Patient information

Who can refer me to your clinic?

Your GP or medical specialist (e.g. neurologist, psychiatrist) can refer you for assessment and/or management of brain-related conditions.

For assessments where there is no suspicion of an acquired or developmental brain-related issue (e.g. for a purely psychometric assessment of strengths and weaknesses, to obtain an IQ estimate in support of an application for funding or to establish giftedness), contact the Macquarie University Psychology Clinic for an appointment with a Clinical Psychology intern; a referral is not required in such cases. If you're not sure what kind of assessment is appropriate please email triage.neuropsych@mqhealth.org.au for advice.

How can I contact you?

Referrals should be faxed to (02) 9475 5250 or emailed to triage.neuropsych@mqhealth.org.au and general enquries made to 0481 058 854. Once we receive your referral, you will be contacted to make an appointment by the neuropsychology team .

What happens after I book my appointment?

MQ Health Neuropsychology Clinic will send you an email confirmation of your appointment date and time. We may also send a questionnaire for you to complete and bring to your appointment.

How long should I allow for my first appointment?

Most assessments take approximately three to four hours. A break can be included as needed.

Where do I go for my appointment?

Your confirmation information will direct you to one of two possible locations, determined by the nature of your referral: either Suite 401, MQ Health Clinic Building (2 Technology Place, Macquarie University) or the Psychology Clinic, Level 1, Australian Hearing Hub (16 University Avenue, Macquarie University). Find directions and parking information here for the MQ Health Clinic or Psychology Clinic

If possible, please bring someone with you who can help describe any problems you’ve been having with your thinking or memory.

Please also bring the following items to all appointments:

• Referral – a valid referral from your GP or specialist.
• Cards – Pension, Health Care or Veterans' Affairs cards, or evidence of full time tertiary student enrolment.
• Medication list including all your current medications, vitamins and supplements.
• Discharge summaries or reports of any previous assessments (eg. neuropsychological, neurological, psychological/psychiatric) or investigations (eg. EEGs, CT, MRI, PET)
• Reading glasses and/or hearing aids if you wear them.

Arriving at the clinic

You will need to complete a patient information form when you arrive.

Your initial consultation

Most assessments take approximately three to four hours and involve a comprehensive cognitive assessment by the neuropsychologist.

Next steps

Payment is required before you leave.

Following your appointment our clinicians will write a detailed report to your referring doctor and may provide you with feedback directly, as required.

How much will my appointment cost?

The clinic is affiliated with the Macquarie University Master of Clinical Neuropsychology training program and offers a range of clinical services. Costs vary according to the experience of the clinician you see, and the kind of service provided (all clinicians offer comprehensive assessment, while some also offer cognitive rehabilitation). Depending on the nature and complexity of your referral, the required timing of an appointment, and your financial state, you may choose to be seen by one of our interns, a Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar, or an experienced Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologist.

Our interns are enrolled in the Macquarie Master of Clinical Neuropsychology training program and conduct assessments under direct supervision by an experienced Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologist. Our Clinical Neuropsychology Registrars are recent graduates of the training program working independently on the pathway to endorsement, with regular advanced-level supervision from a more senior Neuropsychologist. Our Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologists have at least two years experience as independent practitioners, and represent a wide range of specific expertise and interests. Click here for their biographical information .

• Intern Fee (comprehensive assessment):
  • General Assessment: $600 ($400 for concession card holders)
  • ADHD: $800
  • ASD: $800
• Registrar Fee (comprehensive assessment):
  • General Assessment $1000
  • ADHD: $1200
  • ASD: $1200
• Endorsed Neuropsychologist fee:  (comprehensive assessment): $1500 and above (depending on complexity of the condition, any medicolegal/insurance implications, and/or clinician experience). Please enquire with our administration staff on (02) 9812 3997.
• Endorsed Neuropsychologist or Registrar fee (cognitive remediation/counselling): Typically around $200-$300 per session. Please enquire with our administration staff on (02) 9812 3997.
• Driving capacity screening (using the DriveSafe DriveAware iPad app): $200 (standalone assessment; any clinician)

If you have a preference for a particular Endorsed Neuropsychologist, you should ensure that their name is clearly stated on your referral. Please note that referrals with medicolegal/insurance implications are only accepted by the Endorsed Clinical Neuropsychologists.

Will I get money back from Medicare?

Unfortunately Medicare does not offer rebates on neuropsychology assessments.

Will I get money back from my private health insurance?

Many health funds offer modest rebates on psychology services. For more information, speak to your health fund directly about what’s covered in your policy (terminology varies, but "psychology assessment", "initial consultation" or the code P950 may be appropriate).

When do I pay for my appointment?

You will need to pay at the time of your consultation. Don’t forget to bring your pensioner, Health Care, Tertiary Student or DVA card to ensure we bill you at the correct rate.

What if I am a Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patient?

If you’re a DVA patient, the clinic needs to obtain pre-approval for the appointment from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. This approval process can take up to two weeks. An appointment will not be made unless pre-approval has been confirmed.

We welcome positive and constructive feedback in order to continuously improve our service. You can leave a message in the feedback box in the reception area; complete our survey; or email us at feedback@mqhealth.org.au

If you feel your experience with us has been unsatisfactory, please discuss any complaints with us in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with our actions, you can contact either the Health Care Complaints Commissioner on 1800 043 159 or the NSW Ombudsman on 1800 451 524 to discuss your complaint.