Psychological Services & Assessments

What conditions do you assess?

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Intellectual Disability

• Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia)

• Developmental delays and complex presentations

• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and other emotional/mental health concerns

What assessment tools do you use?

Assessments follow DSM-5-TR criteria and may include:

• Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive: ADOS-2, ADI-R, Conners 4, Wechsler scales, TONI-4

• Learning & Academic: Reading, writing, numeracy tests; dyslexia-specific tools

• Emotional/Mental Health: PTSD scales, anxiety, depression, OCD questionnaires, social-emotional inventories

• Additional: Interviews, behavioural observations, functional assessments, multi-disciplinary approaches

How long does an assessment take?

• Children: 2–6 sessions

• Adults: 2–4 sessions

• Report preparation occurs afterward

Will my child or I need multiple sessions?

Yes. Assessments are conducted in stages to ensure accuracy and observation across different contexts. Some components, such as follow-ups or interviews, may be combined into fewer sessions.

How long until I receive the report?

Reports are typically completed 4–6 weeks after the final assessment session, depending on complexity, type (legal, NDIS, private), and workload.

Can assessments be tailored to my situation?

Yes. All assessments are individualised, taking into account age, background, cultural context, and referral purpose (legal, educational, funding, or personal understanding).

Do you write Family Court and private family reports?

Yes. Shivani prepares:

• Court-appointed reports as a Family Panel Consultant / Single Expert Witness

• Private reports, including child impact and family reports

• Parenting capacity assessments

• Child developmental and behavioural assessments

• Risk and safety assessments

All reports are independent, evidence-based, and prioritise the child’s or family’s best

interests.

Do you provide immigration or visa-related reports?

Yes. Shivani has experience preparing reports for:

• PIC 4007 determinations (visa or residency refusals)

• Protection visa reviews and Subclass 866 Protection Visa claims

• Requests for Waiver of Condition 8503

• Psychological assessments for migration health requirements

• Reports supporting humanitarian or special visa considerations

Are reports accepted by schools, NDIS, and courts?

Yes. Reports are prepared in accordance with Australian legal, NDIS, and educational

standards, clearly explaining findings, recommendations, and functional impacts.

Can you provide advice about legal, immigration, or NDIS outcomes?

No. Shivani does not provide legal advice. Her reports provide independent, evidence-based

psychological information to support decision-making.

Can reports include educational and therapeutic recommendations?

Yes. Reports often include:

• School adjustments, learning strategies, and pathway recommendations

• Therapy and intervention strategies tailored to the individual

• Practical recommendations for home, school, and social settings.

Other types of psychological reports available:

• Neurodevelopmental and diagnostic assessments (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning difficulties)

• Cognitive and intellectual assessments

• Behavioural intervention and therapy progress reports

• Mental health assessments for individuals across the lifespan

What is an NDIS Functional Assessment?

A functional assessment explains how a condition affects daily life and participation, providing essential evidence for:

• NDIS access requests

• Plan reviews

• Linking diagnosis to practical supports and recommendations

Are NDIS reports accepted on first submission?

This is more likely when reports are prepared according to NDIA standards, clearly linking diagnosis to functional needs and daily living impacts.

Can therapy continue after an assessment?

Yes. Therapy is available to support emotional wellbeing, coping strategies, and adjustment, helping clients implement assessment recommendations.

Do you offer support for anxiety, depression, or trauma?

Yes. Shivani provides evidence-based interventions for a range of mental health concerns across ages.

Is therapy suitable for neurodiverse clients?

Yes. All therapy is neuro-affirming and trauma-informed, focusing on strengths, coping strategies, and functional skills.

Do you support multicultural or refugee clients?

Yes. Shivani has experience working with clients from NESB, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and refugee backgrounds, including those fleeing conflict/family violence.

Are interpreters available for non-English speakers?

Yes. Interviews can be conducted in person or via Telehealth, with TIS interpreters as required.

Therapy Sessions

• Range from $200–$240 per hour for all therapy matters.

Assessments

• Sessions are charged at $240 per hour. Clients are required to pay upfront for in-

clinic time used during the assessment.

• The remaining balance of the assessment fee can be settled at the client’s

convenience.

Report Release

• Reports are only released once invoices are fully finalised.

Payment Methods

• Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or other secure methods

provided at booking.

Insurance or SIRA Claims

• For workplace injury (SIRA) matters, invoices may be submitted directly to

insurers once approved.

Note

• Clear invoicing ensures transparency, and clients are not required to pay the full

assessment fee upfront, only for the time used in-clinic initially.

What if I need urgent support or guidance?

For urgent safety or mental health crises, contact the following services:

• Emergency services: 000

• Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue (24/7 mental health support): 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

• Kids Helpline (for children and young people): 1800 55 1800

Inner Pathways can provide guidance on next steps but is not a crisis service.

Do you assess adults?

Yes. Adult assessments for Autism, ADHD, and other conditions are available Australia-

wide via Telehealth.

Can multiple conditions be assessed at once?

Yes. Assessments can address co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD with anxiety, Autism

with learning difficulties).

Do you provide support for school or workplace advocacy?

Yes. Reports include practical recommendations to support learning, social, and

occupational functioning in schools and workplaces.

How are confidential records managed?

All client information is securely stored and confidential, managed in accordance with

AHPRA, privacy, and legal requirements.

Can I choose my report format?

Yes. Reports can be tailored for legal, NDIS, school, or private use, using clear,

professional language suitable for decision-makers.