Assessment at HMC

 

Ready to discover your unique strengths and differences? Start by completing the referral form below. We'll then send our triaging forms to ensure the right fit.

At HMC Launceston, our neurodiversity-affirming psychologists can provide a range of assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults. We also provide assessment services to local schools. If your school would like to enquire about our assessment services, they can complete the School Enquiry Form HERE.

 

Assessment Process 

  • You can self-refer for assessment services using the referral form at the top of this page. We welcome referrals from GPs, specialists, or other allied health professionals.  

  • Once we receive your referral, we will email you a triaging questionnaire to complete. This step aims to reduce wait times. We use the information from the triaging questionnaire to ensure we are the most appropriate service for you and to match you with a suitable psychologist.  

  • As a client of HMC, we require you to complete an online intake form containing our key policies. You may also be asked to complete some additional online questionnaires about your history, emotional state, and behaviour. These must be completed prior to your initial session.

  • All assessment types require a 50-90-minute initial appointment before commencing the assessment process. During this session, you can expect: 

    • Your psychologist will gather information about your strengths and challenges.  

    • Your psychologist will work with you to determine the most appropriate assessment type, including any additional components. 

    • Your psychologist will work with you to determine who else could provide relevant information about your history or your strengths and challenges (e.g., a parent, close friend etc.). 

    • Your psychologist will begin to prepare an individualised quote for the assessment services you require. This will be provided to you soon after the initial appointment.  

    • Your psychologist may recommend you seek out a referral to a paediatrician or psychiatrist or other allied health professional, depending on your concerns and goals. 

    The initial appointment may not be required if you are an existing client with well-known history to your assessing psychologist. You can click HERE to read more about what to expect in your first session with a HMC clinician.  

  • We have a number of assessment types that our psychologists can offer. You can review our types below to help you decide which one may be right for you. Your assessing psychologist will confirm this at, or as soon as possible after, your initial assessment appointment.

  • Your assessing psychologist will prepare a comprehensive assessment report. Reports usually include: 

    • relevant developmental, medical, and behavioural history, 

    • the results of standardised assessment measures, 

    • a summary of interpretations and conclusions,  

    • a table of relevant diagnostic evidence (if applicable), and recommendations.

    You can expect to receive a copy of the report at or after your feedback appointment, once your assessment fee balance is paid in full. 

  • Your assessing psychologist will provide you with a feedback appointment once all assessment components, including the report, have been completed. During this appointment, you can expect:

    • your psychologist may check they have accurately communicated parts of your history in the report.

    • your psychologist will describe some of your strengths.

    • your psychologist will talk about challenges and areas where support may be needed.

    • your psychologist will explain your differences or diagnosis.

    • your psychologist may recommend interventions and/or accommodations.

    • you may have questions to ask your psychologist.

 

Assessment Types 

Please note that a 50-90-minute initial assessment appointment is a standard requirement at HMC. It is considered separate from the assessment types listed below. The fee for an initial assessment appointment is $360. 

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    • You might choose this assessment type if you are interested in:

    • knowing your (or your child’s) neurotype.

    • understanding the challenges in your (or your child’s) life that relate to possible Autistic traits.

    • applying for funding such as NDIS.

    • accessing accommodations at school or work.

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 1x interview/observation assessment appointment with the client

    • 1x interview appointment with the parents/carers (for child/adolescent clients only)

    • 2+ online multi-informant questionnaires

    • 1x extensive report

    • 1x feedback appointment with the client and/or parents/carers

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $3040 (child/adolescent) or $2560 (adult).

    A cognitive assessment can be added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $780. You may like to speak with your psychologist about the rationale for the addition of a cognitive assessment. You can also read our blog post about this topic HERE.

    If investigation of possible Specific Learning Disorder (cognitive & academic testing) is required, this can be added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $1460.

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    You might choose this assessment type if you are interested in:

    • understanding the challenges in your (or your child’s) life that relate to possible ADHD symptoms.

    • accessing accommodations at school or work.

    Please note that a psychological assessment will not provide access to medication. While a psychologist's diagnosis of ADHD is valid and can be used to inform treatment plans, only a paediatrician or psychiatrist can decide whether medication is appropriate. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

    If you are an adult and you are interested in exploring medication options for ADHD symptoms, you can ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD presentations. You may choose this option instead, to avoid having to undergo 2 separate assessments. Our psychologists are happy to complete an ADHD assessment, for adults who would prefer this, prior to getting a referral to a psychiatrist.

    If you are a parent interested in exploring medication options for your child after the assessment outcome, we recommend you consider asking your GP for a referral to a paediatrician now because wait times can be extensive.

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 1x interview/observation assessment appointment with the client (parents/carers ideally present with child/adolescent clients)

    • 1-2 online multi-informant questionnaires

    • 1x extensive report

    • 1x feedback appointment with the client and/or parents/carers

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $2140.

    A cognitive assessment is commonly added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $780. You may like to speak with your psychologist about the rationale for the addition of a cognitive assessment. You can also read our blog post about this topic HERE.

    If investigation of possible Specific Learning Disorder (cognitive & academic testing) is required, this can be added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $1460.

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    You might choose this assessment type if you are interested in:

    • knowing your (or your child’s) neurotype.

    • understanding the challenges in your (or your child’s) life that relate to possible Autistic traits and possible ADHD symptoms.

    • applying for funding such as NDIS.

    • accessing accommodations at school or work.

