A cognitive assessment evaluates various aspects of a person’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, language, and executive function. These assessments are used to understand how a person’s brain is functioning, often to identify cognitive impairments, track changes over time, or provide insight into an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. For more information, please click here.
What can I expect from my first psychology and neuropsychology appointment?
At Back On Track Psychology, our Melbourne psychologist and neuropsychologist will spend some time in the initial session getting to know the client, as well as their needs and concerns. This will help the clinician formulate an appropriate psychology or neuropsychology assessment and treatment plan.
What can I expect from a psychology/neuropsychology assessment?
At Back On Track Psychology, our Melbourne psychologist and neuropsychologist provide a range of psychology and neuropsychology assessments in Melbourne. These are the most common assessments we provide:
An educational assessment is designed to evaluate a student’s academic skills, cognitive abilities, and overall learning strengths and weaknesses. This type of assessment is typically conducted to understand a student’s learning needs, identify learning disabilities or other barriers to academic success, and guide educational planning. For more information, please click here.
An ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment is a comprehensive process that evaluates whether an individual has ADHD and helps understand the extent and nature of their symptoms. ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affect daily functioning. For more information, please click here.
An autism assessment is a comprehensive process used to determine whether an individual has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that our clinicians will diagnose using several tests. For more information, please click here.
Our learning disorder assessments are designed to accurately identify specific learning difficulties that may be impacting an individual’s academic performance or everyday functioning. These include dyslexia (difficulties with reading, spelling, and phonological processing), dyscalculia (challenges in understanding numbers and mathematical reasoning), and dysgraphia (difficulties with handwriting and written expression). The comprehensive assessment process typically includes a combination of cognitive testing and academic achievement measures. By gaining a clear picture of the individual’s learning profile, we can provide tailored recommendations for educational strategies, reasonable adjustments in learning environments, and evidence-based intervention plans. These assessments are suitable for children, adolescents, and adults who are underachieving despite receiving appropriate instruction and support. Please note that Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) assessments is often part of the educational assessment. For more information, please click here.
A neuropsychological assessment offers an in-depth understanding of brain functioning by evaluating a wide range of cognitive domains, including attention, memory, language, problem-solving, visuospatial abilities, and executive functioning (such as planning, organising, and self-regulation). This type of assessment is particularly valuable for individuals with neurological concerns, such as acquired brain injuries (ABI), developmental conditions (e.g., ADHD or autism), stroke, epilepsy, or concerns about cognitive decline and dementia. The process involves a detailed clinical interview, review of medical and developmental history, and administration of standardised psychometric tests. Findings from the assessment support accurate diagnosis and inform recommendations for rehabilitation, educational or occupational planning, and practical supports to enhance day-to-day functioning. For more information, please click here.
Functional behaviour assessments aim to understand an individual’s emotional and behavioural responses within various settings, such as home, school, or the workplace. They are commonly used to investigate issues such as attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD), anxiety, depression, behavioural dysregulation, conduct issues, or mood-related disorders. The assessment process may include clinical interviews, behaviour rating scales, observational methods, and input from multiple informants. By identifying behavioural patterns, underlying psychological mechanisms, and environmental triggers, we are able to offer targeted recommendations to improve emotional wellbeing and behavioural outcomes. The findings are valuable for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals seeking to implement effective behavioural support strategies.For more information, please click here.
Memory and dementia assessments are conducted to evaluate cognitive changes that may be affecting an individual’s memory, thinking skills, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. These assessments are essential for distinguishing between normal age-related cognitive changes and more serious concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or other neurodegenerative conditions. The process includes a clinical interview, medical and functional history, and standardised cognitive tests assessing areas such as memory, attention, language, and executive function. Early diagnosis is key to accessing treatment, support services, and making informed decisions about care and future planning. Results also help guide families in understanding how best to support their loved ones. For more information, please click here.
Personality assessments explore an individual’s characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and interacting with others, which can significantly impact mental health and interpersonal functioning. These assessments are beneficial for individuals seeking clarity around longstanding emotional difficulties, relational challenges, or possible personality disorders. Using well-validated psychometric tools such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), alongside structured clinical interviews, we provide a comprehensive picture of personality functioning. These insights help to inform treatment planning and support the development of effective therapeutic strategies for conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more complex psychological presentations. For more information, please click here.
