Vanessa Tan Psychology
Services
Vnaessa provides neurodiversity-affirming assessments and therapy support for Autistic and ADHD individuals. This involves understanding the Autistic and ADHD neurotypes as different expressions of normal human functioning rather than developmental deficits or disorders, whilst recognising that neurodivergent people experience disability due to the incompatibility between their neurology and the demands of neurotypical (typically-developing) society.
Vanessa's practice is LGBTQIA+ inclusive, trauma-informed, and sex worker-safe. Her approach is collaborative and prioritises the neurodivergent person's values, preferred ways of communicating, and personal goals.
ND AFFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR ADULTS (18+)
∞ All adult assessment sessions are conducted via Zoom.
∞ If you are over 25 years old, Medicare does not allow the claiming of rebates for your assessment. This means that you will not need a GP referral.
∞ Assessments and reports by Vanessa are valid for most funding applications, including NDIS.
AUTISM ASSESSMENT
What to expect (short and sweet version):
∞ Intake interview (1h)
∞ Diagnostic interview (2h)
∞ Questionnaires for you and a trusted person who knows you well as an adult and as a child to complete
∞ Feedback session (1h)
∞ Summary report to facilitate self-identification provided
Note: Not having access to school reports or a trusted person to provide information does not preclude you from receiving a valid assessment. Your assessment can be tailored to your unique circumstances, respecting your right to privacy.
Autism Assessment Fee: $1,400
Like detail? You can download the nitty-gritty version of what to expect below.
Vanessa is no longer offering ADHD-only assessments. Clients seeking ADHD assessment are advised to obtain this through a psychiatrist, as psychiatrists will need to conduct their own evaluation and can prescribe medication if needed. It's valuable to select a psychiatrist who is very experienced in recognising the various presentations of ADHD in adults.
For clients seeking an Autism and ADHD ('AuDHD') assessment: As above, it may be more time and cost-effective to obtain the ADHD component of your assessment from a psychiatrist. However, if you would still like Vanessa to complete a full AuDHD assessment, this will involve the same structure as the Autism assessment plus 1 additional interview session.
AuDHD Assessment Fee: $1,700
You can download the nitty-gritty version of what to expect below.
ND AFFIRMING THERAPY SUPPORT
Vanessa is not accepting new clients seeking ongoing therapy support, and her waitlist for 2024 is currently full. You are welcome to contact Reception if you would like suggestions for other neurodiversity-affirming psychologists.
Neurodivergent people may need mental health support to cope with the stressors of living in a neurotypical world and find ways to thrive on their own terms. Neurodivergent people do not need fixing.
Vanessa works with Autistic and ADHD clients across the lifespan who would like support in various areas, including:
∞ Anxiety
∞ Depression
∞ OCD
∞ Self-concept
∞ Emotional regulation
∞ Autistic burnout
∞ Understanding their neurodivergent brain via an affirming lens
∞ Self-advocacy
∞ Executive functioning (e.g., organisation, motivation, self-regulation) differences
Vanessa also supports parents in enhancing their understanding of their neurodivergent children's unique ways of relating, recognising that their "challenging behaviours" are really stress responses, and responding in a supportive, collaborative way.