Psychological Assessments

What assessments we offer

‍‍We offer face-to-face or Telehealth psychological assessments that are both neuroaffirming and LGBTQAI+ inclusive. We provide diagnostic assessments for ages 13 and over for: 

• Autism
• ADHD 

Our psychologist Jacqui Harvey conducts all of the assessments at Exhale Psychology Centre. All of our comprehensive reports are reviewed and co-signed by a clinical psychologist.

Table of costs and payments

When payments are due

• The $230 deposit is non-fundable and required to book the initial appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule your initial appointment, your deposit will be forfeited regardless of how much notice is given (please contact us if there are extenuating circumstances such as a medical emergency)
• Payment one is due at the end of the initial appointment
• Payment two is due at the end of the second appointment

Cancellations
If you need to cancel or reschedule your initial appointment, your deposit will be forfeited regardless of how much notice is given (please contact us if there are extenuating circumstances such as a medical emergency).

For all follow up appointments, we are happy to reschedule appointments provided that you provide 48 business-hours notice. Cancellations within 48 business-hours will be charged at the rate of $230 per hour (so if the appointment is two hours long, the charge would be $460). Please contact us if there are extenuating circumstances.

After-hours fees
Please see our list of assessment services and fees. Any appointments booked after-hours (after 5pm Monday-Friday or anytime on a Saturday) will incur an additional after-hours fee of $25 per hour. Complex presentations may require an additional appointment.

Choosing between a standard and comprehensive assessment

If you need accommodations in the workplace or for study, or require evidence for an NDIS (National Disability Scheme) or DSP (Disability Support Pension) application, you will need a Comprehensive Assessment.
If you are wanting to explore your neurotype for your own personal understanding, for self-exploration, or to assist your therapy goals, you will only need a Standard Assessment.
Please note, access to selected supports via NDIS, it is ideal to engage with other professionals, i.e., paediatrician or psychiatrist to prescribe medication for ADHD, and paediatrician, psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or occupational therapist to provide additional support for and verification of an autism diagnosis. The purpose of the comprehensive report option is to provide both yourself and other professionals with the information they need to understand and support you with your diagnosis.

The assessment process (what is involved)

We primarily use the MIGDAS to assess for autism, and the DIVA to assess for ADHD. Currently we do not administer a cognitive assessment (WISC-V or WAIS-V) as part of our assessment process in line with emerging evidence and recommendations for practice. A cognitive assessment may be indicated however, or it may be more suitable to seek out a clinic that can provide these assessments, if an intellectual or learning difference or giftedness is suspected, or additional information is needed about an individual’s learning profile.

Funding assessments (Medicare rebates, insurance, and NDIS)

Unfortunately, assessments are not eligible for Medicare or private health rebates. Generally, NDIS funding does not cover assessments, but in some cases it may. If you are uncertain, please talk to your NDIS support coordinator or your local area coordinator.

Important information for ADHD assessments

If you are looking for an ADHD assessment with the purpose of trialling stimulants, please note that psychiatrists are required to conduct their own assessments prior to prescribing stimulants. In these cases (to avoid unnecessary cost) it may be better to do an initial pre-screening for ADHD with the psychologist to determine the likelihood of you meeting the diagnostic criteria to receive schedule 8 drugs (stimulants), followed by a recommendation letter and referral to a psychiatrist. This would be instead of the full assessment process. You can discuss which option might be best for you with your psychologist in the initial appointment.

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When you're ready, book your initial appointment.