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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Neuropsychological assessments play an important role in understanding cognitive changes, supporting treatment decisions, and guiding next steps in care.

The cost of an assessment depends on the nature of your concerns and how much time is needed to explore them thoroughly. We offer a range of assessment types, from brief consultations to comprehensive evaluations. We’re happy to talk through what each involves so you can decide what’s right for you.

Follow-up assessments (such as monitoring memory changes over time) typically involve less time and have lower costs.

If you’ve been referred by ACC, your specialist, or another provider, part or all of the cost may already be covered.

We’re happy to help you understand what type of assessment would offer the most value based on your concerns and goals.

If you’d like to learn more or receive an estimate tailored to your situation, please feel free to contact us directly.

Yes, as of 1 June 2025, we require a 25% deposit of 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.

NeuroHealth is proudly based in Christchurch, and we see clients from across the wider Canterbury region.

When you book an assessment, we’ll send you directions and parking information ahead of time. There is some onsite parking available, and street parking is usually easy to find nearby.

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.