Frequently asked questions
Getting started
Who do you assess?
Mainly school-age children and teenagers from 5 to 17. Assessment work has also extended into the early adult years, from 17 and over.
Do we need a referral?
No. Parents can contact Psychology House directly, and your child does not need a referral from a GP or any other professional. Referrals are also accepted from GPs, school psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.
How do I know which assessment is right for my child?
Start with an initial consultation. It is an hour to talk through your concerns and your options, and if an assessment is recommended, the consultation is included in the assessment fee. The guide on the How it works page also matches common concerns to assessments.
How do I book?
Make an enquiry on this website or call 0400 046 542. Booking by phone or email both work.
The assessment
How long does an assessment take?
Every assessment includes an initial consultation, assessment sessions, a written report and a feedback session. [to confirm: Confirm number and length of sessions, and the time from first call to report]
How is an ADHD assessment different from a learning assessment?
An ADHD assessment looks at attention, activity and impulsivity against the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and is not designed to cover other factors in academic learning. A learning assessment looks at intellectual ability and academic skills such as reading, writing, spelling and maths. If you are not sure you need both, the comprehensive assessment looks at learning, behaviour and emotions together.
Can you diagnose dyslexia?
Yes, where the criteria are met. Dyslexia is the common name for a specific learning disorder with impairment in reading. The assessment can also identify a specific learning disorder in written expression, often called dysgraphia, or in mathematics, often called dyscalculia.
Can you identify giftedness?
Yes. A gifted assessment looks at whether a child is gifted or advanced for their age, and whether options such as academic extension, enrichment or acceleration may suit.
What tests do you use?
It depends on your child's age and the question being asked. Intellectual assessment may use the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV. Behaviour is looked at with rating scales such as the Conners-4, the BASC-3 and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment. Reading, writing, spelling, maths and phonological processing are tested with a battery of reliable, valid academic tests.
Will my child's teacher be involved?
Where a teacher rating scale is used, such as the Conners-4 Teacher form, a teacher is asked to complete it. Samantha has worked with school psychologists and teachers for many years and can talk through recommendations with them.
How should I prepare my child?
Tell your child in simple terms that they will be doing some questions and activities with a psychologist, and that there are no right or wrong answers to worry about. [to confirm: Confirm this draft wording, and add your own advice on sleep, meals, glasses and breaks]
The report and what comes next
What is in the report?
A comprehensive psychological report with the findings, any diagnosis where the criteria are met, and practical recommendations. Samantha then goes through the results with you in a feedback session, with next steps for home and school.
How soon will we receive the report?
[to confirm: Confirm the typical turnaround from the last session]
Who sees the report?
[to confirm: Confirm how reports are shared with parents, schools and referrers, and whether consent is needed]
Can the report support exam accommodations?
Yes. A literacy and numeracy review is often used to prepare a school-based application for special examination accommodations in Year 12 ATAR exams. The school makes the application, and the exam authority decides whether to approve it.
Fees and funding
How much does an assessment cost?
It depends on the assessment and your child's needs. Samantha sets the fee after talking with you, and every attempt is made to keep costs below the rate the Australian Psychological Society recommends. [to confirm: Confirm fee ranges for each assessment]
Does Medicare cover an assessment?
Psychological and educational assessments are generally not covered by Medicare, even with a GP mental health plan, because those plans cover mental health care and counselling only. [to confirm: Confirm that no Medicare items for neurodevelopmental assessments apply to your practice]
Can I claim from my private health fund?
Some private health insurers cover parts of the process. It depends on the insurer and your level of cover, so check with them before you book.
Do you accept NDIS funding?
Psychology House works with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants only. It is not a registered NDIS provider.
Is GST charged?
Most services are currently exempt from GST.
Visiting and privacy
Where is the practice, and what is it like?
Psychology House is at 65 Solomon Street, Mosman Park. Assessments take place in the relaxed atmosphere of the practice. [to confirm: Confirm parking, opening hours and whether telehealth is offered]
How is my child's information handled?
Psychology House does not sell your or your child's personal details. [to confirm: Confirm final wording against the privacy policy]
Is Psychology House an emergency service?
No. In an emergency, call 000. For support for a young person, Kids Helpline is on 1800 55 1800, and Lifeline is on 13 11 14.