Neuropsychologists are specialist psychologists with postgraduate training in brain function and behaviour. The role of a neuropsychologist is to help identify your cognitive strengths, and whether there are any areas that are currently more difficult for you. For more information about different types of psychologists, please see: https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists

This is the term used to describe our thinking skills. This includes skills like concentration, memory, problem-solving etc.

Taking part in a variety of activities helps see what you are good at, and whether anything is currently more difficult for you. This helps the neuropsychologist (and other professionals you may be currently working with) to tailor a plan to help support you, focussing on what you do well and work around any difficulties. Neuropsychological assessment can also help with identifying and diagnosing different conditions such as specific learning disorders and attention difficulties.

It can take up to 3 hours, but can be broken up into shorter times if needed. Just let Jenni know if you need a break.

If you need glasses for reading, please bring them along. It might be good to bring along a water bottle and some snacks if you think you might get hungry (e.g. if doing activities close to lunch time).

These activities look at how your thinking skills are working at the moment. This is not something you need to study for or practice before the session. Continue your normal routine and if you have any medications, take them as you usually would.

The session involves completing a variety of activities such as solving puzzles, answering questions, doing some paper and pencil activities, and possibly some computer-based tasks. Depending of the aim of the assessment, additional activities which are like school work may also be included (such as reading, spelling, maths etc). Some things may seem relatively easy, while others might be more challenging. The important thing to remember is to try your best – it is not a test that you pass or fail.

Usually Jenni works with people on their own (so there aren’t too many distractions). However, with very young children or individuals who may feel worried about the session, caregivers are welcomed to remain present until the individual feels comfortable to work one on one. Please note: Due to current covid safe practices, only one additional person may be present in the room with the child/young person completing activities.

Neuropsych is generally a once-off (or a few shorter sessions if we need to break the assessment into smaller chunks), not a regular ongoing appointment for an extended period of time.

After doing the activities, Jenni will provide some initial feedback at the time of the assessment. Once scoring is complete, Jenni will put together a written summary of key points, or if selected, a full written report. Jenni will customise a plan with strategies specifically for you.

No, you do not need a referral from another professional to access neuropsychological services. However if you have any recent letters from those involved in your care (such as Psychologists, Counsellors, GPs, Psychiatrists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists etc), this information is often helpful to bring along to your appointment. However, if you would like to claim a small rebate from Medicare for any feedback sessions, a referral letter from your medical provider will be required. Note: If a child in your care has formal care orders to the Minister, please contact your DCJ or care organisation caseworker/clinician to liaise with Dr Jenni Sangster directly.

Unfortunately neuropsychological assessment is not covered under the Medicare Rebate Scheme, so it is a full fee payable service. The fees for assessment can vary, depending on complexity and aims. As a guide, as at July 2023, a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (funded by an individual, not an organisation) is $1450. For further information regarding services and fees, please contact Dr Jenni Sangster. For detailed assessments provided to Dept Communities and Justice and to other Out of Home Care organisations, there are fixed prices for comprehensive services (depending on scope and diagnostic needs). If you are a caseworker, please contact Jenni directly for a formal quote and referral paperwork.

Please contact Jenni to obtain a formal quote for service and a referral form. For more information, please see 'Information for Referrers' on this website.

If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before the appointment, there is a cancellation fee of $250. If the appointment is not attended and there is no prior notice of cancellation or rescheduling, 50% of the full assessment fee is payable.

Some aspects of the assessment such as initial interview and feedback sessions are offered via phone and telehealth. However, assessments are no longer offered via telehealth. Discuss with Jenni the options and we can develop an approach that works best for you and your current situation.

Yes - please contact Dr Jenni Sangster for more information or to receive a copy of this plan

Please see 'Important Information' for detailed and current overview of practices around maximising safety during face to face appointments.