What is a neuropsychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessment/testing is a process by which a person’s cognitive, psychological/emotional and behavioural functioning is comprehensively assessed. When our brain functioning is altered in some way (e.g., due to an injury, medical, or developmental condition), aspects of our thinking skills such as memory, language or motor ability can be impacted. A neuropsychological assessment will help in determining what changes have occurred and how these changes are impacting your life. This information can then assist in diagnosis, intervention planning and treatment. 

FAQs

Can I get a Medicare rebate?  

Currently Medicare rebates do not apply for any assessment when using a Mental Health Treatment Plan.  Some private health funds may provide rebate. 

Do I need a referral?

With this in mind individuals can self-refer to Benchmark Psychology for any assessment. 

How long will the assessment take?

The number and length of assessment sessions will vary depending on the referral question and your needs. Some assessments will take approximately four hours spread across two appointments. Other assessments may require additional or longer sessions in order to complete a comprehensive assessment of all cognitive domains. Short breaks will be given during each assessment appointment if needed as some people may find it tiring. Similarly report requirements may vary across assessments and clients may be given a tailored quote to suit their individual needs. 

What will the psychologist assess?

The psychologist will assess a number of cognitive domains, using a wide range of standardised tests. These domains may include attention, visuospatial, language, processing speed, memory, learning and problem solving. You will be completing a number of tasks, which may involve answering questions, writing things down, and remembering information. 

How do I prepare for my assessment?

In order to get the best assessment of your abilities, it is very important that you are well rested, feeling physically well, and have not used alcohol or other drugs at least 24 hours before your appointment. It is very important that you have had something to eat and drink before the assessment begins, and do bring along snacks and water for the assessment appointment/s to consume during breaks. If you wear glasses or require a hearing aid, please bring these along with you to the assessment. If you have any MRI/CT brain scans, medication list, or previous neuropsychological assessment reports, please bring them along as well. 

What tests do we use?

At Benchmark Psychology we use a range of ‘gold standard’ standardised assessment tools that have substantial research and evidence to support their reliability and validity. These assessments allow the psychologist to provide you with information as to how your performance in different skill/ability domains (assessment results) compares to other people of the same age. 

How much will it cost?

The cost of a neuropsychology assessment depends on many factors and a price will be provided to you after you have submitted an enquiry.  However, as a guide you can expect to pay between $2100 and $3000 for an adult neuropsychology assessment.

Why are assessments so expensive?

When you have an assessment it is important that it is done thoroughly and completely as often you will not be allowed to repeat this for a number of years.  Your psychologist will spend many hours with you during your intake, assessment and feedback sessions but generally will spend even more hours outside of these times.  They also need to consider and plan for your assessment, speak with other individuals to gain more information (such as school teachers), score and interpret the results and write a comprehensive report.

Can't I just do a free IQ test online?

Assessments are administered by a clinical psychologist who has been trained to administer cognitive assessments and who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The tests have been developed in accordance with the latest research evidence and have large research studies that support their reliability and validity. Many online tests claim to measure intelligence or IQ, but these tasks usually have no or very limited research evidence about their reliability and validity, so the scores are meaningless. 

How can I increase my IQ score?

The best way to maximize your performance on the day of assessment is to get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a healthy breakfast, and to feel relaxed and confident. Making sure that you have had enough exercise during the week and that you’re not feeling too stressed will also give you the best chance of performing well. There aren’t any particular exercises or activities that will help you increase your performance.

Can I access treatment services?

Yes, our clinicians can provide interventions for adults experiencing a range of neurodevelopmental, social, emotional, mental health, or relationship issues. Find out more about our team of clinicians here.

Can an assessment be completed via telehealth?

Yes, some assessments can be completed via telehealth.  Others may require one or two in person appointments.

Can you do an assessment for NDIS?

Yes, we can do some types of NDIS assessments, specifically assessing for adaptive behaviour such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills.  Please make sure that you advise us if your assessment is to be used for the NDIS so that we ensure you receive a report that can be useful for this purpose.