North Brisbane Psychologists are able to conduct assessments for adults and children* aged 11+ in a range of areas, including:

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD);
2. Diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD);
3. Cognitive ability / functioning testing;
4. Adaptive behaviour / Functional assessment for NDIS or other support purposes; &
5. Personality and psychopathology (including anxiety disorders, Borderline, Antisocial and Paranoid Personality traits, schizophrenia and substance dependence).

How can an assessment help me?

The results of the assessment show areas of strength and weakness which can help you to maximise your personal growth, learning, enhance areas of strength, and compensate or improve areas of weakness.  The overall scores are often used by organisations to determine if someone qualifies for additional support, funding, program participation, or other payments. The results of this test cannot guarantee any of these, but may help a person access different services. 

People often say that cognitive and clinical testing helps them to: 

• understand their own abilities and deficits
• focus on strengths and develop their potential in these areas
• understand what to do to overcome weaknesses or difficulties, both at work and at home
• receive appropriate support from government agencies or other services

The Process:

1. Initial Referral – In the first instance, if you are worried about your functioning or developmental history, you may be best to see your GP and talk through possible reasons and service options. *If you are interested in an ADHD or ASD assessment and you are already seeing a psychologist, please ask them to do a screener. Most psychologists have access to screening tools. Bring the results from the screening survey to your first assessment appointment.
2. Contact Us – Call us on 3726 5595 to book an initial 2-hour intake appointment. The downpayment for an assessment is $480 (as at March 2024) to secure your spot. We prefer a 2-hour appointment for the first one. Bring any related paperwork or previous reports you have.  During that initial appointment, your psychologist will ask about your strengths, abilities, difficulties, challenges and developmental history. S/he will then be able to let you know how the assessment will be conducted and provide an approximate cost. Cognitive assessments can be complex and sometimes multiple assessments are needed to answer all your questions.
3. Medical checks – It can also be beneficial to ensure your general health, including hearing and vision, has been checked in the last 12 months before proceeding with a psychological assessment.
4. Assessment – You will then attend assessment session(s) with your clinician. The number and length of assessment sessions depends on the purpose of the assessment. Assessments are conducted in a relaxed environment using standardised tools, and are responsive to your needs.
5. Feedback & Reporting – A feedback session is then scheduled approx. 3-4 weeks after the assessments sessions. In this session, the psychologist will provide a written and verbal report with an explanation of the results, as well as recommendations to ensure you receive the appropriate support. Based on results, we may match you with a suitable practitioner to treat and care for your needs going forward.

FAQs – Assessments

Can I get a Medicare rebate?  

Currently, Medicare rebates do not apply for any assessment when using a Mental Health Treatment Plan (even though we think they should!). Some private health funds may provide rebates. 

Do I need a referral?

With this in mind, you can self-refer to us for any assessment at any time. 

Is the initial down-payment refundable?

Can I access treatment before or after an assessment?

Yes, many of our clinicians provide therapy and interventions for adults experiencing a range of neuro-developmental, social, emotional, mental health, or relationship issues. For example, we have several experienced psychologists who offer ADHD coaching under a GP Medicare referral.

Also at NBP, we offer regular Group Education & Support Programs for teens and adults living with ADHD. 

How long will the assessment take?

The number and length of assessment sessions will vary depending on the referral question and your needs. Some assessments will take approximately four hours spread across two appointments. Other assessments may require additional or longer sessions in order to complete a comprehensive assessment of all cognitive domains. Short breaks will be given during each assessment appointment if needed as some people may find it tiring. Similarly report requirements may vary across assessments and clients may be given a tailored quote to suit their individual needs. 

How do I prepare for my assessment?

In order to get the best assessment of your abilities, it is very important that you are well rested, feeling physically well, and have not used alcohol or other drugs at least 24 hours before your appointment. It is very important that you have had something to eat and drink before the assessment begins, and do bring along snacks and water for the assessment appointment/s to consume during breaks. If you wear glasses or require a hearing aid, please bring these along with you to the assessment. If you have any MRI/CT brain scans, medication list, or previous neuropsychological assessment reports, please bring them along as well. 

What tests do we use?

We use a range of ‘gold standard’ standardised assessment tools that have substantial research and evidence to support their reliability and validity. These assessments allow the psychologist to provide you with information as to how your performance in different skill/ability domains (assessment results) compares to other people of the same age. 

How much will it cost?

The cost of an assessment depends on many factors and a price will be provided to you after your initial appointment.  However, as a guide you can expect to pay between $1500 and $2500 for an adult assessment.

Why are assessments so expensive?

When you have an assessment it is important that it is done thoroughly and completely as often you will not be allowed to repeat this for a number of years. In addition, the tests themselves carry a significant cost for each administration. Your psychologist will spend many hours with you during your intake, assessment and feedback sessions but generally will spend even more hours outside of these times.  They also need to consider and plan for your assessment, speak with other individuals to gain more information, score and interpret the results and write a comprehensive report. Psychologists often end up being paid less for their time to conduct psychological assessments compared to therapy.

Can’t I just do free tests online?

Assessments are administered by a psychologist who has been trained to administer cognitive assessments and who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The tests have been developed in accordance with the latest research and have large studies that support their reliability and validity. Many online tests claim to measure intelligence or IQ or other cognitive functioning issues, but these tasks usually have no or very limited research evidence about their reliability and validity, so the scores are meaningless. 

Can I increase my IQ score?

The best way to maximize your performance on the day of assessment is to get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a healthy breakfast, and to feel relaxed and confident. Making sure that you have had enough exercise during the week and that you’re not feeling too stressed will also give you the best chance of performing well. There aren’t any particular exercises or activities that will help you increase your performance.

Can an assessment be completed via telehealth?

Some assessments can be completed via telehealth.  Others may require one or two in person appointments.

Can you do an assessment for NDIS?

Yes, we can do some types of NDIS assessments, specifically assessing for adaptive behaviour such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills.  Please make sure that you advise us if your assessment is to be used for the NDIS so that we ensure you receive a report that can be useful for this purpose.