FAQs

  • A clinical psychologist is a mental health expert in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders throughout one's lifespan. To become a clinical psychologist, individuals typically undergo a minimum of 8 years of training.

    The training path for a clinical psychologist involves completing a 4-year undergraduate degree in psychology (or its equivalent) and then pursuing a 2-3-year accredited postgraduate degree. Following this, a two-year Clinical Psychology Registrar program is undertaken under the supervision of an experienced, board-approved Clinical Psychologist.

    For detailed information on the role and capabilities of a clinical psychologist and how they can assist, please visit: https://acpa.org.au/Web/Web/CP/What-is-a-Clinical-Psychologist.aspx

  • A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist who investigates the relationship between the brain and behaviour. Specifically, they specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders associated with conditions affecting the brain.

    Such conditions include:

    • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Specific learning disorders (SLD)

    • Dementia

    • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

    Clinical neuropsychologists can help patients and family members/carers better understand complaints and/or conditions of a neuropsychological nature and tailor interventions to optimise daily functioning.

    The training path for a clinical Neuropsychologist involves completing a 4-year undergraduate degree in psychology (or its equivalent) and then pursuing a 2-3-year accredited postgraduate degree. Following this, a two-year Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar program is undertaken under the supervision of an experienced, board-approved Clinical Neurosychologist.

  • • Restlessness and Anxiety

    • High Rejection Sensitivity

    • Emotion Dysregulation

    • High Justice Sensitivity

    • Poor Impulse Control

    • Difficulties with Concentration and Attention

    • Poor time management and organisation skills

    • Forgetfulness

    • Poor time management and 
organisational skills

    • Constantly Losing or Misplacing Belongings

    • Difficulties in interpersonal Relationships

    • Substance Misuse

  • • Doesn’t seem to listen or follow through on instructions

    • Avoids tasks that require sustained effort or attention

    • It seems like their “motor” is running constantly

    • Being easily distracted

    • Talking excessively and often interrupting others

    • Trouble paying attention or staying on task at school or at home

  • Children with untreated ADHD may face problems at both home and school, such as falling behind in class, reduced academic performance, or struggling to regulate their emotions. This can lead to lifelong problems in adulthood that can have a significant impact on their well-being and success.

  • • Problems reading and writing

    • Problems with mathematics

    • Difficulty telling the time

    • Poor attainment of academic skills

  • • Problems reading and/or writing

    • Problems with mathematics

    • Problems dealing with changes in schedule or situations

    • Difficulty telling the time

    • Problems with organisation

  • Without support, children with learning disorders are at increased risk of academic failure, development of disruptive behaviours at school, and school drop-out (Gubbels et al., 2019). Children with learning disorders also tend to experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, chronic fatigue, and loss of motivation (Sahoo et al., 2015). Assessment and early intervention can result in a better quality of life now and ensure that they receive the support they need to achieve success in their future.

    If you have any questions about the assessment process or would like to find out more, please feel free to Contact us for more information about your individual situation and fees.

  • If you wish to explore medical/pharmacological options for ADHD management, you will need to consult with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

  • • Confusion and disorientation

    • Memory problems

    • Poor planning and organisation

    • Personality and behaviour changes

  • No. While we can diagnose ADHD, we do not prescribe medication. This would be best discussed with your GP and/or psychiatrist who is best placed to determine if medication of any kind is clinically indicated and in line with their diagnostic opinion.

  • Fees for a standard consultation with a Clinical Psychologist/Registrar range from $210 to $300 depending on the clinician and their level of experience. Please contact the practice for specific information regarding fees.

    For individual therapy, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates with a referral from a Psychiatrist, Paediatrician or GP Mental Health Care Plan. The current Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute consultation is:

    $136.35 per session with a Clinical Psychologist for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

    $92.90 per session with a Clinical Psychologist Registrar for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

  • The cost of assessments can depend on the specific needs of the individual, and the type and complexity of the assessment required. To ensure that you receive the most relevant and tailored information based on your specific circumstances, please contact our friendly administration team on (08) 9381 8868, or email who will be happy to provide you with detailed information on the cost and address any questions or concerns you may have.

