Neuropsychological assessment may establish a new diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s Dementia), or clarify the contribution of a range of possible diagnoses (e.g., Is it ADHD, Learning Disability, Traumatic Brain Injury or Asperger’s Disorder?).
Prognosis is a specialist opinion regarding the likely course of a medical condition. For example, prognosis for Alzheimer’s dementia is often poor, especially if treatment has not been applied. However, prognosis for someone with alcohol-related cognitive impairment may be good, depending on the person’s drinking history, age and commitment to reducing alcohol intake.
Neuropsychological disorders often affect an individual in complex ways. For example, Traumatic Brain Injury may result in memory difficulties, which may in turn affect a person’s mood. Applying evidence-based treatment for the memory disorder may therefore be sufficient to resolve the depression, reducing the need for antidepressant medication.
A neuropsychological assessment can clarify whether or not a person is fit to return to work or study when cognitive impairment is suspected as a potential barrier for these activities. Neuropsychological assessment may also be used to screen people for return to driving (often after a neurological event such as a acquired brain injury).
Neuropsychological assessment is often requested by courts and tribunals as expert evidence regarding any of the questions considered above (e.g., diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, return to work) as well as to address more specific legal questions, such as:
Our specialist clinical neuropsychologists are expertly trained and have the experience to provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessment for the purposes outlined above. We have neuropsychologists with experience and accreditation for the following types of assessments:
Furthermore, our consultants have individual registration with various insurers, who are usually able to provide a rebate for neuropsychological assessment and treatment services.
Neuropsychological assessment typically involves 3-4 hours of face-to-face contact. This includes a detailed clinical interview and comprehensive testing of cognitive abilities (e.g., intelligence, memory, learning and executive functions) using standardised tests and questions. Opinion regarding diagnosis / prognosis and treatment recommendations are provided in a 6-8 page report.
The length of the assessment depends on various factors, including the complexity of the presenting problem, the availability of corroborative information, the need to interview a significant other and client energy levels / fatigue. One or two short breaks are typically offered over the course of the assessment.
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Cost: Depending on the referral question, complexity of the case and purpose of the assessment, cost of assessment and a detailed report typically ranges from $880 to $2800.
In cases where a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment is impractical or unaffordable, abbreviated neuropsychological testing provides information about general level of cognitive functioning, including memory and executive functioning, and may reveal areas of gross dysfunction. Brief neuropsychological testing takes 60 minutes. Testing involves completing standardised tests and questions. Brief testing is insufficient to answer questions about diagnosis and/or prognosis.
Cost: One hour of testing plus a brief report = $330
Not sure if you or your client/patient need(s) an assessment?
It can be difficult to determine the need for a neuropsychological assessment, especially if you have never used a neuropsychological service before. That’s why we have developed the Neuropsychological Assessment Need Tool (NANT). This will take you approximately 2 minutes to complete and at the end you will receive a rough guide as to whether or not a neuropsychological assessment is warranted.
The Neuropsychological Assessment Need Tool (NANT) is a quick and easy to use online application, to help assess the need for a neuropsychological assessment.
Complete NANT »