Explanation of Services

About Your Psychologist

I’m Zoe Smith, an Autistic ADHDer Psychologist with a PDA profile, and my passion lies in education and support using a neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. I believe that being neurodivergent is something to be celebrated, supported, and fully embraced as a natural variation of humanity. Using a holistic and person-centred approach, I aim to be a guide and a safe space on your journey to understanding your neurotype. I strive to create an inclusive environment for all neurodivergent profiles and help you develop a neuro and environmental fit where you can thrive.

With a passion for supporting individuals on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment, I aim to provide support and environmental adaptations to affirm your or your loved one’s neurodivergent identity and to educate those around them on how best to understand and support them. I’ve worked in the neurodiversity space for the last 10 years and come from a place of being an AuDHDer, as well as a mother, sister, daughter, and partner to a family of wonderful neurodivergent folk!

My approach is grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and respect for the unique strengths and challenges of each individual. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and understood.

 

 Purpose of Assessment

The primary goal of the assessment process is to provide comprehensive insights into an individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning, with a specific focus on identifying strengths, challenges, and potential areas of support related to their unique needs.

 

Neuro-diversity Affirming Approach

I recognise neurodiversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity, encompassing variations in neurological functioning such as those associated with autism and ADHD. My assessment process aims to honour, understand and support these differences, viewing neurodivergent traits as valid expressions of human diversity rather than deficits or disorders.

 

Comprehensive Evaluation

Assessments can support your journey to radical acceptance. The medical model often focuses on deficits and disorders, expecting neurodivergent individuals to conform, mask their differences, and maintain the status quo. This approach can harm mental health by sending the message that neurodivergent ways of being are not acceptable, ultimately leading to burnout. That is NOT what I am about!

Instead, I focus on the social model of disability, recognising neurodiversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity. My goal is to help you understand your neurotype, embrace your unique qualities, and create environments that honour you as you are. You don’t need to change; you have immense strengths and value, and you are perfectly valid, just as you are. Everyone deserves a neurodivergent-affirming assessment, and I'm here to guide you in leading your authentic neurodivergent life!

At Inclusive Connections Psychology, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive, and affirming psychological assessment services for individuals seeking support. My assessment process involves a thorough evaluation using evidence-based measures tailored to each individual's needs.

 

Disclaimer Regarding Medication

As a psychologist, I am unable to provide medication prescriptions. It's important to note that many psychiatrists may seek to conduct their own assessments before prescribing medication for ADHD. If medication is the primary goal, individuals may benefit from seeking evaluation directly from a psychiatrist or paediatrician for the ADHD component.

 

Confidentiality and Consent

I uphold strict confidentiality regarding all information shared during the assessment process, adhering to professional, ethical standards and legal requirements. Clients are provided with a consent form outlining the terms and conditions of our services, including confidentiality, rights, and responsibilities.

 

Feedback and Recommendations

Following the assessment, clients receive a comprehensive feedback session during which the results of the evaluation are discussed in detail and we discuss ‘where to from here’. I provide personalised recommendations and strategies aimed at supporting individuals in maximising their strengths and addressing any areas of difficulty. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate their unique neurodivergent experiences by developing understanding and creating neuro-environmental fit.

 

Fees

Please refer to our fees page for detailed pricing information regarding our assessment services. Please note that I am unable to release the report until the account has been paid in full.

 

Travel Fees at the NDIS Standard Rate

For mobile services, travel fees are charged at the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) standard rate for both NDIS clients and those not on the NDIS. It would not be fair or legal to charge NDIS clients a higher rate, so to ensure fairness, we apply the same standard rate to all clients. This rate covers expenses such as fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and travel time, helping us maintain a transparent and equitable pricing structure while providing the flexibility and convenience of mobile support. This will be charged at $3.83 per minute of travel according to my hourly rate of $230, and 0.99c for each km of travel. You are also very welcome to choose telehealth if you would prefer.

 

Deposit and Payment Policy for Assessments

To secure your initial appointment, a 20% deposit is required. This deposit ensures your booking and allows us to allocate the necessary time and resources for your assessment. The remaining balance must be paid in full before the assessment report can be released. This policy ensures that all services are compensated fairly and promptly, allowing us to continue providing high-quality assessments and support to all our clients. This would be required at least 48hrs before your appointment time, otherwise the appointment will be offered to another client. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these payment terms.

 

Cancellation Policy

I understand that unexpected situations can arise, especially when working with neurodivergent clients. To accommodate these needs, I offer a flexible cancellation policy. You may cancel or reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours in advance without incurring a fee, rather than the standard 48-hour notice required by most practices. If you cannot attend in person, you are welcome to switch to a Telehealth appointment to avoid losing your spot. However, please note that if you do cancel, I cannot guarantee that you'll be able to get another appointment in a timely manner, as my calendar is generally booked out well in advance.

For assessments, which typically involve blocking out multiple hours, the $230 fee covers only one hour of my time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment will incur a cancellation fee of $230 for one hour of my time.

For counselling, understanding your neurotype, or parent support sessions, a cancellation fee of 50% of the $230 hourly rate applies if cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice.

For professional development (PD) presentations, significant time goes into preparation. If a PD presentation is cancelled on short notice, I expect to be compensated for the time spent preparing at 50% of the quoted price. To reschedule a PD presentation, I will charge my hourly rate of $230, reflecting the multiple hours I block out for these sessions.

As a busy practice with a waitlist, missed appointments mean I am unable to provide services to others in need, and if an appointment is not filled, it affects my schedule and income, given my limited working hours as a neurodivergent practitioner. This policy ensures a fair process for both my clients and me. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping me manage time effectively for everyone's benefit.

 

Waitlist Policy

I do have a waitlist for appointments, and I strive to make the process as fair and accessible as possible. To join the waitlist, please complete both this intake and consent form. When an appointment becomes available, I will reach out to people on the waitlist 2 to 3 weeks before the appointment date. I will call or message through my waitlist, and the first person to respond will be offered the spot.

I recognise that not everyone is always near their phone, and I understand that many neurodivergent people prefer not to answer phone calls. To accommodate this, I will follow up with a text message if I call and do not receive an answer. To ensure fairness for those who have been waiting the longest, I will only message 3 people at a time within a 12-hour period. This approach helps ensure that everyone on the waitlist has a fair opportunity to secure an available appointment.

To secure your appointment, a 20% deposit is required. If you are on the waitlist, I encourage you to check in periodically to find out your status. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need an update on your position. This helps keep you informed and engaged with the scheduling process.

 

Conclusion

At Inclusive Connections Psychology, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive, and affirming psychological assessment services for individuals seeking support. I strive to create a welcoming and validating environment where all individuals feel respected, understood, and empowered to embrace their neurodivergent identities.

I look forward to partnering with you on your journey of self-discovery and growth.