  • A referral required for our services and a referral from your GP (including Mental Health Care Plan), Psychiatrist or Paediatrician is required if you are seeking to claim rebates from Medicare.

    We service referrals for workers compensation claims such as WorkCover and Insurance Commission of WA, as well as Department of Veterans' Affairs and from organisations such as WA Police, St John Ambulance and the Australian Defence Force.

  • Unfortunately, neuropsychological assessments do not attract a Medicare rebate. However, with a valid referral (MHCP) from a GP or psychiatrist, you may claim a rebate on the diagnostic interview portion of the assessment as this will inform assessment appropriateness and contribute to an evidence-based treatment plan.

    Some private health funds may offer rebates for neuropsychological testing depending on your type/level of coverage. As there are many health funds and different levels of cover, please contact your health fund before your appointment and ask for any relevant item codes associated with rebates for neuropsychological assessment.

  • If you are unable to attend for any reason, you can still have the appointment at the scheduled time online via telehealth. Please note that once you have booked an appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you. We ask that you please provide more than 24 hours notice so we are able to provide care to another patient waiting for an appointment.

    Cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment will incur the full cost of the appointment.

    We encourage you to reschedule your appointment, or opt for a telehealth session, if you are feeling unwell or have any mild cold and flu symptoms.

    As cancellation fees are not eligible for rebates through Medicare, private health funds, DVA, or WorkCover, they must be paid at your own expense.

  • Gubbels, J., van der Put, C. E., & Assink, M. (2019). Risk factors for school absenteeism and dropout: a meta-analytic review. Journal of youth and adolescence, 48(9), 1637-1667.

    Sahoo, M. K., Biswas, H., & Padhy, S. K. (2015). Psychological co-morbidity in children with specific learning disorders. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 4(1), 21-25.

Adult ADHD

  • What are some of the signs of ADHD in adults?

    • Restlessness and Anxiety

    • High Rejection Sensitivity

    • Emotion Dysregulation

    • Poor Impulse Control

    • Difficulties with Concentration and Attention

    • Poor time management and organisation skills

    • Forgetfulness

    • Constantly Losing or Misplacing Belongings

    • Difficulties in interpersonal Relationships

    • Substance Misuse

  • What are some of the signs of ADHD in adults?

    • Restlessness and Anxiety

    •High Rejection Sensitivity

    Emotion Dysregulation

    Poor Impulse Control

    Difficulties with Concentration and Attention

    Poor time management and organisation skills

    Forgetfulness

    Constantly Losing or Misplacing Belongings

    Difficulties in interpersonal Relationships

    Substance Misuse

  • Trouble paying attention or staying on task at school or at home

    Doesn’t seem to listen or follow through on instructions

    Avoids tasks that require sustained effort or attention

    Easily distracted

    It seems like their “motor” is running constantly

    Constantly fidgeting, tapping their feet, or squirming in their chair

    Talking excessively and often interrupting others

  • Children with untreated ADHD may face problems at both home and school, such as falling behind in class, reduced academic performance, or struggling to regulate their emotions. This can lead to lifelong problems in adulthood that can have a significant impact on their well-being and success.

  • If you wish to explore medical/pharmacological options for ADHD management, you will need to consult with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

ADHD in Children

  • Trouble paying attention or staying on task at school or at home

    Doesn’t seem to listen or follow through on instructions

    Avoids tasks that require sustained effort or attention

    Easily distracted

    It seems like their “motor” is running constantly

    Constantly fidgeting, tapping their feet, or squirming in their chair

    Talking excessively and often interrupting others

  • Children with untreated ADHD may face problems at both home and school, such as falling behind in class, reduced academic performance, or struggling to regulate their emotions. This can lead to lifelong problems in adulthood that can have a significant impact on their well-being and success.

