FREQUENTLY
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About NeuroHealth and Neuropsychology
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Neuropsychological assessments can be helpful for people of all ages who are noticing changes in thinking, memory, concentration, or emotional well-being.
At NeuroHealth, we work with clients from age 16-90+, including young adults, working professionals, and older adults. The reasons for seeking assessment often vary across life stages - from challenges with focus or information processing to changes in memory, mood, or cognition following illness, injury, or stress.
If you’re unsure whether an assessment is right for you or someone you care about, we’re happy to talk it through with you. You’re always welcome to get in touch.
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Neuropsychologists assess and support people experiencing cognitive or emotional changes that affect everyday life. Common reasons for referral include:
Memory changes or increasing forgetfulness
Difficulty concentrating, planning, or staying organised
Mood, fatigue, or stress affecting your ability to think clearly
Cognitive symptoms following concussion, illness, surgery, or long COVID
Investigating early signs of dementia or age-related cognitive decline
Return-to-work planning or school/work performance concerns
We also regularly work with clients referred through ACC or medical specialists for assessment after brain injury or neurological illness.
If you're unsure whether your concern fits, feel free to get in touch.
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In Aotearoa New Zealand, neuropsychologists are usually clinical psychologists who have completed additional specialist training in brain function and cognitive assessment. This training qualifies them to practise within a dedicated area of psychology known as neuropsychology; a formally recognised scope of practice.
While psychologists focus more broadly on emotional and mental health (such as anxiety, depression, or trauma), neuropsychologists specialise in understanding how changes in the brain affect thinking and behaviour. This includes areas like memory, attention, planning, language, and processing speed. These changes may follow injury, illness, neurological conditions, or age-related decline.
Neuropsychologists use standardised cognitive testing and clinical interviews to understand how you’re functioning day to day, and provide clear, practical recommendations to support your wellbeing.
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At this time, we do not see clients under the age of 16, and we don’t currently offer learning assessments for children.
If you have a specific enquiry related to a child under the age of 16, please still use the contact form to get in touch. We may be able to refer you to another Neuropsychologist who can help.
Planning Your Visit
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NeuroHealth is proudly based in Christchurch, and we see clients from across the wider Canterbury region.
We are located at: 68 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
When you book an assessment, we’ll send you directions and parking information ahead of time.
You can click here to find out more about parking.
We occasionally offer neuropsychology clinics outside of Canterbury. If you're based elsewhere and are interested in being seen, please get in touch - we’ll let you know if an upcoming clinic may suit, or discuss other options.
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Please bring reading glasses or hearing aids with you if you usually use these.
Please bring along a list of your current medications and copies of reports from previous neuropsychological and neurological assessments you may have had if these have not been sent through prior to attending.
Assessment Process
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You don’t need a referral to see us, we welcome self-referrals. If you have concerns about your memory, thinking, or emotional functioning, you’re welcome to get in touch directly through our contact page.
We also accept referrals from GPs, medical specialists, ACC case managers, and other healthcare professionals.
If you're referred by a healthcare provider, they may include specific questions or areas for your assessment to focus on.
Once you’ve made contact, we’ll talk with you about your concerns and help you decide which type of assessment might be most appropriate.
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The length of an assessment can vary depending on your needs and the type of assessment being completed. We’ll give you a more accurate time estimate when scheduling your appointment.
In general, the process begins with an initial appointment. During this session, we explore your current concerns, areas of difficulty, and how things may have changed over time. We also consider psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as these can have a significant impact on cognitive functioning.
Neuropsychological testing is usually completed in one or more follow-up appointments. The time required depends on the level of detail needed and the complexity of your concerns. We’ll always discuss this with you in advance so you know what to expect.
After testing is complete, feedback is provided to discuss the results and what these mean. This is a dedicated time to review your results together, highlight both strengths and challenges, and talk through personalised recommendations and next steps.
You can find more information about the assessment process in our Neuropsychology Information Sheet.
