FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS 

Click here to view our current appointment fees.

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Do I need a referral from my GP?

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Yes, referrals are mandatory for all new patients. 

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For ADHD: Please do not contact us before seeing your GP for a referral. If we have received and accepted your GP referral, we will be in touch with you to advise on the next steps. If you do not hear from us, your referral has likely been declined and your GP will have been informed directly so that you can be referred elsewhere.

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For general (not ADHD): The referral can be provided before or after contacting us to make an appointment.

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What is the process for an ADHD assessment?

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If you think you might have ADHD, you will need to see your GP first who needs to send us a comprehensive referral. Beyond that, you will need to provide us with your primary and secondary school reports and/or any previous medical or psychological reports you might have. If your school reports are unavailable, a parent or guardian who can provide us with information about you as a child will need to attend the appointment.

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The reason that we ask for these things is because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning there needs to have been evidence of symptoms before age 12. 

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What if I've already been diagnosed with ADHD?

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If you have already been assessed and diagnosed with ADHD in the past, please see your GP first as they will still need to provide us with a comprehensive referral, along with evidence of your assessment/diagnosis from your previous specialist. 

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Are you affiliated with Southern Cross or ACC?

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Our clinic is not affiliated with Southern Cross*, any other health insurance providers, or ACC.

*If you have a Southern Cross membership above premium, you can make your own claims with them with the provision of receipts from us after payment.  

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In New Zealand, there is no direct government funding of private psychiatry. Some health insurers provide psychiatric coverage; please check the terms of your individual policy.

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What payment methods do you accept and do you offer any payment plans?

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We accept EFTPOS, Debit and Credit card payments. We can also offer online internet banking transfers as a form of payment but these transactions will need to be processed at least 2 business days prior to the appointment. There is a 2% surcharge on Credit and PayWave payments in clinic. 

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We do not currently offer any payment plans.

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Can I have a Telehealth consultation?

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We do not offer consultations over phone calls but we can do online consultations via video call. Online consultations are available for follow up appointments only, not initial consultations. 

 

Online consultations need to be paid for online at least 2 business days prior and there is an additional $15 fee for all online consultations.

 

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What does it feel like to receive TMS?

Generally, TMS produces a slight knocking or tapping sensation on the head. This is also associated with a tapping sound produced by the TMS device. When administered at some stimulation sites, it can cause contraction of the muscles of the scalp and occasionally the jaw. Mild headache and transient lightheadedness may sometimes result
from TMS. These symptoms usually resolve by themselves shortly after the treatment is over.


What is the process of beginning TMS and the cost?

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Before you begin TMS, you will need to be seen for an initial consultation - this first consultation is for Dr Mendel to get to know your background and evaluate whether TMS is the most appropriate treatment option for you.

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Depending on the condition, treatment varies for between 1 to 6 weeks. The number of sessions per week varies between 3 to 5, depending on the specific protocol for your condition. If you are eligible for TMS therapy, Dr Mendel will give you an exact quote for the fees and duration in appointment.

 

Who cannot get TMS therapy?

If you have any type of non-removable metal in your head (with the exception of titanium, braces or dental fillings), or
within twelve inches of the coil, then you should not receive TMS. Failure to follow this rule could cause the object to heat up, move, or malfunction, and result in serious injury or death. The following is a list of metal implants that can prevent you from receiving TMS:
 

• Aneurysm clips or coils

• Stents in the neck or brain

• Implanted stimulators

• Cardiac pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - not an absolute contraindication

• Electrodes to monitor brain activity

• Metallic implants in your ears and fragments in your eyes (eg.welders)

• Shrapnel or bullet fragments in or near the head

• Facial tattoos with metallic or magnetic-sensitive ink in your head

• Other metal devices or object implanted in or near the head (except for titanium, crowns and fillings, which are safe).