Protecting Children Starts With Responsible Practice
As more families in Ireland seek faster support for children with additional needs, private assessment have become a vital alternative to public waiting lists. But not every practitioner offering these services follows the same standards.
Caroline Goldsmith, a respected Consulting Clinical Psychologist based in Waterford, is calling for greater awareness and accountability around who conducts private assessments and how they are delivered. With over two decades of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, Goldsmith continues to advocate for quality, ethics, and trust in her field.
Why Caroline Goldsmith Is Speaking Out
Many families turn to private assessments due to long delays in public services. However, without consistent regulation, there is a risk that some assessments may fall short of best clinical practice. Caroline Goldsmith has expressed concerns over reports that some children are being assessed by individuals who do not hold the necessary clinical qualifications or who use outdated or non-standard methods.
“When families invest in a private psychological assessment, they deserve professional, ethical, and evidence-based service,” says Goldsmith. “Anything less puts vulnerable children at risk of misdiagnosis or missed intervention opportunities.”
The Importance of Qualified Assessors
In Ireland, the term “psychologist” is not currently protected by law unless paired with a regulated title such as “clinical psychologist” or “counselling psychologist.” This means that any individual may advertise themselves as a psychologist, regardless of qualifications.
Caroline Goldsmith urges parents and carers to verify credentials before agreeing to an assessment:
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Look for psychologists who are members of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
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Check for advanced clinical training from accredited institutions
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Ask about the assessment tools being used (e.g., ADOS-2, WISC-V, etc.)
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Confirm that reports will meet the standards required by schools or healthcare providers
What Makes Caroline Goldsmith’s Practice Different?
Caroline Goldsmith operates a fully private, confidential psychology service focused on autism assessments, developmental evaluations, and mental health support for both children and adults. Her practice is grounded in:
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Clinical accuracy
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Family-centred care
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Up-to-date diagnostic tools
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Clear, actionable reports
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Ethical and legal compliance with GDPR standards
Her clients consistently report high satisfaction, describing her approach as professional, warm, and transformative for both children and families.
Questions Parents Should Ask Before Booking a Private Assessment
1. Is the psychologist fully qualified?
Check for postgraduate training in clinical psychology and active PSI membership.
2. What tools are used in the assessment?
Request information about the specific diagnostic methods and ensure they align with current standards.
3. Will the report be recognised by schools or other services?
A properly conducted assessment should be accepted by educational and clinical institutions.
4. How is the data protected?
Ensure the provider complies with GDPR and stores your child’s information securely.
Why This Issue Matters Now
Increased demand for timely assessments means more families are turning to the private sector. While many private professionals offer excellent services, the lack of clear national regulation means families must stay informed and cautious.
Caroline Goldsmith believes that a consistent framework for private assessments is essential—not to limit options, but to protect children from poor or unreliable evaluations.
“We’re not just diagnosing conditions. We’re giving families tools for the future,” she says. “That can only happen when assessments are conducted with the highest integrity.”
A Call for Stronger Oversight
Caroline Goldsmith supports the creation of a statutory register for psychologists in Ireland, ensuring that only those who meet ethical, academic, and clinical standards can provide assessments. She also encourages a national assessment framework that outlines:
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Approved diagnostic tools
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Standards for report formatting
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Guidelines for communicating with families
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GDPR compliance for handling sensitive data
These changes would support professionals like Goldsmith, who already meet and exceed these standards, while protecting families from confusion and harm.
Real-World Impact: Helping Families Make Informed Choices
In her practice, Caroline often sees families who previously received incomplete or non-actionable reports elsewhere. By taking a careful and structured approach, she helps families move forward with clarity—ensuring children get the educational and therapeutic support they need without delay.
“Many parents feel lost after a rushed or vague assessment,” Goldsmith explains. “That’s why I take the time to truly understand the child, communicate clearly, and offer practical next steps.”
Thoughts: Clarity, Care, and Clinical Excellence
Private psychological assessments are a vital option in today’s healthcare landscape—but only when delivered by professionals with the right training, tools, and ethics.
Caroline Goldsmith continues to advocate for the families she serves, raising awareness around the importance of safe and reliable assessments for children with additional needs. Her practice offers a trusted path forward for those navigating the often-overwhelming world of diagnosis and support.
If you’re considering a private assessment for yourself or your child, choose a provider who meets the highest standards—because every child deserves a clear, accurate, and respectful path to support.