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A neuropsychological assessment is a structured and supportive process designed to understand how your brain is functioning in everyday areas such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing.
Assessments typically include:
A detailed clinical interview to understand your history, current concerns, and goals
A range of standardised tasks and questionnaires
Regular breaks, with the pace adjusted to reduce fatigue where needed
Assessments may take place over one or more sessions, depending on the type and scope of assessment required.
For a more detailed overview of what to expect — including preparation, assessment components, and next steps — please see our Neuropsychology Information Sheet.
If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, you’re very welcome to contact us and talk things through.
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After your assessment is complete, feedback be provided. This is a chance to talk through the findings of the assessment with you and answer any questions that you might have.
This session is designed to help you understand your results and consider possible next steps. It may include:
An overview of your cognitive strengths and areas where you may be experiencing difficulty
Suggestions for strategies or supports to assist in daily life
Recommendations and guidance for rehabilitation, supportive therapies, or lifestyle adjustments (if appropriate)
Suggestions for further assessment or specialist referral (if needed)
With your consent, sharing your report with your GP, specialist, or support team
We encourage you to ask questions during the feedback. If anything comes up afterwards, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - we’re happy to help.
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Only with your consent.
We’ll never share your assessment report without your explicit consent. If you agree, we can send a copy to your GP, medical specialist, or any other health professional involved in your care. This ensures your healthcare team stays informed and can follow up with you if needed.
Cost, Insurance, and Payments
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The cost of a neuropsychological assessment depends on the type and scope of assessment required. Our current assessment options and pricing are outlined on our Assessments page.
If you’re unsure which assessment is most appropriate for your needs, or you’d like to enquire about a different type of assessment, please feel free to contact us. We’re very happy to talk this through and provide guidance
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Yes, as of 1 June 2025, we require a 25% non-refundable deposit for the total assessment fee to confirm your appointment. This deposit will be deducted from the overall cost of your assessment.
We have introduced this policy due to an increase in late and non-payments from private clients. While we have previously operated on a trust-based model without upfront fees, this change helps us ensure appointments can be effectively scheduled and resourced.
The only exception to this is for clients using Southern Cross Easy Claim, where payment is processed differently (see below).
Full details about deposits and payment timing will be provided at the time of booking.
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Insurance cover for neuropsychological or clinical psychology services varies between providers and individual policies.
If you have private health insurance, we recommend checking directly with your insurer to see whether your plan includes cover for Clinical Psychology services, and whether any limits or conditions apply.
All psychologists working at NeuroHealth are NZ-Registered Clinical Psychologists.
If required, we can provide invoices or supporting information to assist with insurance claims.
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For clients with eligible Southern Cross policies, we are able to offer Easy Claim for Clinical Psychology services (this covers Neuropsychology services).
Here’s how the process works:
Before your appointment, and with your agreement, we complete a pre-check to confirm that your Southern Cross policy includes Clinical Psychology cover
On the day of your appointment (after the appointment), we submit the Easy Claim directly to Southern Cross
This allows us to confirm whether there is any balance to pay after your insurance contribution is applied
If there is an outstanding balance, you will be invoiced for this amount
Payment is required within 7 days of the invoice date
If you’re unsure whether your policy includes Clinical Psychology, we’re happy to help clarify this with you ahead of time.
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For clients with eligible NIB health policies, we are able to undertake a pre-check for Neuropsychology services (this is covered under the Mental Health provision of your policy).
Here’s how the process works:
Before your appointment, and with your agreement, we complete a pre-approval check to confirm that your NIB policy includes Neuropsychology cover
On the day of your appointment (after the appointment), we submit the claim directly to NIB
If there is an outstanding balance, you will be invoiced for this amount
Payment is required within 7 days of the invoice date
To complete a pre-approval check we require a formal referral from a medical professional.
If you’re unsure whether your policy includes Neuropsychology, we’re happy to help clarify this with you ahead of time.