Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ADHD and autism assessment and support with Bay Psychological Services.

  • That’s completely okay. ADHD and autism can overlap, and it isn’t always easy to know which assessment is the best place to start. Get in touch and tell us a little about what you’re experiencing, and we can help you explore which assessment option may be most appropriate.

  • We typically provide adolescent assessments from age 14 onwards. If your young person is younger than 14, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss their individual circumstances. We can consider whether our assessment service is appropriate or whether another service may be a better fit.

  • No. You can contact us directly to enquire about an assessment or post-diagnostic support.

  • Our current assessment fees are displayed on each service page so you know the cost before deciding whether to proceed. The fee includes the components outlined for that assessment, including your comprehensive written report.

  • An assessment is about developing the most accurate understanding of what may be contributing to your experiences, rather than confirming a particular diagnosis. If diagnostic criteria are not met, we will explain our findings and provide recommendations based on the strengths and needs identified through the assessment.

Fees & Practical Information

  • Yes. We understand that psychological assessment is a significant financial investment, so we offer several payment options:

    Option 1: Pay the full assessment fee following your clinical interview and before your report is released.

    Option 2: Pay 50% before your clinical interview and the remaining 50% before your report is released.

    Option 3: If you require greater flexibility, please talk with us about arranging an individual payment plan.

    All assessment fees must be paid in full before the final report can be released.

  • Bay Psychological Services is a Southern Cross healthcare provider. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim some or all of the cost of your assessment or psychological support. We recommend checking directly with Southern Cross to confirm your individual cover.

    If you’re with another health insurance provider, please get in touch and we can let you know whether we’re able to work with your insurer.

  • We understand that plans sometimes change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your clinical interview, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a fee of up to 50% of the assessment cost to account for the clinical and administrative work already completed in preparation for your appointment.

  • Yes. Adult assessments and post-diagnostic support are available in person in Tauranga or online via telehealth across New Zealand.

    Adolescent assessments are currently offered in person in Tauranga only.

Diagnosis, Privacy & Support

  • No. As Clinical Psychologists, we do not prescribe medication. If ADHD is diagnosed and you would like to explore medication, we recommend discussing this with your GP or psychiatrist to understand the treatment pathways available to you. We can also recommend treatment providers, if needed.

  • Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us. Information shared during assessment or psychological support is treated confidentially and managed in accordance with our professional, ethical and legal obligations.

    There are some circumstances where psychologists may need to share information — for example, where there are serious concerns about safety or where disclosure is required by law. We will discuss confidentiality and its limits with you as part of the consent process.

  • No. Bay Psychological Services is not a crisis service and cannot provide emergency mental health support.

    If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111. For free, confidential support at any time, you can call or text 1737 to speak with a counsellor, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

  • Yes. You do not need to have completed your assessment with Bay Psychological Services to access our post-diagnostic support. We may ask to review your previous assessment report so we can understand the findings and tailor sessions to your needs.