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 2x interview/observation assessment appointment with the client

    • 1x interview appointment with the parents/carers (for child/adolescent clients only)

    • 3+ online multi-informant questionnaires

    • 1x extensive report

    • 1x feedback appointment with the client and/or parents/carers

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $3920 (child/adolescent) or $3440 (adult).

    A cognitive assessment can be added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $780. You may like to speak with your psychologist about the rationale for the addition of a cognitive assessment. You can also read our blog post about this topic HERE.

    If investigation of possible Specific Learning Disorder (cognitive & academic testing) is required, this can be added to this assessment type at an additional cost of approximately $1460.

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    You might choose this assessment type if you are interested in:

    • knowing your strengths.

    • understanding any challenges in your (your child’s) life that relate to cognitive differences.

    • accessing accommodations at school or work.

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 1x cognitive assessment appointment

    • 1-2x online multi-informant questionnaires

    • 1x standard report

    • 1x feedback appointment with the client and/or parents/carers

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $1840.

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    You might choose this assessment type if you are interested in:

    • knowing your strengths and differences.

    • knowing how you (or your child) learn best.

    • understanding the challenges in your (your child’s) life that relate to a possible Specific Learning Disorder.

    • accessing accommodations at school or work.

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 1x cognitive assessment appointment (if not recently completed)

    • 1x academic assessment appointment

    • 1x standard report

    • 1x feedback appointment with the client and/or parents/carers

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $2740

  • Why choose this assessment type?

    You might choose this assessment type if:

    • you have an existing diagnosis of Autism or psychosocial disability (i.e., mental health condition).

    • you require evidence of the impact of your disability on your functional capacity.

    • you require evidence of your need for disability supports for the foreseeable future.

    This assessment type will give you the best chance of being accepted as a participant of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

    What does it usually involve?

    You will be provided with an individualised quote based on your assessing psychologist’s clinical recommendation. However, this assessment type usually involves:

    • 1x interview assessment appointment with the client (and parents/carers if applicable)

    • 1-2x online multi-informant questionnaires

    • 1x brief report

    What does it usually cost?

    The fee total for this assessment type is approximately $1870.

 

What To Expect

We want to be transparent about what you can expect from a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment. While we strive to provide thorough and insightful evaluations, it’s important to note that we cannot guarantee a specific diagnosis.

What you will receive from our evaluation:

  • A thorough understanding of your unique strengths and differences, providing a clearer picture of how these factors impact daily life and functioning.

  • Practical recommendations for supports and adjustments that can help address specific needs and improve functioning and quality of life.

  • If deemed necessary, we will suggest referrals to other professionals or services that may be beneficial.

  • A detailed report summarising the findings of the assessment, including observations, test results, and recommendations for further action.

Please Note: If an assessment or any component is not deemed clinically necessary, we will not proceed with it. This ensures that the assessment remains focused and relevant to your needs.

Our goal is to equip you with valuable information and guidance to support your next steps.

 

Fee Schedule

Psychological assessments are an in-depth process requiring information to be collected, interpreted, analysed, and reported. Fees for assessment services depend on the assessment components you require. 

Please note the fees listed apply to assessments commenced on or after 1st August 2024. 

The investment for an initial assessment appointment is: $360*

*In some cases, Medicare or private health insurance rebates may be applicable, depending on the clinician and the referral type.

The total investment varies depending on your individual needs and your psychologist’s clinical recommendation. Estimates are summarised below. If additional assessment components are required, outside of what is stipulated in an assessment type or quote, additional fees apply. See Payment Conditions for information about rebates. 

The investment for each assessment is approximately: 

  • $2560 - $3040  Autism assessment (not including cognitive assessment)

  • $2140  ADHD assessment (not including cognitive assessment)

  • $3440 - $3920  Autism + ADHD assessment (not including cognitive assessment)

  • $1840  Cognitive assessment 

  • $2740  Learning assessment 

  • $1870  Functional capacity assessment 

 

Payment Conditions  

  • Payment is required on the day each assessment service is provided. HMC offers payment plans for report preparation fees, to increase accessibility. Report preparation fees can be paid in up to 4 equal instalments. To arrange a payment plan, you will need to discuss this with admin and complete a payment plan agreement.  

  • The full assessment fee balance must be paid before your assessment report can be released to you. 

  • Occasionally, there may be instances where additional appointments are needed to complete the assessment. Wherever possible, your psychologist will advise you of the need for additional services as early as possible in the assessment process. Additional assessment services typically incur a fee of $240 per hour, depending on the service. The fee per hour for assessment services is set below the national schedule of recommended fees according to the Australian Psychological Society (APS). This schedule is available HERE

  • Medicare rebates may apply for Autism assessments, subject to specific eligibility requirements. Clients up to age 25, referred to HMC for an Autism assessment by a paediatrician or psychiatrist, may be eligible for a partial rebate. 

  • Medicare does not permit the provision of rebates for Autism assessments or cognitive/academic testing under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan (GPMP). 

  • If your private health insurance policy includes psychological assessment, you may be able to claim a rebate. You are responsible for contacting your private health insurer to determine whether your policy covers the services you intend to claim. 

  • You will not be eligible for a Medicare or private health rebate if your assessor is a Provisional Psychologist. 

  • The cost of your assessment may be covered by your NDIS plan if it aligns with your plan goals and meets NDIS guidelines. Whether the service requested can be funded by NDIS or needs to be funded privately will be determined by the clinician in collaboration with you or your nominee during the initial session. If you need further clarification before your appointment, you can request to speak with a member of our triaging team.

  • Fees are typically reviewed 6-monthly. Assessment fee totals listed on this webpage are estimations only. Formal quotations will be prepared by your psychologist.