Question 1

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

To help us provide the most appropriate assessment and ensure continuity of care, we ask that all clients provide a referral or support letter before their assessment.A referral/support letter can be provided by a GP, medical specialist, teacher, support coordinator, or another health professional. It should include information about the reason for the assessment, any concerns or questions to be explored, and relevant history/background information that may help us understand your needs.If you are seeking a Medicare rebate, a referral from a GP is required. Your GP can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan  referral at their discretion, depending on the type of service you are accessing. For individuals under 25 seeking autism assessment, access to the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder scheme is available with a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral.

Question 2

How do I choose my clinician?

Accepted Answer

Every clinician at our practice is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. While each clinician brings their own unique style, interests, and areas of experience, they all share the same commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support.​​Our clinicians work within a collaborative team model, with ongoing clinical oversight, mentoring and quality assurance from the Clinical Director. This ensures consistency in our assessment processes, diagnostic formulation and reporting, while drawing on the collective expertise of our team to provide the highest standard of care. ​Can I request a specific clinician?Absolutely. If you have a preference for a particular clinician, you are welcome to let us know when booking your appointment. If your preferred psychologist is unavailable or has a longer wait time, our administration team will let you know the options and wait-times for various clinicians within the practice so you can make an informed choice. If you are not sure who would be the best fit, tell us a little about what your main concerns are, referral question for assessment, and we'll recommend the clinicians we believe are best suited to support you.​  ​Will my care be consistent across the practice?Yes. Our practice is built on shared values of quality, integrity, collaboration, and evidence-based care. Our clinicians work as a team, with regular peer consultation, oversight and quality assurance from our senior clinician/director, helping to ensure a consistent standard of care across the practice while still providing an individualised approach tailored to each client.

Question 3

What's the difference between a psychoeducational and a neuropsychological assessment?

Accepted Answer

Both psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments involve understanding how someone thinks, learns, and processes information. The main difference is the depth of assessment, the types of questions being answered, and the clinician's training and practice endorsements.What is a Psychoeducational Assessment?A psychoeducational assessment is designed to identify learning strengths and challenges and understand why someone may be experiencing difficulties at school, university, or in everyday learning. A psychoeducational assessment is carried out by a registered or clinical psychologist who has completed postgraduate (Masters-level or equivalent) professional training.It typically includes assessment of:Intellectual (cognitive) abilitiesAcademic skills such as reading, writing, spelling and mathematicsWorking memory and processing speedBehavioural and emotional functioning (where relevant)
A psychoeducational assessment can help identify or clarify conditions such as:Specific Learning Disorder (dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia)Intellectual DisabilityGiftedness and twice-exceptionality (gifted with additional learning or developmental needs)Learning profiles associated with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental differences
These assessments are commonly used to guide educational planning, access school or university accommodations, and provide practical recommendations to support learning.What is a Neuropsychological Assessment?A neuropsychological assessment is a more comprehensive evaluation of brain functioning, carried out by a Clinical Neuropsychologist (a psychologist with clinical endorsement in clinical neuropsychology). In addition to many of the areas assessed in a psychoeducational assessment, it explores a broader range of cognitive abilities and examines how different areas of the brain are functioning together.Depending on the referral question and presentation of the client, a neuropsychological assessment may include assessment of:Intellectual (cognitive) abilitiesLearning and memoryLanguage and communicationAttention and concentrationExecutive functioning (planning, organisation, flexibility and problem-solving)Visual perception and visuospatial skillsVisuomotor and fine motor skillsProcessing speedSocial cognitionEmotional and behavioural functioningNeuropsychological assessments are often recommended when there are concerns about more complex cognitive or neurological difficulties, including:Unexplained memory difficultiesCognitive changes following traumatic or acquired brain injuryNeurological conditionsComplex developmental profilesDiagnostic uncertainty where multiple conditions may be contributing to a person's difficulties
These assessments help clarify how a person's cognitive profile relates to their everyday functioning and provide tailored recommendations for home, school, work, and healthcare providers.Which assessment is right for me?The most appropriate assessment depends on the questions you are hoping to answer.If the main concern relates to learning, academic progress, or identifying dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, giftedness, or other learning differences, a psychoeducational assessment is often the most appropriate starting point.If there are concerns about memory, broader cognitive functioning, the effects of a neurological, neuropsychiatric condition or brain injury, or a more complex pattern of cognitive strengths and difficulties, a neuropsychological assessment may be recommended.Regardless of which clinician you see, the outcome of an assessment is a detailed and comprehensive report about a person's cognitive and behavioural strengths and weaknesses, diagnostic impressions, and tailored strategies and recommendations based on the person's unique profile to help guide ongoing intervention. Our clinicians also work as a collaborative team, so if indicators arise during a psychoeducational assessment that warrant neuropsychologist input, further assessments can be added without starting the process again, drawing on the collective knowledge of our team and Clinical Director to provide the highest standard of careIf you're unsure which assessment is the best fit, our team is happy to discuss your concerns before booking. We can help determine the most appropriate assessment based on your goals and, if additional neuropsychological testing is identified as beneficial during the assessment process, we can discuss this with you and arrange further assessment if needed.

