Psychology Services
Appointments:
An initial consultation is required for all new psychology clients at HCC. This allows our team to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child or young person's needs, and ascertain the most appropriate assessment or therapeutic treatment plan.
Your psychologist will discuss next steps with your regarding further appointments at the conclusion of your initial consultation.
To book your first appointment, please call Hunter Children's Clinics on 02 4072 1877. A GP referral is not required to book your initial consultation, but can be helpful
Assessments:
The psychology team at Hunter Children's Clinics are specifically trained to provide individually tailored psychological assessments, for a range of emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, including (but not limited to):
- Autism Diagnostic Assessments (children):
- We take a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach to autism assessment. Where possible, we use the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum - 2nd Edition (MIGDAS-2), a play-based and conversational assessment tool that is less stressful and more inclusive than traditional observation methods, particularly for children who may mask or present atypically. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) is also used where clinically indicated.
- Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R)
- MIGDAS-2 (primary tool) / ADOS-2 (where clinically indicated)
- Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System - 2nd Edition (ABAS-2)
- Completion of psychometric scales
- Consultation with educators and other relevant professionals
- Provision of formal clinical assessment report, follow-up feedback session
- Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
- Clinical interview with parent/carer
- Neuropsychological/Cognitive Assessment
- Consultation with educators and other relevant professionals
- Completion of psychometric scales
- Provision of formal clinical assessment report
- Follow-up feedback session
- Cognitive Assessments and Adaptive Assessments:
- Cognitive Assessment (WPPSI-IV / WISC-V / WAIS-IV)
- Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System - 2nd Edition (ABAS-2)
- Provision of formal cognitive assessment report
- Follow-up feedback session
- Specific Learning Disorder (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia):
- Cognitive Assessment - Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - 3rd Edition (WIAT-3)
- Provision of formal cognitive assessment report
- Feedback session
- Giftedness Assessments:
- Cognitive Assessment (WPPSI-IV/WISC-V/WAIS-IV)
- Provision of formal cognitive assessment report, follow-up feedback session
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.
While our assessments can assist children, young people, and their families with formal diagnosis, they also offer specific recommendations regarding further support. Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer rebates for psychological assessments, however our reports may be used as evidence for funding support. Please note that a GP referral can be helpful, but is not required for psychological assessment.
Fees:
- Initial Psychology Consultation:
- $230
- Therapy:
- While a referral is not required to access psychological therapy, a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan allows clients to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
- Therapy session with psychologist:
- $230
- Assessments:
- Assessment fees vary considerably across assessment type, age of the individual, and presenting issues. The HCC team will discuss indicative fees following your initial consult, or further information can be provided by contacting our admin team on 02 4072 1877.
