Personality assessment
A personality assessment is a structured process for understanding stable, long-standing patterns in how someone thinks, feels and relates to others, as distinct from a specific diagnosis or a single symptom cluster.
It can support diagnostic clarification, treatment planning, or occupational and developmental purposes. This page covers what’s involved, who it’s for, what it costs, and how to prepare.
What does a personality assessment involve?
Background & history
Developmental, relationship, occupational and mental health history.
Clinical interview
A detailed conversation exploring long-standing patterns in thinking, emotion, behaviour and relationships over time, not just current symptoms.
Standardised personality measures
Validated psychometric tools, selected by the referral question.
Collateral information, where relevant
Input from people who have known the person well over time.
Feedback session & report
A discussion of findings and a tailored written report.
Who is a personality assessment for?
- Diagnostic clarification. Including suspected personality disorder features that need proper assessment.
- Understanding long-standing patterns. For people wanting to understand relational or emotional patterns that have affected multiple areas of life over time.
- Clinicians & treating professionals. Seeking a fuller picture for treatment planning.
- Specific occupational contexts. Where a personality assessment has been requested.
What’s included in a personality assessment?
Typical inclusions are the clinical interview or interviews, relevant standardised personality measures, a written report addressing the referral question, and a feedback session to discuss findings.
What does a personality assessment cost?
Costs vary with the scope of the assessment and the tools required.
We don’t publish a figure here. Medicare rebates for psychological assessment are limited and depend on your circumstances and referral pathway; a GP can advise on what may be relevant. We don’t publish a figure here. Scope varies enough that a stale number would mislead more than it helps. Your matched psychologist will quote you once your situation is clear.
How to prepare for a personality assessment
- Reflect on long-standing patterns. Think about patterns that have shown up consistently across different periods of your life and different relationships, rather than recent or situational experiences.
- Clarify the purpose upfront. Knowing what the assessment is for helps the psychologist choose the right approach.
- Consider who else might contribute. Input from someone who has known you over time.
- Bring relevant history. Previous diagnoses, treatment history, or relevant reports.
Matched with someone experienced in a personality assessment
Pair matches you with an AHPRA-registered psychologist based on your situation, not just whoever has the next free slot. Tell us what the assessment is for and we’ll factor that in.
Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a personality assessment and a general psychological assessment?
A personality assessment focuses specifically on enduring patterns in thinking, feeling and relating to others over time, rather than a specific symptom cluster or cognitive domain.
Can a personality assessment diagnose a personality disorder?
Yes. A comprehensive personality assessment by a psychologist can contribute to diagnosing a personality disorder, where relevant, using standardised tools and clinical judgement.
Do I need a referral for a personality assessment?
Not necessarily; you can generally book directly with a psychologist. A referral may be relevant for a Medicare rebate, or if a treating professional has recommended the assessment as part of your care.
How long does a personality assessment take?
It varies with scope and referral reason, but is usually spread across more than one session given the depth of history and testing involved.
Will the results affect how future clinicians treat me?
A personality assessment report is meant to support accurate understanding and better-informed care, not to label or limit you.
Is telehealth an option for personality assessment?
Some components, such as interviews and certain questionnaires, can often be done via telehealth, though it depends on the tools used and the clinician’s approach.
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