What is a neuropsychological assessment?

Many conditions can affect cognitive functioning, including general medical conditions, neurological conditions, and psychiatric conditions.

Neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive abilities (or thinking skills) including their speed of information processing, attention, language, visuospatial skills, learning and memory as well as executive functions (planning, problem solving etc.).

Neuropsychological assessment is invaluable in assisting with diagnosis, as well as describing cognitive strengths and weakness, and informing therapeutic interventions.

What Conditions do clinical neuropsychologists help diagnose and/or manage?

Neuropsychological assessment assists in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia etc.,

• Neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, acquired or traumatic brain injury, stroke etc.,

• Neurodevelopmental conditions including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder etc.,

• Mental health conditions including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders etc.,

• Other medical and psychiatric conditions that affect cognitive functioning

We also offer assessments to inform suitability to drive, as well as suitability to return to work or study.

Please note we do not provide assessment for children.

What does a neuropsychological assessment involve?

Assessments vary depending on the referral question. Broadly speaking, the appointment involves two to four hours of face-to-face assessment. This includes a comprehensive clinical interview to understand an individual’s background as well as current abilities and concerns, and administration of a range of standardised pen-to-paper and computerised tests to examine an individual’s cognition (or thinking skills). If necessary, assessments can be broken up into separate sessions.

A follow-up appointment will occur at a later date where you (and if you wish, your family member/s) will receive comprehensive feedback of the results of your neuropsychological assessment as well as individually tailored recommendations. This typically takes one hour, and can be delivered face-to-face or via telehealth.

Do you need a REFERRAL from a GENERAL pRACTITIONER or Specialist?

A referral for neuropsychological assessment from a GP or specialist is preferable, but not necessary. Individuals can self-refer for assessment.

What is the fee for seeing a clinical neuropsychologist?

Recommended fees for psychological services in Australia are set and reviewed regularly by the Australian Psychological Society.

Neuropsychological assessment is not currently claimable through Medicare, although you may be eligible to claim a rebate through your private health care fund. We suggest you to contact them directly to determine whether you are eligible.

For more information in regard to neuropsychological assessment fees please contact us.