Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or give us a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email or call us on 0450 321 369.

We aim to respond quickly—usually within two business days. We will speak to you to offer a suitable session time and answer any questions you have.

You do not need a referral. Anyone is welcome to access psychological therapy or assessments.

Referrals are required if you would like to access Medicare rebates (where available).

We offer psychological therapy for children, adolescents and families; comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments; assessments of intellectual functioning and giftedness; and presentations and workshops for parents, teachers and educators. Everything is tailored to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you are starting therapy or wanting an assessment, we start by getting to know you and understanding what it is you are looking for from a psychologist. From there, we will discuss options and plan to move forward together.

We require 24-hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your therapy appointment. Sessions are in high demand and late cancellations impact both clients who are waiting for an appointment and the psychologist who has prepared for your session.

A text message reminder will be sent to you two days prior to your appointment.

A Clinical Psychologist is a registered psychologist who has completed additional postgraduate training and supervision in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health conditions. In Australia, Clinical Psychologists are endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia, meaning they have advanced skills in evidence-based therapies and psychological assessment.

A counsellor or coach is not a regulated title in Australia and training requirements can vary. Counsellors may provide supportive therapy, but they do not have the same level of training in assessment, diagnosis, or evidence-based treatment.

Dr Halaina Winter is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist registered with AHPRA. Following four years of undergraduate study in psychology, she completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), followed by a two-year endorsement program. During this time, she also completed a PhD in Psychology. Her research focuses on the treatment of social anxiety disorder in adulthood.

A standard 50-minute therapy session is $270. If you have a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate (currently $149.05 per session for Clinical Psychology, up to 10 sessions per calendar year—please confirm current rates with Services Australia).

Therapy can be brief (6–10 sessions) or longer term. It depends on what you need and what you're trying to achieve. Session frequency also varies between individuals. We'll discuss an individual plan for you at your first session.

Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process and provide you with the tools and strategies you need.

Autism and ADHD are different neurodevelopmental conditions, and they're assessed using different tools and processes. An autism assessment focuses on social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of interests and behaviours—we use the ADOS-2 (direct observation) and the ADI-R (developmental interview with parents). An ADHD assessment focuses on attention, executive functioning, and learning—we use cognitive testing (WISC) and academic testing (WIAT), along with rating scales from parents and teachers.

Some children show features of both, and in those cases we'll discuss the most appropriate assessment pathway with you. If you're unsure which assessment your child needs, get in touch and we can talk it through.

Yes. Cognitive assessments can be valuable for understanding an individual's intellectual profile—not just whether a child is gifted, but how their intellectual strengths are organised.

Intellectual functioning isn't a single ability; it spans a range of domains including verbal reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, fluid reasoning and processing speed. Two children with the same overall IQ score can have very different profiles, and understanding which areas are strongest (and which are relatively less developed) can be genuinely useful. It can inform how a child learns best, where they might benefit from extension or support, how to advocate for appropriate educational provisions, and how to make sense of any uneven development that families or schools have noticed.

We use the WISC (for children and adolescents) as our primary tool, and may include additional measures depending on the questions you're trying to answer. As with our other assessments, you receive a comprehensive written report and a dedicated feedback session to walk through what the findings mean in practical terms.

Enquire here about a cognitive or giftedness assessment.

From your initial enquiry to receiving the final report, most assessments take 4 to 6 weeks. This includes:

• Initial appointment (within 1–2 weeks of enquiry)

• Assessment sessions (ADOS-2, ADI-R, observations, questionnaires) — typically completed within 2–3 weeks

• Report writing — 2–3 weeks

• Feedback session — scheduled as soon as the report is ready

We aim to keep the process moving without rushing the clinical work. Where families have time-sensitive needs (school applications, NDIS deadlines), let us know at the initial appointment and we'll do our best to accommodate

Yes—mobile autism assessments are one of our core services. We come to you, conducting the assessment in your home, regular therapy centre, daycare, or school, anywhere across Greater Sydney. A travel fee applies based on distance from Brookvale.

Mobile assessments use exactly the same tools (ADOS-2 and ADI-R) as a clinic-based assessment, with the added benefit that your child is observed in an environment where they're most themselves. For many families—particularly those with younger children or children who find new environments stressful—this produces a more accurate clinical picture and a much smoother experience.

ADHD assessments require a quieter, distraction-controlled environment, so these are typically conducted in our Brookvale rooms, at a partner clinic, or on-site at a school. We're happy to discuss options.

Our standard fee for a comprehensive autism assessment is $2,500. This covers the full process: initial consultation, ADOS-2, ADI-R developmental interview, observation where appropriate, standardised questionnaires, a detailed written report and a feedback session.

Medicare rebates may be available if you have a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral under complex neurodevelopmental disorder item numbers. A payment plan can also be arranged across the assessment process.

Enquire here about an autism assessment.

Our standard fee for an ADHD assessment starts at $1,800.

The exact scope of the assessment is discussed with you before any appointments are booked.

Enquire here about an ADHD assessment.

Medicare rebates for autism assessments are available in some circumstances, under the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder item numbers. To access this, you'll need a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Rebates don't cover the full cost of the assessment, but they can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense.

There are currently no Medicare rebates for ADHD assessments or assessments of general cognitive functioning.

Private health insurance does not typically cover psychological assessments, but it's worth checking your individual policy.