Everything people ask me — all in one place.

Comprehensive assessments for ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, and learning difficulties for all age groups (children, adolescents and adults). I also provide counselling services, Gottman-method couples therapy, WorkCover psychology, and parent support.

All assessments are conducted by Dr. Sharon Mittiga, a Clinical Psychologist and Educational & Developmental Psychologist with a Master's and PhD from Monash University.

Referrals are accepted from GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, teachers and schools, support workers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other psychologists. Individuals and family members can also contact me directly — no referral required for self-referral, though certain Medicare rebates depend on referral pathway.

I take an eclectic approach drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, psychodynamic perspectives, attachment theory, behavioural approaches, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and the Gottman Method for couples. The approach is tailored to the person and the work, not imposed on it.

Yes. I provide support for adjustment to aging, grief and loss, cognitive changes, and emotional wellbeing.

Yes. I have experience supporting clients with complex trauma histories, using trauma-informed approaches.

Yes. Collaboration with GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, allied health professionals, schools, case workers, support workers, and social workers is part of comprehensive care (in line with the Psychology Board Code of Conduct). Case conferences and liaison are charged at $250/hour. Off-site meetings include travel costs.

A friendly, confidential conversation. I listen to your concerns, ask clarifying questions, provide information about the services, discuss fees, and help schedule an appointment.

After the initial 10–15 minute phone call, you'll receive an onboarding email with a quote. When you're ready to proceed, I send an intake form via Halaxy along with agreement documents. Once those are returned, I contact you to schedule the first appointment. For a child's assessment, the intake session is for parents only and can be in-clinic or via telehealth.

Your confirmation email will provide all preparation details — what to bring, what to expect on the day, and any paperwork to complete ahead of time.

A strength-focused framing works best.

For children under 12:frame it as “games and puzzles” to understand how their brain works and find their superpowers — not a test.

For teenagers 13–17:be open that we're exploring their strengths and how they learn best, so school and life can work better for them. The goal is understanding their unique abilities, not labelling.

Primary-school children: not recommended — intake involves sensitive information best discussed between adults.

Teenagers:may attend if they're mature and interested, depending on family preference.

Primary-school children: strongly not recommended. I offer a separate child-friendly feedback session (60 min, standard hourly rate) designed to share findings with the child in an age-appropriate way.

Teenagers: may attend depending on maturity and family preference.

It depends on what's being assessed, but generally you should allocate a few hours across multiple sessions for a thorough evaluation.

A detailed written report outlining findings, recommendations, and next steps. If relevant, counselling and support options are discussed in the feedback session.

Yes, under certain circumstances — for individuals aged 18 and over, ADHD assessments can be conducted entirely via telehealth. Note: if medication is part of treatment, you'll need a separate referral to a psychiatrist or your GP.

Cognitive assessments measure intellectual functioning across multiple domains — verbal reasoning, working memory, processing speed, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning. Common reasons: understanding learning strengths and challenges, identifying giftedness or intellectual disability, informing educational planning, supporting diagnostic clarification (e.g. ADHD, ASD), and guiding treatment decisions.

Typically 60–90 minutes for the direct testing component. A full assessment also includes intake, questionnaires, scoring, report writing, and a feedback session.

No. Counselling is available for anyone, regardless of whether they've had an assessment.

Yes — with a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) issued before the first session. You're eligible for up to 10 sessions annually (a progress review is needed after session 6). From 1 July 2025 the Medicare rebate is $145.25 per session.

No, I don't bulk bill — this is a private practice. Medicare rebates of $145.25 are available with a valid MHTP.

Reach out directly to discuss your concerns and needs. I offer tailored support and guidance for parents.

Yes. From 1 July 2025: initial consultation gap fee is $46.09; ongoing sessions $16.09 (TAC slightly less). Payable at session via EFTPOS.

Yes — sessions are billed directly to your insurer at WorkCover/TAC-scheme rates, so you need insurer approval first. I can help you navigate this if you're at the start.

Yes. THP reports are written on request from your case manager or insurer, typically within two weeks of the request.

No — I am not a registered NDIS provider. This means I cannot see NDIA-managed clients. I can, however, work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients.

Self-managed: you receive invoices directly from me and claim yourself.

Plan-managed: invoices go to your plan manager who processes the claim.

Both are welcome.

Prices vary by assessment scope and complexity. The AAPi recommends a rate of $315 for a 40–60 minute session. Contact me for a personalised quote for the specific assessment you're looking at.

Medicare rebates for neurodevelopmental assessments are only available under item 82000. This requires a referral from a specialist doctor — a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) does NOT cover assessments. MHTP rebates apply to counselling sessions only.

Private health fund rebates may cover part of assessment or counselling fees depending on your level of cover. Check with your insurer — I don't process these claims; you receive a paid invoice and submit it yourself.

Liaison with schools and other professionals (by phone, email, or in person) is charged at $250/hour. Off-site meetings include travel costs.

Yes — please give at least 72 hours (3 days) notice to reschedule without a fee.

Same-day cancellations: 100% of the session fee
Less than 24 hours notice: 50% of the session fee
Less than 48 hours notice: 25% of the session fee

Cancel via email or phone.

Please reschedule to a later date. Contact me at your earliest convenience and we'll arrange a new time.

If you don't log in at the scheduled time, I'll make two attempts to contact you by phone or text in the first 15 minutes. If I can't reach you, the appointment is treated as a no-show and charged per the cancellation policy.

Consulting rooms are at 13 Clyde Rd, Berwick VIC 3806, in Melbourne's south-east.

Yes. Intake and feedback sessions can be done online. The direct testing part of an assessment must be face-to-face.

Yes, via telehealth. Most adult ASD and ADHD assessments can be conducted remotely. Cognitive assessments need to be in-person. For counselling, if there are safety concerns, I recommend working with a local psychologist who can respond in person if needed.