The Assessment Process
Individual circumstances differ, but in principle, every psychological assessment has four parts: (1) a clinical interview to obtain information on current challenges and the personal as well as medical history, (2) a series of psychological questionnaires and tests, (3) the explanation of results and (4) a report. With written permission of the client, we also interview partners and caregivers, in addition to the review of previous assessments and records. As part of the assessment, and with the explicit permission of the client, we consult with other providers such as GPs, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers and speech pathologists. It is important to note that an assessment does not only include the direct contact with the client, it also includes the scoring of tests, the interpretation of results, the review of documents and writing a report.
Typically, the clinical interview and the psychological tests are done in one session, however, it is possible to have several hour-long appointments. In this case, we conduct the assessment over several weeks and we request a payment at our hourly rate before each individual appointment. Please note that the costs for assessments may vary based on individual circumstances.
We do not require a referral from a GP to work as psychologists in Australia. Please note that psychological assessments differ from medical assessments. While both are essential for comprehensive care, medical assessments may involve additional procedures and, consequently, may incur additional charges.
Reports
Reports are available for you personally, the NDIS, Centrelink, employers and other third parties. A short report includes a description of the psychological tests, the individual results of the assessment as well as recommendations. Longer reports may include the full personal and medical history, a functional assessment and the results of a full range of cognitive tests. Please note that there is a fee for psychological reports and we request payment prior to the delivery of the document.
Please note that government agencies in Australia, such as the NDIS or Centrelink, accept psychological reports from clinical psychologists only. We are a group of clinical psychologists endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia.
Confidentiality
An assessment includes the exchange of personal information between the client and one or more clinicians. Hence, all our assessments are confidential, private and secure. We communicate with external parties with written permission of the client only. In addition, we use a secure, end-to-end encrypted Telehealth platform for our assessments (Coviu). Please do not hesitate to contact your psychologist if you have questions and the confidentiality of assessments.
Rebates
With a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP, Medicare rebates are available for the assessment of a mental disorder by a clinical psychologist in Australia. The current Medicare rebate for a consultation with a clinical psychologist is $131.65/hour. In addition, most private health funds provide rebates for psychological assessments. Please note that it is not possible to combine Medicare and private health rebates.
Payments
The current Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee for psychological services is $280 per hour. We charge less than the APS recommended fee for the current year, even for psychological assessments which include the use of tools and materials.
Most clients pay for the assessment in two installments: (1) A payment for the consultations and psychological tests with a psychologist (the assessment) and (2) a payment for a report. Often, the assessment is conducted over a 2-4 hours session, however, it is possible to have a number of hour-long sessions with separate payments for each appointment. At a later point in time, a payment for a report is then made and the document is delivered to the client (or to another party with permission of the consumer) within several days or weeks.
Since we are using PayPal for payment processing, there is an option to pay in four installments (similar to Afterpay).
Payment plans are available, please email us for more information. Invoicing is available for organisations and disability support services. Please note that for all services, payment must be made prior to the consultation/tests or
the delivery of a report. Payments can be made
here.
Please note that the Psychology Network is not able to offer crisis services. Therefore, if you or a loved one is thinking or talking about suicide then you
will need to seek urgent medical attention or alternatively call a crisis service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Our psychologists do their very best to serve clients in need. A scheduled appointment means that both the psychologist and the counselling room are available
at the allocated time. In case of a late cancellation, however, it is nearly impossible to book another client into the same time slot. Hence, it is policy
to charge 50% of the consultation fee for cancellations within 48 hours and 100% of the fee for cancellations within 24 hours (business days), same-day
cancellations or a failure to attend a scheduled appointment.
The Psychology Network Pty Ltd reserves the right to refuse or terminate services where this seems appropriate. The Psychology Network Pty Ltd also reserves
the right to move face-to-face consultations to online appointments when this is necessary (e.g. lockdowns). Please note that we do not consent to the recoding
of online sessions.
Please note the Privacy Policy as well as the Terms of Use of the Psychology Network Pty Ltd:
The Protection of Personal Information.
For all psychological services, payment must be made prior to the consultation or delivery of a report.
In Queensland, a specialised medical practitioner, for instance a paediatrician or psychiatrist, must sign the documents for funding to be approved for a child.
The Psychology Network Pty Ltd conducts psychological assessments and we collaborate with universities across Australia to develop new, accurate
techniques for the diagnosis of a range of mental health disorders. Nevertheless, in order to obtain school funding, it is necessary to see a medical specialist.
Please note that the costs for assessments may vary based on individual circumstances. By making an appointment/payment or using any of the resources of the
Psychology Network Pty Ltd, you agree to the policies as outlined above, including the Cancellation and Privacy Policies, the Terms of Use as well as all Disclaimers.