. The ADOS-2 assessment must be completed in person in our clinic in Dunlavin.
At Be Kind Psychology, our online assessments are conducted in line with best practice guidelines and are tailored to meet each individual’s communication and access needs. This format is especially helpful for those who may find in-person settings challenging or prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own environment.
Whether completed online or face-to-face, the assessment outcomes are equally accepted by the HSE, Department of Education, and other relevant services. Our online assessments are thorough, respectful, and always delivered in a neuroaffirmative way.
-
For children and adolescents, interviews, consultations and feedback sessions can be carried out with parents online.
ADOS-2 Play based and conversation assessments must be completed in person.
Adult Autism and ADHD assessments can be completed online.
Cognitive Assessments must be completed in person.
-
Yes.
Our assessments follow current best-practice guidelines and are conducted using a combination of secure video consultations and in-person sessions, depending on the individual’s needs and the assessment type.Key elements like the developmental history interview, diagnostic interviews, and certain standardised measures (e.g., ADI-R, rating scales, and clinical consultations) are valid and well-supported for online delivery. Where direct observation or cognitive testing is required, these are carried out in person to ensure accuracy.
All assessments are:
Delivered by a Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Based on gold-standard tools
Conducted in a way that ensures findings are valid, defensible, and recognised by the HSE and Department of Education
Remote assessments can also improve accessibility and reduce stress, particularly for clients with sensory needs, anxiety, or time constraints.
Assessments
-
The Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) is a structured interview completed with a parent or caregiver. It explores your child’s developmental history, communication, social interaction, and behaviours over time. It helps build a detailed picture of their profile in line with autism diagnostic criteria.
-
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a play- or conversation-based assessment used to observe communication, social interaction, and behaviours linked to autism. It is completed by a trained clinician and is considered a gold-standard tool in autism diagnosis.
-
A cognitive assessment evaluates a person’s thinking skills, such as memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding. For younger children, it may also include developmental milestones like play, communication, and motor skills. These assessments help identify learning strengths, areas of difficulty, and can guide school supports or placement decisions.
-
For most assessments, the process takes between 4 and 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the final report and feedback session.
If you have a specific deadline (e.g., school application or service request), please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
How long does the process take
-
We aim to begin your assessment within 4 to 6 weeks of payment, depending on the type of assessment and scheduling availability. Once the first appointment takes place, the full assessment process — including all sessions, report writing, and feedback — is typically completed within 6 to 8 weeks.
However, in some cases, the process may take longer. This can depend on:
The complexity of the referral
Availability of parents, schools, or other professionals for interviews
The need to gather additional information or complete further testing
We structure the assessment process to balance thoroughness and efficiency. While we aim to complete assessments in a timely manner, we never rush. Every assessment is conducted with care, at a pace that supports the individual needs of the child or adult being assessed.
-
We understand that families and individuals often feel under pressure to get answers quickly — especially when services or school supports are involved. However, at Be Kind Psychology, we do not make false promises or offer unrealistic timelines just to secure a booking.
Our priority is to provide a clinically robust, high-quality assessment that is:
Individualised and comprehensive
Conducted by experienced, Chartered Clinical Psychologists
In line with HSE and Department of Education standards
While some providers may advertise very short turnaround times, in our experience:
These timelines are often not met in practice
Reports may lack key components (e.g., developmental history, MDT input)
Families are left waiting or with reports that are not accepted by schools or public services
We begin assessments within 4 to 8 weeks of payment, and the full process is typically completed within 6 to 8 weeks from the first appointment. We aim to be both timely and transparent — and above all, clinically responsible.
If your situation is time-sensitive (e.g., school transition), let us know — we will always do our best to prioritise where possible without compromising quality.