The ultimate goal of an assessment is to provide understanding of what is getting in the way of a child reaching their potential.
There are many reasons a child may have difficulties, and a comprehensive assessment can help narrow this down.
For example, children can struggle at school for many reasons:
• Difficulties paying attention due to ADHD
• Difficulties paying attention due to anxiety or life stressors
• Difficulties with a specific skill (e.g., a child who is very good at math but struggles to read might perform poorly on verbal questions like “If Sandra had ten apples…”)
• Difficulties with the level of work (e.g., needs to be in a lower level class)
• Slower processing speed or lower working memory (e.g., child still has ability to get questions right, just slower than others)
• Bored with the level of work (e.g., a gifted child)
• Difficulties with language (e.g., ESL, language processing disorder)
• Distracted by peers around them (may need a new seating arrangement!)
• And so on…

Undertaking assessment as an adult can be a validating, liberating experience - there is a relief in finally having a label for something you have struggled with or worked around for years. There are also some practical advantage, for example:

• Getting special considerations at TAFE, university

• Applying for NDIS funding

• Justifying special provisions at your workplace

• Providing diagnosis for medication (in the case of ADHD)

Diagnosis and recommendations are made on the basis of all of the following:
• Norm-referenced tests (like the WISC-V and WIAT-III)
• Interviews with child, parent, and teachers
• Surveys and questionnaires completed by child, parents, and teachers
• Observations of how the child behaves and functions in the room, with the psychologist, as well as with parents, peers, and teachers

The psychologist’s job is to use all of this information to understand and explain the reasons for the child’s difficulties.

This then allows for recommendations to work around, reduce, or remove those difficulties.

A psychological assessment report can be used to:
• Access funding such as the NDIS
• Access special accommodations in the HSC
• Provide a diagnosis for consideration of treatment and/or medication (e.g., for ADHD)
• To provide a treatment plan for ADHD or ASD
• To provide recommendations for the school and classroom
• To enhance self-understanding

Our prices are competitive with other clinics in the area.
A cost estimate will be provided in response to your enquiry. As the assessment process is tailored to the individual, an itemised quote can only be provided after the initial assessment appointment.
Some of our fixed costs are below:
- Initial Assessment Appointment: $250
- Feedback Appointment: $200
- WISC-V testing: $360
- WIAT-III testing: $450
- Comprehensive report preparation: $500
- HSC Provisions Forms and NDIS Access Request Forms: $250

Testing is billed progressively (i.e., you are charged for each test as it is administered, rather than one lump sum up front).

You do not need a formal referral from a GP or paediatrician

Therapy clients can get a referral from their GP to see a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan.If eligible, this entitles you to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year. Please note there is still a gap to pay on top of the $137.05 Medicare rebate.

Unlike therapy, testing and assessment is unfortunately not covered under Medicare.

You may be able to claim some costs under private health insurance, or NDIS if you have funding. It is best to inquire with your provider if you are unsure.

We do not provide reports for legal/forensic purposes