  • If you wish to explore medical/pharmacological options for ADHD management, you will need to consult with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Specific Learning Difficulties

  • • Problems reading and writing

    • Problems with mathematics

    • Difficulty telling the time

    • Poor attainment of academic skills

  • • Problems reading and/or writing

    • Problems with mathematics

    • Problems dealing with changes in schedule or situations

    • Difficulty telling the time

    • Problems with organisation

  • Without support, children with learning disorders are at increased risk of academic failure, development of disruptive behaviours at school, and school drop-out (Gubbels et al., 2019). Children with learning disorders also tend to experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, chronic fatigue, and loss of motivation (Sahoo et al., 2015). Assessment and early intervention can result in a better quality of life now and ensure that they receive the support they need to achieve success in their future.

    If you have any questions about the assessment process or would like to find out more, please feel free to Contact us for more information about your individual situation and fees.

Neurodegenerative Disorders

  • A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist who investigates the relationship between the brain and behaviour. Specifically, they specialise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders associated with conditions affecting the brain.

    Such conditions include:

    • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Specific learning disorders (SLD)

    • Dementia

    • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

    Clinical neuropsychologists can help patients and family members/carers better understand complaints and/or conditions of a neuropsychological nature and tailor interventions to optimise daily functioning.

    How much training does a clinical neuropsychologist have?

    It takes at least 8 years to become a fully endorsed clinical neuropsychologist. A clinical neuropsychologist must complete a 4-year Honours degree in psychology, followed by a 2-3 year accredited post-graduate degree focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders associated with conditions affecting the brain. Finally, clinical neuropsychologists complete a 1–2-year registrar program where they receive supervision from an experienced clinical neuropsychologist who is approved by the Psychology Board of Australia

  • • Confusion and disorientation

    • Memory problems

    • Poor planning and organisation

    • Personality and behaviour changes

  • No. While we can diagnose ADHD, we do not prescribe medication. This would be best discussed with your GP and/or psychiatrist who is best placed to determine if medication of any kind is clinically indicated and in line with their diagnostic opinion.

What we do

Therapy:

  • Schema Therapy is an impactful therapeutic intervention designed to empower individuals in overcoming entrenched, counterproductive emotional and behavioural patterns that may interfere with interpersonal relationships, career prospects and life satisfaction. Schema therapy aims to help uncover "Early Maladaptive Schemas" (EMS), which are subconscious and enduring emotional and cognitive patterns that develop in response to challenging childhood experiences. At ANIMA Health Network, all of our clinical psychologists are trained in Schema Therapy. Our aim is to help you address the root causes of emotional and psychological distress and empower you to create lasting meaningful change. Find out more about Schema Therapy.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach developed to help individuals process and alleviate the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. The aim is to facilitate the reprocessing of these memories, reducing their emotional impact and fostering adaptive resolution. EMDR is particularly effective in treating trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by targeting specific memories contributing to emotional distress. All of our Clinical Psychologists/Registrars are fully EMDR trained or in the process of becoming so. Find out more about EMDR.

  • Our Clinical Psychologists all have training in Imagery Rescripting, which is a therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate emotional distress caused by upsetting mental images or memories. When individuals have distressing memories, the traditional response might be to replay them as they originally occurred, reinforcing negative emotions. In imagery rescripting, however, the person collaborates with a therapist to transform these troubling mental images. It's akin to jointly editing the script of a mental movie to introduce a more positive and constructive narrative.

    During therapy, individuals actively engage in modifying the imagery associated with a distressing memory. By reshaping the mental representation of the event, the aim is to create a new, less distressing ending or perspective. This process enables individuals to reinterpret the meaning of the memory, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over their emotional responses.

  • At ANIMA Health Network, we understand the unique challenges that individuals with ADHD face. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing and empowering environment where you can access the resources and guidance to understand and manage your ADHD effectively. This program is designed for current patients aged 18 years and over.

