Services
Assessments for
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Process
We accept referrals from GPs, Psychologists and Paediatricians.
Once referrals are provisionally accepted, free telephone/online meeting of 20 minutes prior to the face to face assessment to discuss expectations and to determine whether Prism Mental Health Services is the right service for you or your loved one.
Assessment of Children/Adolescents
It is ideal for both parents/legal guardians* to attend. However we understand that for a variety of reasons, this may not always be possible, hence this is always discussed in advance of the appointment. In the case of separated or divorced parents, consent forms for assessment and/or treatment will be necessary.
Assessing children and adolescents will often involve obtaining some information from school. This may in some cases involve a school observation for younger children. This is always done with the permission of the parent/s (in the case of young children) or adolescent (and parent).
*Please note we do not undertake assessments and/or treatment of children under the age of 16 if one of the parents (legal guardian) is not in agreement with / has not given consent for this purpose.
The initial assessment process involves face to face* meeting/s and takes into account the main concerns as well as any previous history of psychological / psychiatric issues, physical health conditions, aspects of upbringing, family dynamics, traumas and losses, and significant relationships. An initial assessment usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes. Sometimes this can be done in a single assessment. On other occasions, two separate appointments may be necessary.
Assessments of Adults
For both ADHD and ASD assessments, background information re: childhood and development are necessary.
In addition to this additional information from a spouse/partner/close friend is also needed. Previous medical and psychological/neuro-psychological assessments may be relevant.
Throughout the assessment and treatment process patient privacy and confidentiality is respected. Patient rights are governed by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
Assessment outcomes/ Treatment options
Based on the assessment, and in collaboration with the individual and or parents/carers (in the case of children and adolescents,) treatment options are discussed and recommended. This may include therapies , lifestyle changes, parent guidance and /or medication. Referrals to other health professionals for further assessment and/or treatment are made when appropriate, and with the individual’s/family’s agreement and consent.
As a rule, I do not provide reports after an initial assessment, but I will send your GP a letter with a summary of the assessment, the outcome and recommendations/advice. In the case of children and youth, I can provide a letter with the diagnosis and recommendations for school, if parents/youth think that would be beneficial.
In the case of ASD assessments, I can provide a brief report with recommendations.
Please note that letters and reports generated from the assessments are not intended for legal purposes and are not to be used as such.
I do not provide assessments for immigration purposes.
I am not able to provide ongoing intensive follow-up for people who would be more appropriately seen by a multidisciplinary mental health team.
I do not offer emergency psychiatric services or urgent assessments for new patients. For acute psychiatric emergencies contact should be made with the local Te Whatu Ora service/ emergency / crisis psychiatric service/CAHT (0800 50 50 50-Waikato).
Fees
Initial virtual meeting : Free of charge (20 min)
ADHD
Initial Assessment (usually 1½-2 hrs) in person :
NZ $ 900.00 for referrals received in July 2025
From the 1st of August 2025, the fees will be NZ $ 950.00
If medication treatment is required, the cost is covered in the above mentioned fees.
Once discharged to the GP, further requests re: new special authority etc will cost a nominal fee.
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) assessments: NZ $ 2500-3000 (depending on the complexity)
Follow-up Appointment: NZ $300 (usually 60 min)
Payments: Expected on the day of the assessment. If needed, an invoice and a receipt will be issued following the payment for the purpose of insurance claims or records.