What is a neuropsychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessment provides an objective way to measure brain-behaviour relationships. The assessment is conducted by a psychologist who has completed specialised training in the assessment and evaluation of brain-behaviour relationships. The findings of a neuropsychological assessment can play an important role in identifying an individual’s neurotype (e.g., ADHD, autistic, AuDHD) with the aim of providing recommendations for support.

What happens during a neuropsychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessment typically involves 3 hours of face-to-face evaluation. This includes a detailed clinical interview to understand the daily impact of any difficulties and any other relevant information about the individual. Following on from the interview is comprehensive testing of cognitive abilities (e.g., intelligence, memory, learning, and executive functions) using standardised tests and questionnaires. Clinical opinions and support strategies are provided in a detailed report and feedback is typically given in a follow-up session 2 weeks after the assessment.

What happens during an autism assessment?

For paediatric clients and their families, an autism assessment typically involves between 3 to 4 hours of face-to-face evaluation. This includes administration of evidence-based assessment tools, behavioural observations, and detailed interviewing with parents. For adults, assessments usually take place over 2 x 2 hourly sessions spaced 1 week apart. Clinical opinions and support strategies are provided in a detailed report and feedback is typically given in a follow-up session 2 weeks after the assessment. If an individual is identified as autistic, then the report can be used as part of funding applications.

How much does an assessment cost?

Recommended fees for psychological services in Australia are set and reviewed regularly by The Australian Psychological Society. The recommended fee for a 50-minute psychology session is $300. Medicare rebates may be available for individual talk therapy with a referral from a GP under the Better Access Initiative. Private health funds may reimburse for psychological services and you will need to contact your provider. At present, Medicare does not provide a rebate for assessment services.

A standard therapy session (50 minutes) is $300. Assessments start at $2500 depending on the amount of testing required. An assessment involves approximately 10 to 12 hours of investigative work, including a clinical interview, 2-3 hour testing session, face-to-face feedback session, scoring and interpretation of standardised measures, detailed file review, and a comprehensive written report.

Do I need a referral?

Therapy: Yes, you do need a referral from a GP to receive Medicare rebates. Your GP will complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan on your behalf. The referral is a written letter stating the name of the psychologist, the number of sessions (usually 6 individual sessions), and the reason for the referral. Without the referral, you can still access services but you won’t be eligible for rebates.

Neuropsychology Assessment: No, you do not need a doctors referral, however it is helpful if you have one.

Autism Assessment: No, you do not need a referral. However, if the child is under 13 years of age, then a rebate can be claimed under the Helping Children with Autism Medicare Initiative. To access this rebate a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist is required.