Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP or other referral?
No. PALS accepts self-referrals — you can begin directly through our online referral form, and you're welcome to book an enquiry call first if you'd like to talk it through.
I'm looking for an educational psychologist near me — can you help?
Our clinic is in Castletown, Ballina, Co. Tipperary, V94 YC90. Most of our clients are in the Munster region, but we work with people nationwide.
How do I arrange an assessment for my child?
Complete our online referral form (linked at the top of the site) or book an enquiry call. We review suitability before any assessment proceeds, so you don't need to know in advance which assessment is right.
How long does an assessment take?
It varies with age and ability — a very young child may take 10–30 minutes, while a longer educational assessment is typically booked into a two-hour slot. Comprehensive assessments take place over several stages.
How soon will I get the report?
Reports are normally issued within 3–4 weeks of the assessment date, unless we are waiting on additional information from a third party such as a school.
Do you assess adults?
We carry out educational assessments for all ages, from young children to adults. However, due to demand, our more comprehensive assessments (e.g. ADHD and ASD) are currently for school-aged children and adolescents only.
Who accepts your reports?
Our reports are accepted by the HSE, the Department of Education (DES), and for DARE applications for Third Level entry.
Can you carry out assessments for schools?
Yes — PALS works with a large number of schools. Please contact us for details. Where only a single assessment is required, our travel radius is limited to one hour from the clinic.
What are your waiting times?
Educational assessments are typically available within four weeks outside school holiday periods. Please see our Waiting List Information page for current details on each service.
How is my data handled?
We take confidentiality and data protection seriously — please see our DPO & Privacy Statement for full details.
