Services
I generally provide assessments and treatment as a sole practitioner. However, developmental disorders and mental health conditions can be complex. Therefore assessment and treatment may require a combination of disciplines e.g. psychologists or occupational therapists.
Hence, I usually offer a free online meeting of 20 minutes prior to the face to face assessment to discuss expectations and to determine whether Prism Mental Health Services is the right service for you or your loved one.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from GPs, Paediatricians and other healthcare professionals. I am happy to accept self referrals if your GP can send relevant information /a referral, after your initial contact with this service.
Adults
The initial assessment process involves face to face* meeting/s and takes into account the main concerns as well as any previous history of psychological / psychiatric issues, physical health conditions, aspects of upbringing, family dynamics, traumas and losses, and significant relationships. An initial assessment usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes. Sometimes this can be done in a single assessment. On other occasions, two separate appointments may be necessary. Involvement of family in the assessment and treatment process may be helpful or sometimes important for risk management purposes.
*This may be subject to change in line with national health policies and mandates for e.g. the Covid-19 situation.
Children and Adolescents
It is ideal for both parents/legal guardians* to attend. However I understand that for a variety of reasons, this may not always be possible and hence this is always discussed in advance of the appointment. In addition to the assessment process for adults outlined above, assessing children and adolescents will often involve obtaining some information from school. This may in some cases involve a school observation for younger children. This is always done with the permission of the parent/s (in the case of young children) or adolescent (and parent).
*Please note I do not undertake assessments and/or treatment of children under the age of 16 if one of the parents (legal guardian) is not in agreement with / has not given consent for this purpose.
Throughout the assessment and treatment process patient privacy and confidentiality is respected. Patient rights are governed by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
Assessment outcomes/ Treatment options
Based on the assessment, and in collaboration with the individual and or parents/carers in the case of children and adolescents, treatment options are discussed and recommended. These may include therapies (including EMDR), lifestyle changes, parent guidance and /or medication. As mentioned earlier, referrals to other health professionals for further assessment and/or treatment are made when appropriate, and with the individual’s/family’s agreement and consent.
As a rule, I do not provide reports after an initial assessment, but I will send your GP a letter with a summary of the assessment, the outcome and recommendations/advice. In the case of children and youth, I can provide a letter with the diagnosis and recommendations for school, if parents/youth think that would be beneficial.
In the case of ASD and other complex assessments, I can provide a brief report with recommendations.
Please note that letters and reports generated from the assessments are not intended for legal purposes and are not to be used as such.
I do not provide assessments for immigration purposes.
I am not able to provide ongoing intensive follow-up for people who would be more appropriately seen by a multidisciplinary mental health team. I do not offer emergency psychiatric services or urgent assessments for new patients. For acute psychiatric emergencies contact should be made with the local Te Whatu Ora service/ emergency / crisis psychiatric service/CAHT (0800 50 50 50-Waikato).
Fees
Initial virtual meeting : Free of charge (20 min)
Initial Assessment in person : NZ $800 (usually 1½-2 hrs)
Follow-up Appointment: NZ $300 (usually 60 min)
ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) assessments: NZ $ 2500-3000 (depending on the complexity)
Payments: An invoice will be sent to you and a receipt issued following the payment. You can use this receipt to claim back from your insurance company.