What to expect
What actually happens in an assessment.
An assessment can feel like a big unknown. Here is the whole path, in plain language, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
An assessment is a careful, structured look at how you think. It is not a test you can pass or fail, and there is nothing you need to study for.
It usually unfolds over a few stages, sometimes across more than one visit. We will confirm the likely format and hours with you before anything is booked, so there are no surprises on the day.
The stages
From first contact to a clear answer
Referral or self-referral
You can contact us directly, or your GP or specialist can refer you. We confirm the question to be answered, the funding pathway and the likely cost before booking.
Clinical interview
A conversation about your history, your health and what you would like the assessment to answer. This usually runs about an hour. Where it helps, and with your consent, we may ask a family member a few questions too.
Standardised testing
A session of structured tasks looking at memory, attention, language and reasoning, with breaks. This commonly takes two to three hours, and is sometimes split across two visits.
Feedback and report
We score and interpret the results, then talk you through what we found at a feedback appointment and give you a written report in plain language, with practical next steps.
On the day
What the testing actually looks like
Talking and remembering
Answering questions, recalling short stories or lists, and word tasks that look at language and memory.
Puzzles and patterns
Working with blocks, pictures and patterns that look at reasoning and how you solve problems you have not seen before.
Attention and speed
Short tasks that look at concentration, and how quickly and accurately you take in and work with information.
Questionnaires
Some pen-and-paper or on-screen questionnaires about mood, sleep and day-to-day life, which help put the results in context.
There are no trick questions. We want your best effort on the day, not a perfect score, and breaks are built in so you do not get worn out.
Getting ready
How to prepare
- Be rested, and have something to eat beforehand.
- Bring your glasses and hearing aids if you use them.
- Bring a list of your current medications.
- Bring any previous reports or scans you have.
- If you can, bring someone who knows you well; they often notice changes that are hard to describe yourself.
If you are acutely unwell on the day, tell us. Rescheduling is often the right call, and we would rather move the appointment than test you when you are not at your best.
Funding
Funding pathways
We confirm your funding pathway and the likely cost before booking, so there are no surprises.
A neuropsychological assessment is not covered by the Medicare Better Access program, so there is no standard Medicare rebate for assessment. See our Fees and Policies page for the detail.
Ready when you are
If you would like to go ahead, you can request an appointment online and we will take it from there.
Request an appointment Read the FAQs