Frequently Asked Questions
Assessments
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Think of how an assessment could help and get in touch to start the process.
The referral question will determine what tools we will need to gather the right information to address the question. After our initial discussion I will gather as much background information as possible from you and any other relevant professional bodies supporting you/your child (including recent reports from school, doctors, speech pathologists etc)
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Introductory discussion to understand your need for an assessment
Background information is gathered
Assessment session with the individual
Results collated, scored and interpreted
All information gathered from all sources is integrated into a report which you will keep
Option to have a feedback discussion to go through report and for you to ask any questions you may have
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A psychological assessment can help provide clarity, understanding and direction. Assessments are designed to better understand how an individual thinks, learns, behaves and experiences the world, while identifying both strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful.
Some common reasons for assessment may include:
Evaluating cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty
Identifying intellectual disability or learning difficulties
Assessing for ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Assisting with applications for NDIS funding or other support services
Assessing for giftedness or twice-exceptionality
Enhancing understanding of a child’s learning style and support needs
Providing clarity around emotional, behavioural, attention or academic concerns
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Wherever a quiet space can be found.
This could be in the consulting spaces I use in Summer Hill, another clinical space closer to you or in your home - provided certain criteria is met that we will discuss prior to meeting
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As detailed on the Assessments & Services page, fees vary depending on the referral question, complexity of assessment and tools used. Also whether certain assessments have been historically completed. A final fee will always be confirmed with you prior to commencing.
For quick reference:
ADHD Assessment - from $1,250
Autism Assessment - from $2,850
Cognitive Assessment - from $1,450
Learning Assessment - from $1,550
ADHD, Cognitive & Learning Assessment - from $2,950
ADHD & Autism Assessment - from $3,550
Cognitive & Learning Assessment (e.g. WISC-V & WIAT-III) - from $2,450
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Generally, Medicare rebates are not available for psychological assessments, including cognitive, learning and ADHD assessments.
For Autism assessments, some children and young people under 25 may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate towards the psychology component of an assessment under the Medicare pathway for Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Eligibility criteria apply, and an appropriate referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist is required before the assessment begins as the assessment will be as a collaboration.
Not everyone is eligible for the partial rebate so best to chat about it before going ahead with any assessments.
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For the partial Medicare rebate to potentially apply, the referral for an autism assessment must be provided by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist using the appropriate Medicare referral items.
A referral is not required to book an Autism assessment. However, an appropriate referral is required to access any Medicare rebate (where eligible).
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It will depend on the referral question and the individual’s age.
In addition to background information review, diagnostic interviews, self-report measures, observations and any additional screeners which are warranted, one of, or a combination of the following will be used:
ADHD
DIVA-5 or Young DIVA-5
Conners 4
Autism
ADOS-2
Cognitive
WAIS-IV
WISC-V
WPPSI-IV
Learning
WIAT-III
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About 1 month.
Generally, the time it takes to gather all background information from each party, conduct assessments, interpret results and write a report will be between 2-4 weeks from initial consultation
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Indeed there is.
Within certain school contexts, if there is a school psychologist service allocated you may be able to have a cognitive or academic assessment completed. I recommend you contact your child's school to find out if they can provide an assessment for no cost.
Do keep in mind that the wait list for a school-based assessment may extend beyond 6 months. If you would prefer to not delay assessment then please do get in touch
Therapy
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My approach is collaborative, practical and grounded in real-world functioning.
I aim to create a space that feels relaxed and engaging while still providing meaningful insight and direction. Therapy is tailored to the individual rather than following a rigid formula. I predominently operate within a CBT-framework but utilise other techniques depending on context and client preference
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A referral is not required to book an appointment privately. However, if you would like to access a Medicare rebate, a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP may be required
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No. Many people seek therapy without having a formal diagnosis. The focus is on understanding your experiences, challenges and goals, regardless of whether a diagnosis is present
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Fees depend on the type of service and funding pathway. For reference, a standard 50-minute session will cost private fee-paying clients $240.
Medicare rebated sessions are available under certain circumstances, whilst self-managed NDIS funded clients will be able to access services at the guideline indicated price for psychological services.
If you’re unsure which applies to you, I’m happy to talk it through with you before booking so you have a clear understanding of costs upfront
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The first session is usually focused on getting a broad understanding of what has brought you to therapy, your current concerns, relevant background information and what you would like support with.
We collaborate to work at sorting things out together
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Absolutely. While therapy can involve reflection and exploration, I also place a strong emphasis on practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life.
This may include support with emotional regulation, routines, executive functioning, communication, burnout, motivation or navigating work, school and relationships.
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Yes, where appropriate and with consent, I can liaise with schools, GPs, psychiatrists, allied health professionals and other supports involved in your care. This can help ensure recommendations are practical, coordinated and easier to implement across settings
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That is completely okay. A good therapeutic relationship is important, and not every clinician will be the right fit for every person.
The first few sessions are often as much about getting a sense of whether the approach and style feel comfortable and helpful for you as they are about the work itself.
My aim is to create a relaxed, collaborative environment where you feel able to be yourself and openly discuss what is or isn’t working.
If it doesn’t feel like the right match, that’s not a problem - it’s something we can discuss openly and I can support you in finding another Psychologist
Supervision
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My supervision style is collaborative, reflective and practical. I aim to create a space where supervisees feel comfortable discussing both clinical work and the broader realities of practice. Alongside skill development and case formulation, I place emphasis on real-world decision making, professional growth and developing confidence in your own clinical thinking
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$220 per session. There may be slight variations depending on the type of supervision required
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Yes. Supervision is available via telehealth where appropriate.
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That is totally fine, supervision works best when there is a sense of fit and openness, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the process. The early sessions are often a chance to get a feel for my style and whether it aligns with what you’re looking for in supervision.
If it doesn’t feel like the right match, that’s not a problem - it’s something we can talk about and I can support you in finding a supervisor who is a better fit for your needs and stage of practice
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