Neuropsychological assessment involves numerous components such as interview information, standardised norm-referenced neuropsychological tests, questionnaires, school or medical records and observational data. The main purpose of a neuropsychological assessment is to better understand an individual and his/her behaviour and it is vital in guiding appropriate treatment recommendations. Common referral questions for a neuropsychological assessment can include concerns about intelligence, attention, learning, memory, problem solving, planning/organisational skills, academic skills, as well as emotional and behavioural functioning. By evaluating the extent of a person’s presenting diffciulties, Neuropsychological assessments can determine whether a diagnosable disorder may be present. Common diagnostic referral questions include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability, and Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia).

The cost of neuropsychological assessment depends on the referral question. All fees include a clinical interview, administration of selected neuropsychological tests, scoring and interpretation of test results, and a comprehensive written report with specific and individually-tailored recommendations. Reports are very detailed and are usually 7-15 pages in length. As a sole practitioner, my fees are considerably lower than the recommended Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fees. 

Private health funds may give you a rebate for assessment services and you will need to contact your provider. If you are referred by a GP or a specialist doctor for an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment and you are under 25 years of age, you can receive a Medicare rebate.

You do not need a referral for a neuropsychological assessment, although it can be helpful in providing more information about your background and presenting difficulties.

Having a referral from a GP or a specialist doctor for an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment will attract a Medicare rebate if you are under 25 years old.

After confirmation of your appointment, you will be sent an online intake form to complete in order to provide me with more information about your relevant background history and your presenting difficulties. This will allow me to accordingly prepare for the assessment before you arrive.

A neuropsychological assessment can take between 2-4 hours, depending on the referral question and the type of assessment conducted. It involves a detailed clinical interview (approximately 1 hour) and the assessment (between 1-3 hours). Breaks are offered throughout, if needed. During the assessment, you may be asked to complete a variety of different tasks (including pen and paper tasks, answering questions verbally, responding to visual stimuli and completing self-report questionnaires).

After the assessment, time is spent scoring and interpreting the test results. A comprehensive report outlining the results of the assessment will then be prepared.

Neuropsychological assessment reports typically take up to 2 weeks to be completed. You will be emailed the report and you will be offered the opportunity to have a feedback session with me if you have any further questions.

With school-aged children, it is recommended that parents are clear about the purpose of the assessment. Parents should also briefly explain the process of the assessment and emphasise that it isn’t a “test” but rather a “series of activities”. Make it clear that they won’t get a grade and they won’t fail. It is important that you address any concerns that your child might have prior to the assessment.

The cost of psychological therapy (face-to-face and telehealth consultations) is $240 per 50-60 minutes. As of 2023-2024, the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS’s) recommended fee for psychological therapy services is $300 per 46-60 minutes. As such, Eastside Psychology Clinic’s fees for psychological therapy are notably lower than the APS’s recommendations to accommodate for a greater range of individuals in need of services.

If you have been referred by your GP and they have given you a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) then you are eligible for a Medicare rebate. Medicare will reimburse $96.65 per session. You are eligible for 10 Psychological Therapy session rebates per calendar year if you have an MHCP referral from your GP. If you have reached the Medicare Safety Net amount, you may be rebated 80-100% of the total fee.

If you do not have a referral from your GP, you may be rebated by your Private Health Fund depending on your level of cover. Medicare does not allow you to claim both a Medicare rebate and a Private Health Fund rebate.

As session times are in high demand, at least 48 hours notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, or a cancellation fee of $120 will be charged. If you cancel within 24 hours of your session or fail to arrive for a session,  the full session fee ($240) will be incurred. Late cancellations impact both clients on waiting lists as well as myself as I have prepared for the sessions. Telehealth sessions are offered as an alternative should you be too unwell to attend in person.

After making your appointment at Eastside Psychology Clinic, you will be emailed a brief intake form and questionnaire which will provide me with important information before your appointment. This will also save time beforehand that won’t cut into your initial appointment time. At your first psychological therapy session, we will spend some time discussing your presenting difficulties, your reasons for starting treatment and your relevant life history. This will allow me to evaluate your current symptoms and to make a collaborative individualised treatment plan to help you achieve your therapy goals. I will also answer any questions you may have about confidentiality, treatment approaches, or any of the clinic policies. Each psychological therapy session lasts 50-60 minutes.

Frequency of sessions and length of therapy is dependent upon a range of factors, including the nature of the presenting issues and severity. Whilst some people may benefit from a short treatment plan (e.g. 6 sessions), most people will require a longer treatment plan. Please discuss this with me in our initial appointment.

I am currently not seeing people:

• who are seeking treatment primarily for substance use disorder
• who are seeking treatment primarily for eating disorders
• who are seeking couples counselling
• who are seeking a court report
• who are seeking treatment under Work Cover