    The program will run in person on Friday afternoons for 6 weeks at ANIMA Health Network, 170 Cambridge Street, West Leederville.

    Find Out More

  • ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that, if left undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, can have substantial negative impacts in adulthood. In adults, ADHD can manifest in several ways, including difficulty with focus, impulsive actions leading to regrettable decisions, procrastination, organisation and time management challenges, constant inner restlessness, and difficulties regulating emotions, which can significantly affect work and relationships. At ANIMA, our team have expertise lies in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. Find out more about adult ADHD

  • Depression is a mental health condition that goes beyond just feeling sad or down. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in once enjoyable activities. People with depression may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, have difficulty concentrating, and often feel fatigued. It's like being stuck in a heavy fog of sadness that affects daily life. Fortunately the symptoms of depression can often be alleviated. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help lift the cloud of depression, improve your mood, and restore a sense of autonomy.

  • Anxiety is a common emotional experience where a person feels worried, nervous, or uneasy about something. It's like having a sense of fear or unease, often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, sweating, or a tense feeling. While a bit of anxiety is normal, excessive or constant worry that interferes with daily life might be an anxiety disorder. It's like your mind is stuck on the "what-ifs" and can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Let us help you acquire the tools you need to help manage your anxiety so that you can once again meaningfully reengage in the world.

  • In OCD, individuals often grapple with persistent, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions. These thoughts often provoke significant anxiety or distress. In response to these distressing thoughts, individuals may feel compelled to perform certain actions or mental rituals, known as compulsions, to alleviate the anxiety or prevent a feared event or outcome. The repetitive nature of these behaviours is driven by a need to establish a sense of control or reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. OCD can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, and treatment often involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. Contact our friendly admin team who can help find the most appropriate clinician to help support you on your journey.

  • At ANIMA, we conduct Neuropsychological Assessments for Children 8 years and over and Adolescents (ages 12-17). Our assessments are conducted by our Clinical Neuropsychologists and Registrars who have expertise in diagnosing and treating brain-related disorders. Our assessments are accompanied by a comprehensive report with recommendations tailored to your child.

    Some of the conditions we assess are:

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (From age 16)**

    Specific Learning Disorders (SLD's) including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia

    Education Difficulties

    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Important: Whilst we will be able to provide you with a comprehensive picture of your current difficulties, we do not prescribe medication. If you need medication as part of your treatment, such as stimulant medication, you will need a prescription from your Pediatrician or Psychiatrist who is managing your care.

    Intellectual Disability

    Find out more

  • At ANIMA, we conduct Neuropsychological and Mental Health Assessments for Adults. Our assessments are conducted by our Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists and Registrars, who have expertise in diagnosing and treating psychological and brain-related disorders. Our assessments are accompanied by a feedback session and comprehensive report with recommendations tailored specifically to you and your presenting difficulties.

    Conditions we assess for are:

    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Important: Whilst we will be able to provide you with a comprehensive picture of your current difficulties, we do not prescribe medication. If you need medication as part of your treatment, such as stimulant medication, you will need a prescription from your Pediatrician or Psychiatrist who is managing your care.

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (From age 16)**

    For ASD assessments, please click here

    Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    Neurodegenerative Disorders (Dementias)

    Fin out more here.

  • Our assessment service for autistic adults is centered on your needs and preferences, fostering a collaborative journey where your comfort and participation are prioritised. Our patient-centered approach values clear communication, understanding your strengths and challenges through meaningful conversations rather than a mere checklist. Find out more about Autism here and contact our friendly reception to find out more about the assessment process and how we can help you.

  • At ANIMA Health Network we offer one-off Diagnostic Mental Health Assessments to evaluate the nature, severity, and functional impairment for a range of psychological difficulties. You will also be provided with a complemented by a detailed report and recommendations outlining the assessment findings. Find out more.

Assessments:

Contact Our Practice