Medico-legal assessments are comprehensive psychological evaluations undertaken for legal purposes, including personal injury claims, workplace disputes, family law matters, and fitness-for-duty or capacity assessments. These assessments are conducted by experienced clinicians who provide independent, objective, and evidence-based opinions. The evaluation typically includes a thorough clinical interview, review of relevant documentation, and psychological testing. Reports are structured to meet legal standards and provide clear, defensible conclusions regarding psychological injury, functional impairment, prognosis, and causation. Our assessments are tailored to the requirements of courts, solicitors, insurers, and tribunals, and often play a key role in legal decision-making processes. For more information, please click here.
Forensic psychological assessments are conducted within legal, custodial, or correctional settings to assess risk, criminal responsibility, and the likelihood of reoffending. These specialised evaluations inform critical decisions related to bail, sentencing, parole, and risk management. Our forensic psychologists provide detailed reports with practical recommendations for supervision, rehabilitation, and safeguarding. These assessments are crucial for legal professionals, case managers, and correctional services aiming to balance public safety with individual rights. For more information, please click here.
What can I expect from ongoing therapy?
At Back On Track Psychology, our Melbourne psychologist and neuropsychologist offer evidence-based, person-centred clinical services. Our team includes experienced and friendly Melbourne-based psychologists. We work with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. We are committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.
We provide individual, family, parent, and couples therapy in Melbourne. These are the most common psychotherapies we provide:
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress. CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and by altering negative thoughts, individuals can improve their mood and behaviour. It is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that often involves practical exercises to help individuals develop healthier thinking patterns, cope with stress, and solve problems. CBT is commonly used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. For more information, please click here.
DBT is a type of psychotherapy developed to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It combines principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, and dialectics (the idea of balancing opposites). DBT teaches skills in four key areas: mindfulness (being present in the moment), distress tolerance (handling emotional pain), emotion regulation (managing and changing intense emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (improving communication and relationships). DBT is often used to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but can be effective for other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviours. For more information, please click here.
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. It involves the use of guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while the person recalls distressing experiences. This process helps reduce the emotional charge associated with the memories and allows for more adaptive thinking and coping. EMDR is particularly effective for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions, but it can also be used for anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. For more information, please click here.
Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained patterns or “schemas”—broad, pervasive themes or beliefs about oneself, others, and the world. These schemas often develop in childhood and can shape a person’s emotional responses, behaviours, and relationships throughout life. The therapy combines elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and experiential techniques to help individuals recognize and modify maladaptive schemas, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and create more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. Schema Therapy is especially effective for individuals with long-standing issues, such as personality disorders or chronic emotional difficulties. For more information, please click here.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences to understand how they influence current behaviours and emotions. It is based on the idea that unresolved conflicts from early life, often stemming from childhood relationships, shape patterns of thinking and acting in adulthood. The therapy aims to bring these unconscious patterns into awareness, allowing individuals to gain insight, process unresolved emotions, and develop healthier ways of coping. It typically involves a longer-term, deeper exploration of emotional and relational issues, with the goal of improving self-awareness and emotional regulation. For more information, please click here.
ERP is a well-established treatment primarily used to help individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and certain anxiety disorders. It is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that focuses on exposing individuals to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger anxiety or obsessive fears, while simultaneously preventing the compulsive behaviours that the individual typically uses to reduce that anxiety. The goal of ERP is to break the cycle of obsession and compulsion by teaching individuals that their anxiety will diminish over time without the need to engage in compulsive actions. For more information, please click here.
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help couples address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional connection. It typically involves both partners working together with a trained therapist who guides them through discussions, encourages understanding, and provides strategies to improve their relationship dynamics. For more information, please click here.
Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves working with families to address and resolve issues affecting their dynamics and relationships. This form of therapy is designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster understanding between family members. It is particularly helpful when family members are experiencing challenges related to behavioural issues, mental health struggles, or life transitions, such as divorce, illness, or the loss of a loved one. For more information, please click here.
Assessment Process
The process begins with an initial consultation between the clinician and the client or their guardian. This session is focused solely on gathering background information, understanding the current concerns, and clarifying the purpose of the referral.
Please note that no feedback or diagnostic conclusions will be provided at this stage.
It is extremely helpful if you can provide any relevant documentation (such as previous assessments, medical reports, or school information) either before or during this consultation.
