Core Needs assessments for adults
Sometimes you know something feels different or harder than you’d like, but it’s difficult to understand why.
You may be wondering whether ADHD, autism, a mental health need or another underlying difference could be playing a role. Perhaps things at work, in relationships or in everyday life don’t feel quite as straightforward as they perhaps should, or your experiences don’t fit neatly into one category.
The Melios Core Needs Assessment is a clinician-led assessment that builds a clearer understanding of your experiences, strengths and support needs, focusing on you as an individual rather than starting with a diagnosis.
You don’t need to know exactly what support you need before getting in touch. That’s what we’re here to help with.
Is a Core Needs Assessment right for me?
A Core Needs Assessment may be helpful if:
- You’re questioning whether you may have ADHD, be autistic or whether any difficulties could be related to your mental health
- Different challenges seem to overlap, making it hard to know where to start
- You’re looking for guidance and practical recommendations, not just a diagnosis
- You want a clearer understanding of what support may help you now
What is a Core Needs Assessment?
A Melios Core Needs Assessment is a comprehensive, non-diagnostic assessment that looks at you as a whole person, rather than focusing on a single diagnosis or concern.
Our clinicians take time to understand your experiences, strengths, challenges and circumstances to build a clearer picture of what may be contributing to the difficulties you’re facing.
The assessment may explore areas such as:
- Neurodevelopmental differences, including ADHD and autism
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health
- Attention, organisation and day-to-day functioning
- Relationships, work and social experiences
- Strengths, interests and personal goals
- Previous support and what has or hasn’t helped
The aim is to understand your strengths, challenges and support needs, providing personalised recommendations and clear next steps to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
How is this different from other assessments at Melios?
Different assessments answer different questions.
If you’re unsure which assessment is right for you, it can be helpful to think about the different questions each assessment is designed to answer.
An ADHD assessment focuses on whether ADHD may explain your experiences.
An autism assessment explores whether you meet the criteria for autism.
A psychological assessment focuses on mental health needs and treatment options.
A Core Needs Assessment takes a broader view when the right pathway isn’t immediately obvious. It can help identify whether further assessment, support or treatment may be beneficial, but it is not a replacement for a full diagnostic assessment.
If you’re unsure which assessment is right for you, this can be discussed during a free consultation. Our friendly team will help guide you towards the most appropriate option and answer any questions you may have.
What does the assessment involve?
A Core Needs Assessment includes questionnaires completed before the appointment, a 90-minute online assessment and a personalised report shared afterwards.
Before the assessment, you’ll complete some questionnaires to help us understand your experiences, strengths and background.
You’ll then meet with an experienced clinician in a secure video appointment. Together, you’ll explore your experiences, strengths and support needs, building a clearer picture of what may be going on and what might help.
There is no pressure to fit a particular pathway. The assessment focuses on understanding you as a whole person and identifying the support, strategies or next steps that may be most useful.
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a personalised report summarising the key findings and recommendations to help guide your next steps.
What happens after the assessment?
Following the assessment, you’ll receive personalised feedback and recommendations from your clinician based on your needs and goals.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Practical strategies and adjustments that may help now
- Recommendations for further assessment or support, including ADHD, autism or mental health where appropriate
Our aim is to help you leave with greater clarity and a better understanding of yourself and your next steps.
Why choose Melios?
At Melios, we believe support should begin with understanding.
Our clinicians have extensive experience supporting adults with neurodevelopmental and mental health needs, and understand how these can present in complex and interconnected ways.
As part of the wider Healios group, we draw on years of experience delivering specialist ADHD, autism and mental health services, taking a personalised approach to every individual we work with.
We’re here to help you find a clearer path forward.
Core Needs Assessment FAQs
What is a Core Needs Assessment?
A Core Needs Assessment is a non-diagnostic, clinician-led assessment designed to help build a clearer understanding of your experiences, strengths, challenges and support needs when the right next step isn’t obvious.
Does it provide a diagnosis?
No. A Core Needs Assessment is not designed to provide a formal diagnosis. However, it may help identify whether a specialist diagnostic assessment could be beneficial.
Can it help if I think I might have ADHD or autism?
Yes. Many people choose a Core Needs Assessment when they are questioning whether neurodevelopmental differences could be affecting them but aren’t sure whether a full diagnostic assessment is the right next step.
Is it the same as a psychological assessment?
No. A psychological assessment focuses on mental health and treatment. A Core Needs Assessment takes a broader approach, helping to understand your overall needs and identify the most appropriate next steps.
How long does a Core Needs Assessment take?
The assessment includes a 90-minute online appointment with an experienced clinician. You’ll also be asked to complete some questionnaires beforehand, and you’ll receive a personalised report afterwards.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive personalised feedback and recommendations designed to help you understand what support or next steps may be most beneficial.
How do I know if this is the right assessment?
If you’re unsure whether you need an ADHD assessment, autism assessment, psychiatric assessment or another type of support, a free consultation is a great place to start. We’ll listen to your concerns and help you understand which pathway may be most appropriate.
Talk to Melios about a Core Needs Assessment
Whether you’re looking to better understand yourself, explore your strengths and support needs, or find the right next step, a free consultation gives you the space to talk things through.
We’ll help you understand your options and identify the most appropriate next step, whether that’s a Core Needs Assessment, a specialist assessment or another form of support.
There is no pressure to commit to anything. The aim is simply to help you feel clearer, more informed and more confident about what comes next.