Ever wondered why assessments are so expensive? Here's the reasons.
I sometimes hear questions and complaints about the cost of an autism assessment. Why is it so expensive.
I hope this will help you understand.
Autism Assessments
There are 3 hours of face to face sessions - 2 for the interview and 1 for the session where you receive your report.
There are about 2 hours spent coding and scoring the answers from the interview and the other assessments done online.
There are about 4 hours or more spent writing the report, the summary letter and making the NDIS recommendations in terms that are suitable for NDIS.
The report is not a 'stock letter'. It is an individualised report.
That's a total of 9 hours but often more.
Assessments have to be purchased for each person.
Training
To become a psychologist takes a minimum of 6 years: a 4 year degree plus 2 years of supervision is the absolute minimum. I have a four year degree, including honours, a 2 year masters degree and am endorsed which took an additional 2 years of supervision. It takes a huge investment of time and money to become qualified to be registered.
Maintaining registration and running a business
In addition to the costs to become registered as a psychologist there are the following costs:
professional registration fees to AHPRA
professional insurance
belonging to my professional association, the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi), that I belong to make sure I get the best and most up to date advice to help me continue to be an ethical and up to date psychologist
employing Paul as the practice manager so there is someone to answer calls, reply to emails, make appointments and take payments
computing equipment and software e.g. subscriptions to MYOB and practice management
running the website
telephone and internet
appointment reminder fees
professional clinical supervision
undertaking compulsory 30 hours of professional development as required by AHPRA.
specialised training to be able use a certain assessment can be thousands of dollars.
maintaining my professional library and resources
I hope this helps explain why an assessment is expensive.