Process and FAQ
FAQ
We believe being Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent is valuable, valid and vital.
This neurodiversity-affirmative perspective is reflected in everything we do, committed as we are to changing hearts and minds around the concepts of 'assessment’ and ‘diagnosis’.
As such, we recognise our language and perspective present autism, Autistic understanding and ADHD in a way you may not have encountered before.
We actively avoid traditional deficit-based understanding, inherent in the diagnostic manuals and associated with ‘typical autism and/or ADHD assessment’. Indeed, we believe being Autistic and/or ADHD is better interpreted through the lens of identification and discovery, rather than diagnosis.
Being Autistic and/or ADHD is not a ‘disorder’. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine applying a diagnosis to what is simply a way of being human. Importantly, some members of our team are also Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent and we draw upon their valuable lived experience to inform our practice.
We recognise you as the expert in your own experience. Your Assessment places you as an equal partner and your participation anchors everything. In building your story together, we are interested to understand your strengths and aspirations, while hearing about any challenging social situations and sensory sensitivities. Through our conversations, we will learn about your communication preferences, abiding interests and social experiences.
Though we unapologetically celebrate being Autistic and ADHD, we also fully acknowledge how society disables and dismisses neurodivergent people. To this end, we actively offer support and advice to guide and empower you on your continuing journey, equipped with your new identity.
We do not prescribe medication at WellTree Psychology. However, following your assessment, we can provide referral options to psychiatrists or medical practitioners within our professional network who will use the report to support medication management.
Whilst we fully support self-identification, we also recognise that some people do wish to explore a formal ADHD identification. This might be for a variety of reasons, for example:
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Providing a new lens through which to understand their way of being in and experiencing the world, which can support self-compassion and understanding for areas in which life can be difficult when ADHD neurology is misunderstood (e.g., planning and organising tasks; interest-based attention.
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Some people may have previously been given unhelpful labels (e.g., being 'lazy', someone who 'just doesn't listen' etc.) or mental health diagnoses that do not resonate for them.
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Formal identification of ADHD can make it clear that a person requires reasonable adjustments under equality legislation.
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Some people find it when applying for disability benefits to have a formal identification (we recognize it is the individual's choice to identify as disabled whilst recognising that an ADHDer may require financial support.
We operate entirely online, so your appointment will take place via Zoom. You can join using the link provided in your appointment confirmation, either through the Zoom app or directly in your web browser.
It is important to us that all sessions happen in a kind and safe online space, where you feel comfortable to fully express yourself. We will work with you to achieve this and understand how difficult eye contact and video calls can be for lots of people.
While we do ask for at least one video call, there is no expectation of sustained eye contact during sessions. You can face away from the camera, even wear sunglasses. Naturally, you can stim freely while communicating.
We are also happy to conduct sessions over the phone. We are also happy to conduct shorter sessions, where instead of being online for the full time, you can email responses to questions. You may also find the Zoom text chat function useful to communicate with your psychologist, for part of the time.
We understand communication is achieved in multiple ways. Ultimately, our priority is making you feel comfortable and understood throughout your journey with us.
Adult Autistic identification is relatively new and as a resolutely neurodiversity-affirmative practice, we take a progressive perspective on Autistic identification and discovery. Consequently, our clinical approach is informed by Autistic academics, Autistic-led research and learning from the Autistic community. Though, of course, our professionally qualified and registered psychologists adhere to clinical autism assessment standards and our process is based on current diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11.
While guided by the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI–R) and the Clinical Interview for ASD based on DSM-5-TR, to establish a broad outline of your experience, a deeper, richer understanding is achieved through in-depth conversation over the session with your psychologist.
We do not use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), as in our professional opinion (informed by understanding within the Autistic community), the current version does not adequately capture the adult Autistic experience.
Your assessment will be comprehensive and completed by an AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist. Where diagnostic criteria are met, you will receive a formal diagnostic report that may be used as supporting evidence for NDIS applications or reviews, Disability Support Pension claims, and requests for reasonable adjustments at school, university or work.
Yes. During Assessment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your work or college life, to explore your strengths and address environmental and/or social aspects not set up to allow you to perform at your best. Your psychologist can help you identify equitable requirements — changes in your work or college — that will help reduce stress and allow you to access your strengths.
We understand the shortcomings and short-sightedness of legacy Autistic understanding and how this has sadly marginalised and missed many Autistic people, particularly Black and Asian people, women and the LGBTQ+ community.
We also understand how many Autistic people are identified later in life, having been misunderstood and missed as children.
Therefore, as a practice informed by rich Autistic experience and actively assimilating new understanding, we recognise Autistic people have unique social and cultural histories and present in myriad different ways.
Yes. Autism can co-occur with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, OCD, learning disorders and other developmental or mental health concerns.
Our assessments consider developmental history, current functioning, masking, sensory experiences, and possible overlapping or alternative explanations. Any co-occurring diagnoses identified during the assessment will also be documented in the report, together with relevant recommendations.
No payment is required at the time of the booking. After the booking, you will received an invoice with 50% to confirm the appointment. The remaining balance is payable after the assessment and must be received before the report can be prepared and released.
Your report will generally be provided within approximately three weeks of receiving full payment.
You can pay the invoice via bank account or using a debit or credit card through Halaxy’s secure online payment system.
