So, you can expect a comprehensive assessment to cost around $800 to $1000.

Some assessments will be short, particularly in cases such as family wanting an assessment but the client then refusing part of or all of the assessment on the day. In these cases there is a minimum fee of $500 as I will be unable to fill the day with another assessment. This is also the fee if the assessment process takes four hours or less. Conversely, some cases are particularly complex with many hours of report reading to be done prior to the assessment, and many lengthy phone calls to be made. This can amount to as much as 15 hours, but this is very rare.

The Australian Psychological Society’s recommended fee is $192 per hour, but this is generally prohibitive for many people. I only charge this amount for medico-legal cases.

In exceptional cases of financial hardship I am happy to discuss lower fees.

I do not charge a fee for travel unless it is more than an hour (i.e, well outside Melbourne), and then only if I can’t combine the trip with another purpose.

Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call to cancel as soon as possible. Given the lengthy time taken for an assessment a full day’s time is saved for you. I charge a fee of $400 for appointments that are not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, except in the case of an emergency or prior arrangement.

Payment Policy
For private individuals payment is required prior to the release of the report and feedback. For organizations payment is required within 30 days. Payment can be made via cash, cheque, or direct deposit.

Insurance
Insurance companies vary considerably with respect to the level of reimbursement for neuropsychological assessments. Please check with this your insurer. Minds in Motion will provide you with an invoice and receipt including a provider number that you can submit to your insurance company.

Medicare
At present Medicare does not provide for assessments for patients with dementia, head injury, stroke, or mental retardation, but hopefully this will change in the future. The new Medicare psychology items only include “mental disorders” such as depression and schizophrenia.

Confidentiality
In accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Association I am required to keep confidential any information I’m given, except under the following circumstances: if you waive your right to confidentiality; if I believe you pose a harm to yourself or others; if I believe that a child or an elder is being abuse, neglected, or molested; or if I am directed by a court of law.

Interpreter Service
I am happy to arrange an interpreter for any language. I prefer to use interpreters who have been trained in interpreting neuropsychology tests, rather than family members. This allows greater understanding and removes any danger of family member bias or of other professionals questioning the validity of the assessment.