What are the different pathways to see a Neuropsychologist?

Hello Cassandra,

Thank you for reaching out on Ask A Health Professional via EnableMe.

Neuropsychologists are health professionals who can help with mood and thinking changes after stroke. A neuropsychologist may work with your client if they are having trouble with memory, thinking or behavioural problems and may team up with an occupational therapist to develop practical strategies. 

A neuropsychology assessment may be required after a stroke to establish a treatment plan or to provide rehabilitation recommendations. A neuropsychological assessment can help clarify whether or not your client is able to return to work, study and driving and what support they might need. In more complex cases, a neuropsychological assessment can help determine if your client has capacity to make decisions on lifestyle and finances, or if an alternative decision maker may be required. 

There are a few different ways your client can access a neuropsychologist:

1. They can seek out a referral for a neuropsychologist from their GP or other allied health professionals they may be seeing, such as an occupational therapist or physio. With their GP, they can also discuss a Chronic Condition Treatment Plan. If deemed necessary by their GP, specialised psychology such as neuropsychology can be covered as part of your client's Chronic Condition Treatment Plan and therefore, if eligible, will allow them to access up to 5 neuropsychology sessions in a 12-month period at a Medicare rebated rate. There will still be an out-of-pocket cost associated with these sessions, but it will be less than paying for a private service. 

1. If their stroke was recent and they are currently accessing outpatient rehabilitation services through the public health system, it may be beneficial to discuss with their treating team of allied health professionals about whether they offer neuropsychology within their services. Some outpatient facilities offer neuropsychology within their service and therefore can organise a referral for you although not all facilities do offer neuropsychology.

1. If your client is a young stroke survivor (aged between 18 and 45) and are located in Melbourne or Adelaide, the Young Stroke Service offers neuropsychology at their in-person clinics. They provide neuropsychology assessment and therapy, including help with memory or emotional difficulties. Your client can contact them on 0427 259 191 or at YoungStrokeAdmin@florey.edu.au. 

1. Your client may also be covered for neuropsychology under other funding bodies such as NDIS or MyAgedCare. If that is the case, I would recommend getting in touch with your client's contact at these services to discuss accessing neuropsychology through them.

1. Alternatively, your client can access neuropsychology privately but will unfortunately incur a relatively costly fee. You mentioned accessing neuropsychology at a cheaper rate so would recommend looking into the avenues previously mentioned before resorting to private neuropsychology. 

You can find neuropsychologists in your area using this link here.

https://www.healthshare.com.au/directory/find-a-health-professional/ 

I hope this was of some help to you.

If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine on Ph 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDT. 

Kind regards, 

Abbey and Bec (StrokeLine)

Hello Cassandra. Another alternative is to use University clinics. Some universities, not sure which state you are in, allow final year students to perform Neuropsych assessments under supervision. So you get top quality service, lecturers supervise, you are helping a student, and they are vastly cheaper option than paying for a qualified Neuropsych. There might be a wait though. Might be worth investigating if there is one near you.

Cheers,

Adrian