Question 4

What is the difference between a psychologist,  neuropsychologist, and medical specialist?

Accepted Answer

A neuropsychologist is a type of psychologist who has advanced postgraduate training in the connection between the brain and behaviour. They mainly focus on assessing cognitive functions (i.e. thinking skills like attention, memory, learning, language, executive function), especially functions impacted on by the presence of a neurological, developmental condition, or injury that affects the brain. A neuropsychologist would typically be seen if there is concerns about a brain injury or neurological/medical condition affecting cognitive function (e.g. dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke). They can assist in diagnosing neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions, track cognitive recovery, and provide an understanding of the individual's unique cognitive profile so that treatment and intervention can be targeted to the individual. Neuropsychology is a sub-field in the world of psychology, more focused on diagnosing and treating disorders affecting brain function, rather than those specifically affecting mental and emotional health (e.g. depression, anxiety, trauma etc).  A psychologist has postgraduate level training in providing treatment for emotional/mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. Most neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions are linked to, or lead to emotional difficulties. Therefore neuropsychologists often works closely with psychologists for clients who require ongoing psychological treatment. In addition, psychologists can conduct psychoeducational assessments for IQ and academic function (i.e. WISC/WIAT), and with additional training can also assess and diagnose neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism. A diagnostic assessment with a psychologist is suitable when the presentation is relatively straightforward, and there is no known brain injury/neurological condition or complex diagnostic picture.A medical specialist such as a neurologist, paediatrician, or psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialised training in their specific area of medicine (i.e. brain/nervous system, child development or psychiatric disorders). They will be able to provide a medical review to rule out any other physical causes of your symptoms; refer for blood tests, brain scans, genetic, nerve conduction tests etc; and prescribe appropriate medications. While many neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders can be diagnosed by medical specialists (including ADHD and autism), sometimes the diagnosis is not clear cut. This is when a specialist may refer for a psychological/neuropsychological assessment to get a deeper understanding of the person's cognitive functioning and behavioural profile, or to assist with differential diagnosis.  Neither a psychologist or neuropsychologist can prescribe medications. You would need to see a medical specialist for this. Please contact us if you have any more questions.

Question 5

What is neuroaffirming practice?

Accepted Answer

Neuroaffirming practice recognises that people’s brains develop and function in different ways, and that neurological differences are a natural part of human diversity. Rather than viewing neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties only through the lens of deficits, a neuroaffirming approach seeks to understand each person’s unique strengths, experiences, challenges, and support needs.In our practice, we focus on understanding the whole person, including their communication style, sensory experiences, learning profile, interests, relationships, and environment. Assessments and interventions are designed to identify practical supports, celebrate individual strengths, honour personal autonomy and sensory safety.A neuroaffirming approach does not mean ignoring areas where someone may need support. Instead, it aims to provide understanding, acceptance, and strategies that work with a person’s individual brain style, rather than expecting them to simply adapt to neurotypical environments that may not meet their needs.

FAQS, FEES & TERMS

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?

How do I choose my clinician?

What's the difference between a psychoeducational and a neuropsychological assessment?

What is the difference between a psychologist, neuropsychologist, and medical specialist?

What is neuroaffirming practice?