Psychological Assessments for Children and Young People

Our psychological assessments are always neuroaffirming and strengths-based. Aligning with the most recent clinical guidelines, our comprehensive assessments include the administration of industry standard assessment measures, a formal written report, and an in-person feedback session. As families are often eager to learn the outcome of their assessment, we aim to schedule feedback appointments and provide reports within 10 business days after the final assessment session. Sometimes this can take longer if we need to compile or collate additional information, questionnaires and reports.

The psychology team provides individually tailored assessments for a range of emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, including (but not limited to):

• Cognitive and IQ assessments using the Wechsler intelligence scales (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV), with a formal cognitive assessment report and a follow-up feedback session.
• Adaptive assessments using the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, second edition (ABAS-2).
• Specific learning disorder assessments for dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, drawing on the Wechsler intelligence scales and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, third edition (WIAT-3).
• Giftedness assessments using the Wechsler intelligence scales.
• ADHD assessment, including clinical interview, psychometric scales, and consultation with educators and other relevant professionals with your consent.
• Autism assessment, taking a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach using the MIGDAS-2 where possible, with ADOS-2 and ADI-R available where clinically indicated. Autism has its own dedicated pathway: please see our autism assessment page.

• Intake session. An assessment usually begins with an intake session so the psychologist can gather a full history and recommend the most appropriate assessment. Whether this is held parent-only depends on the referral pathway, your child's age, and whether your child is already known to us.
• Assessment sessions. Your child completes the relevant standardised measures with the psychologist, at a pace that suits them.
• Feedback session. The psychologist meets with you in person to explain the findings and answer your questions.
• Written report. You receive a formal report setting out the assessment, the outcome, and individualised recommendations.

While our assessments can assist children, young people and their families with a formal diagnosis, they also offer specific recommendations regarding further support. A report can help a school understand your child and put reasonable adjustments in place, and it may be used as evidence to support funding applications, including the NDIS.

Total assessment fees vary considerably across assessment type, the age of the individual, and presenting issues. The HCC team will discuss indicative fees following your initial consultation, or further information can be provided by contacting our admin team on 02 4072 1877. Medicare does not offer a rebate for a psychological assessment with a GP referral. A Medicare rebate is available for some assessments where the referral comes from a paediatrician. You can see our full fee list on the fees and referrals page.

To arrange a psychological assessment, please call Hunter Children's Clinics on 02 4072 1877. You may also be interested in our psychological therapy and autism assessment services.

What types of psychological assessment do you offer?

Our psychological assessments are always neuroaffirming. The psychology team offers cognitive and IQ assessments, adaptive assessments, assessments for specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, giftedness assessments, ADHD assessment, and autism assessment. Autism has its own dedicated pathway, described on our autism assessment page.

Do I need a GP referral for a psychological assessment?

A GP referral is not required to book a psychological assessment, although it can be helpful. An assessment usually begins with an intake session so the psychologist can understand your child's needs and recommend the most appropriate assessment; whether this is held parent-only depends on the referral pathway, your child's age, and whether your child is already known to us.

Does Medicare cover the cost of a psychological assessment?

Medicare does not offer a rebate for a psychological assessment with a GP referral. A Medicare rebate is available for some assessments where the referral comes from a paediatrician. The report that results from an assessment may also be used as evidence to support funding applications, including the NDIS. Indicative fees are discussed at your initial consultation.

How long until we receive the report?

We aim to schedule the feedback session and provide the written report within 10 business days after the final assessment session. Sometimes this can take longer if we need to compile or collate additional information, questionnaires and reports.

What is the difference between an assessment and therapy?

An assessment is a structured way of understanding how your child thinks, learns and experiences the world, resulting in a written report and recommendations. Therapy is ongoing support to help your child. Our therapy service is described on our psychological therapy page.