Navigating Assessments and Supports
At COMO Therapy, we understand that finding affordable and reliable neurodevelopmental assessment options can be overwhelming. This post provides some information and resources that you may find useful as a starting point.
Places for Neurodevelopmental Assessments:
Neurodevelopmental assessments (such as cognitive and ASD assessments) are typically completed by psychologists and the costs of these can be quite variable. Below is a list of resources and options that may be helpful:
For ACT residents:
The Child Development Services offer free assessments for those who live in the ACT.
Your child must be below the age of 12 years
You will need a referral from a paediatrician or a paediatric psychiatrist
For low-cost therapy and assessments at Tertiary Psychology Clinics:
Tertiary Psychology Clinics offer assessments and therapy sessions provided by provisional psychologists (psychologists in training and under supervision).
The following link is a helpful resource to get you started and provides information about the available tertiary psychology clinics in each state and territory. Each clinic has their own process for referrals and assessments, so we recommend that you contact the clinic directly for the most up to date information.
Low-cost therapy and assessment at tertiary psychology clinics
Private Psychology Clinics:
When looking for private assessments , a good starting point is to search the internet for the assessment you need, such as “ASD assessment” or “cognitive assessment”
The cost can range anywhere between $1,400 to almost $4000, depending on the complexity and type of assessment required.
Medicare Support:
There are several different care plans under Medicare that may be able to support you with the assessment process, as well as ongoing therapy and support.
When can you use these?
If you are needing assessments and evidence for disability to apply for NDIS funding
If you have NDIS funding, but do not have adequate budget in your NDIS plan.
If you are not eligible for NDIS funding, but you meet the care plan requirements.
What are the available Medicare care plans?
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders [link to blog]
This is for assessment and therapy support.
Limited to children and young adults up to the age of 25 years.
This has limited sessions in a person’s lifetime.
Mental Health Care Plan [link to blog]
This is for ongoing support with mental health.
This can be performed by a psychologist, or a occupational therapist or social worker who is trained in mental health.
This has 10 sessions per calendar year.
GP Management Plan/Team Care Arrangements (previously known as Enhanced Primary Care) [link to blog]
This is for management of:
any chronic condition (lasting more than 6 months)
terminal condition
complex care needs (this requires ongoing care from GP, plus two other health care providers)
Applies to a range of allied health professionals (eg. Psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, podiatry, dietitian)
Covers 5 sessions per calendar year
Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information and resources, the information on this website is intended as a general reference only. We encourage all readers to conduct their own research to ensure that any information or links provided are accurate and relevant to their specific circumstances and needs.