After the assessment, you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance, including payment instructions.
You may be able to claim a partial rebate if your policy includes Extras cover for psychology services. However, coverage varies between insurers and policies, and some funds may not cover all components of an ADHD or Autism assessment, such as psychological testing, report preparation or the feedback appointment.
We recommend contacting your insurer before booking and asking whether your policy covers:
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Telehealth psychological assessment with a Clinical Psychologist
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ADHD or Autism diagnostic assessment
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Psychometric testing and report preparation
Following payment, we can provide an itemised invoice or receipt for you to submit to your insurer.
Therapy sessions may be eligible for a partial rebate if your private health insurance includes Extras cover for psychology.
Some services may be eligible.
People under 25 with a suspected complex neurodevelopmental condition may access Medicare rebates for assessment with an appropriate referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Medicare may cover up to eight eligible allied health assessment sessions, although gap fees may apply.
Therapy may also attract a rebate through a Mental Health Treatment Plan or an eligible neurodevelopmental treatment pathway. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether your referral meets Medicare requirements.
Click Book Now to access our secure Halaxy booking system.
Select the service you require, choose an available appointment and enter your details.
For assessments, a 20% deposit is required by debit or credit card to secure the appointment. This deposit does not apply to therapy sessions. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and any forms or questionnaires to complete beforehand.
After booking, you will receive the relevant forms securely through Halaxy.
For an assessment, these may include:
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A consent form
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An intake and background-information form
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Questionnaires relevant to the assessment
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Additional questionnaires for a parent, partner, teacher or other informant, where appropriate
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A secure payment form for the 20% booking deposit
For therapy, you will receive:
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A consent form
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A therapy intake questionnaire
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A secure payment details form
You may also be asked to provide previous reports, assessments or other relevant documents. Please complete all requested forms before your appointment.
The time required depends on the service.
Therapy intake and consent forms generally take around 10–15 minutes.
Assessment forms and questionnaires are more detailed and may take approximately 60 minutes, depending on the type of assessment and the amount of background information provided.
Please allow enough time to complete them carefully before your appointment. Additional questionnaires sent to a parent, partner or teacher will be completed separately.
No. You can book an assessment or therapy appointment privately without a referral.
A referral is only required if you wish to claim an eligible Medicare rebate.
Therapy rebates generally require a Mental Health Treatment Plan or referral from an eligible medical practitioner.
Certain neurodevelopmental assessment rebates for people under 25 also require an appropriate referral, generally from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
At WellTree Psychology, we recognise the personal significance of discovering your Autistic and/or ADHD identity.
A 30-minute feedback session is included with your assessment to help you understand the findings, ask questions and discuss practical next steps. You may also choose to access ongoing post-assessment therapy focused on self-understanding, emotional regulation, burnout, relationships, work and everyday functioning.
Your psychologist will provide relevant resources and recommendations.
Discovering that you do not meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism can be just as significant as receiving an Autism diagnosis.
Our assessment does not end with a simple “yes” or “no.” We consider alternative and co-occurring explanations for your experiences. If Autism is not identified, your report will clearly explain the findings and document any other diagnoses supported by the clinical evidence.
You will also receive recommendations for appropriate treatment, supports and next steps, with the option to continue therapy based on your individual needs.
Yes. You do not need to have completed your assessment with WellTree Psychology to access therapy.
Sessions can focus on the areas in which you would like support, such as emotional regulation, burnout, organisation, relationships, sensory needs, self-understanding, work or everyday functioning. Where available, you may be asked to provide a copy of your previous assessment report to help inform treatment.
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, we can provide a letter summarising relevant diagnoses, functional impacts, treatment recommendations and support needs.
Letters may be addressed to GPs, psychiatrists, paediatricians, schools, universities or TAFEs, workplaces, NDIS providers or support coordinators, and Services Australia for Disability Support Pension purposes. They may also support requests for reasonable adjustments, treatment planning or access to relevant services.
If you have any questions, at any time, help is just an email away. Contact info@welltreepsychology and we will respond quickly.
WellTree Psychology is an entirely online practice.
All assessments, therapy sessions and feedback appointments are provided via secure video consultation.
You can attend from a private and comfortable location anywhere in Australia. Interpreter support is available where required.
What to Expect From Start to Finish
Our assessment process is designed to be clear and straightforward.
From choosing the appropriate service and completing your questionnaires to attending your assessment and receiving your report, you will know what to expect at each stage.
Step 1
Select the assessment you require and click Book Now to view available appointments through our secure Halaxy booking system.
Not sure which assessment is appropriate? You can begin with a 30-minute assessment consultation to discuss your concerns and options.
Step 2
After booking, you will receive confirmation details, consent forms and relevant online questionnaires through Halaxy.
You may also be asked to provide previous reports or assessments. Where appropriate, additional questionnaires may be sent to a parent, partner, teacher or other relevant person.
Step 3
Attend your assessment online through secure video consultation. The appointment length and structure will depend on the service selected, with breaks available as needed.
The assessment can be adapted to your communication, sensory and processing preferences. Interpreter support is available where required.
Step 4
Following the assessment, your psychologist will prepare your report.
You will generally receive your report within approximately three weeks.
A 30-minute feedback session is included to discuss the findings, recommendations and any questions you may have.