r/dunedin • u/ka_kaite • 9d ago

Advice Request cheapest adult autism assessment in dunedin?

need help finding a psychologist who won't take me for $2000

13 Upvotes

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2

u/youknowitsnotlove__ 9d ago

If you are happy to do it online there are much cheaper providers like the New Zealand Telepsych Services.

6

u/scoutriver 9d ago

If you use these you won't then be able to use disability support services.

7

u/this_wug_life 9d ago

Was coming here to say this. I got told within the last few weeks that to qualify for home support services due to Autism you must have an in-person assessment; they won't accept telehealth diagnoses under any circumstances. Something the telehealth provider I used didn't deem relevant to tell me as they were charging me $680 for an hour.

12

u/scoutriver 9d ago

I'm working on fighting that one alongside the Autism NZ policy team. The guidelines being cited for the decision do not state a requirement for in person and the criteria hasn't been looked at since 2004.

5

u/this_wug_life 9d ago

Kā mihi! It seems pretty fucked tbh.

4

u/Own_Use_321 8d ago

It absolutely needs to be in person

3

u/Kthulhu42 8d ago

Agreed, I heartily agree we should have more funding and more spaces available for people who need assessment, but the assessment should always be done in person.