The fee of the initial consultation range from $300 – $330 depending on the clinician that you consult with. Each clinician has their own rate. An outline of the clinician’s fee scale will be provided before the session.
Following the initial consultation, the client or guardian will have the option to proceed with the full assessment or decide not to continue. This allows time and space to consider the next steps without pressure.
The cost of the assessment typically ranges from $800 – $4400 depending on the clinician and assessments and whether a full report is required. You could discuss fees with reception prior to the initial consultation to obtain a quote for the type of assessment that you have requested. However, should you decide to proceed with a different type of assessment following the initial consultation, this quote may change and a quote will be offered before proceeding further.
If the client chooses to proceed, a formal assessment will be booked for a later date. This typically occurs in our Kew clinic and is tailored to the individual’s needs (some assessments can also be arranged via telehealth). The assessment may include:
- A clinical interview with the client and/or their parent/guardian or support person;
- Direct observation using standardised tools;
- Cognitive or developmental testing (as appropriate);
- Assessment of adaptive functioning (daily living skills and independence);
- Screening for emotional, behavioural, or psychological factors;
- Information gathering from teachers, therapists, or other relevant professionals (with consent).
The Assessment will take place over 1 or 2 sessions.
Assessment tools and methods are selected based on the client’s age, communication style, cultural background, and presenting concerns.
After the assessment, the clinician will analyse the data, review all gathered information, and prepare a comprehensive report. This phase typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.
The report, if requested, will include:
- A summary of assessment results and observations;
- Any diagnoses (if clinically appropriate);
- Tailored recommendations for supports and interventions;
- Suggestions for further services or funding pathways (e.g. NDIS, educational supports).
Once the report is finalised, a feedback session will be scheduled. During this session, the clinician will go through the results in plain language, answer any questions, and support you to understand the implications of the findings.
The report will then be provided to the client or guardian. Please note that while we approach every assessment with care and clinical integrity, we cannot guarantee that outcomes or diagnoses will align with specific expectations or external eligibility criteria.
The fees of the feedback consultation range from $240 – $330 depending on the clinician that you consult with. Each clinician has their own rate.
Process and Fees:
You can book an appointment yourself – no referral is needed. However, if you wish to claim rebates through Medicare, you must make an appointment with your general practitioner, psychiatrist, or paediatrician to get a valid referral (refer to FAQs for more information).
The cost for a 50-minute session varies based on the service you engage (ranging between $194 – 330). Please inquire directly with our admin team regarding assessment costs, these will vary depending on whether a report is requested.
Medicare rebates may be available with a referral letter from your GP (refer to FAQs for more information). We do not provide bulk billing services.
We charge the full appointment fee for non-attendance or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice (50% of the appointment fee with less than 48 hours notice), which will be automatically deducted from the credit/debit card entered at registration.
We understand that sometimes you might be running late to your appointment. A significant reduction in the session length might result in a poor service experience. To ensure a high quality of service, the session will be automatically cancelled if the client is more than 15 minutes late. Please note that the cancellation policy applies.
If you anticipate to be > 15 minutes late to the session, please cancel and reschedule the appointment to a later date.
Please contact us via admin@backontrackpsych.com or 03 90219368 to reschedule / cancel your appointment.
Neurodiverse affirming practice
Our Melbourne-based psychology/neuropsychology practice is built on the principles of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration. We challenge the traditional narratives of neurodivergence, moving away from deficit-based models and focusing on strengths and possibilities. Our clinicians work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and goals, to ensure that they receive personalised care. We take pride in offering a range of supports that are designed to help individuals thrive in their everyday lives. Above all, our approach is grounded in creating safe, affirming spaces where neurodiverse individuals feel respected.
Psychology and Disability
Many people with disabilities may face unique challenges, including social stigma, discrimination, or barriers to accessing services. Psychologists help individuals navigate these challenges by offering strategies for coping, building resilience, and improving emotional regulation, which ultimately enhances their overall well-being. At Back On Track Psychology, we support many individuals from all walks of life with various disabilities. Our Melbourne-based psychologists work closely with not just our clients, but also their families and the wider community, to ensure that all aspects of an individual’s needs are supported.
If you are currently supported by the NDIS and have funding for Capacity Building: Therapeutic Supports, you can use it to access psychology sessions with our clinicians.