Clinical Resources

Professional Resources

Curated references for Australian psychologists—diagnostic systems, assessment tools, professional standards, and clinical guidelines to support best practice.

Resources & References

This page provides curated resources for Australian psychologists, including diagnostic systems, assessment tools, professional standards, and clinical references. All resources are selected for relevance to Australian clinical practice.

Diagnostic Classification Systems

DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, Text Revision)

The primary diagnostic system used by psychologists in Australia. Published by the American Psychiatric Association.

  • APA DSM-5 Online: Official DSM-5 resources and updates
  • DSM-5 Updates: Text revisions, errata, and clarifications published by APA
  • Cultural Formulation: Framework for cultural assessment (Appendix in DSM-5)

ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision)

Used alongside DSM-5, particularly for Medicare billing and international communication. Published by the World Health Organization.

  • WHO ICD-11 Browser: Official ICD-11 classification browser
  • ICD-10-AM: Australian modification currently used for Medicare (transition to ICD-11 in progress)
  • Coding Guidelines: Australian-specific coding and classification rules

Quick Reference Tools

  • DSM-5 to ICD-10 Crosswalk: Conversion tables for diagnostic codes
  • Medicare Item Numbers: Psychological services item numbers (80000-80150 series)
  • NDIS Eligibility Criteria: Psychosocial disability requirements linked to diagnoses
Pro Tip When writing reports for multiple audiences, include both DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes for maximum compatibility with Australian healthcare systems.

Assessment Tools & Test Publishers

Major Test Publishers (Australian Offices)

Pearson Clinical Assessment Australia

  • Website: www.pearsonclinical.com.au
  • Key Tests: WISC-V-AU, WAIS-IV-AU, WPPSI-IV-AU, Bayley-4, CELF-5
  • Platforms: Q-global (online scoring), Q-interactive (digital assessment)

PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources)

  • Website: www.parinc.com
  • Key Tests: Conners 4, PAI, BASC-3, ADOS-2, ADI-R, BRIEF-2, Vineland-3
  • Platform: PARiConnect (online scoring and reporting)

Commonly Used Assessment Tools (Australian Norms)

Cognitive/Intelligence:

  • WISC-V Australian & New Zealand Edition (Ages 6-16)
  • WAIS-IV Australian & New Zealand Edition (Ages 16-90)
  • WPPSI-IV Australian & New Zealand Edition (Ages 2.5-7.5)
  • Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, 5th Edition

ADHD Assessment:

  • Conners 4 (Comprehensive ADHD assessment)
  • Conners CPT-3 (Continuous Performance Test)
  • BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children)
  • BRIEF-2 (Executive function assessment)

Autism Spectrum Assessment:

  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
  • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised)
  • CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
  • SRS-2 (Social Responsiveness Scale)

Professional Bodies & Standards

Australian Psychological Professional Bodies

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

  • Website: www.psychology.org.au
  • APS Code of Ethics: Professional and ethical guidelines
  • Practice Guidelines: Best practice standards for various specializations
  • CPD Requirements: Continuing professional development resources

Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA)

  • Website: www.psychologyboard.gov.au
  • Registration Standards: Requirements for practice
  • Codes and Guidelines: Mandatory professional standards
  • Notifications: Updates on regulatory matters

Regulatory & Compliance Resources

Privacy & Data Protection:

Medicare & Billing:

  • Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS): Item numbers and billing rules
  • Better Access Initiative: Medicare-rebated psychological services
  • Provider Numbers: Registration and renewal information

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme):

  • NDIS Website: www.ndis.gov.au
  • Provider Registration: Requirements for NDIS service provision
  • Pricing Arrangements: Support catalogue and pricing
  • Access Requirements: Eligibility criteria for psychosocial disability
Pro Tip Stay current with regulatory changes by subscribing to AHPRA newsletters and following APS updates. Compliance requirements are updated regularly.

Clinical Report Writing

Report Structure Standards

Standard Psychological Report Sections:

  • Identifying Information: Client details, referrer, date of assessment
  • Reason for Referral: Referral questions and context
  • Background Information: Developmental, medical, educational, family history
  • Behavioral Observations: During assessment session
  • Tests Administered: List with brief descriptions
  • Test Results: Domain by domain, with interpretation
  • Summary & Diagnostic Impressions: Integration and conclusions
  • Recommendations: Specific, actionable, prioritized

Language & Phrasing Guidelines

Person-First vs Identity-First Language:

  • Person-First: "person with autism," "person with ADHD"
  • Identity-First: "autistic person," "ADHD person"
  • Best Practice: Ask the individual/family their preference

Neurodiversity-Affirming Language:

  • Avoid: "suffers from," "afflicted with," "abnormal," "deficit," "impaired"
  • Prefer: "has," "experiences," "differences," "challenges," "support needs"
  • Example: "challenges with executive function" rather than "executive function deficits"

Medicare & NDIS Compliance

Medicare Report Requirements:

  • Client identifying information
  • Diagnosis (DSM-5 and ICD-10 codes)
  • Functional impairment
  • Treatment recommendations and prognosis
  • Professional signature and AHPRA number

NDIS Report Requirements:

  • Diagnosis is insufficient - must demonstrate functional impact
  • Evidence of permanency (or lifelong nature)
  • Impact across multiple life domains
  • Support needs and why supports are reasonable and necessary
Common NDIS Rejection Reasons Insufficient evidence of functional impact, lack of evidence for permanency, not addressing how condition impacts participation, insufficient information about support needs.
Pro Tip for ADMRL Users When using ADMRL to generate reports, always review AI-generated content for: (1) accuracy against raw data, (2) appropriate language and tone, (3) cultural sensitivity, (4) compliance with relevant standards, and (5) personalization to the individual client.

Resource Updates

This resource page is regularly updated to maintain accuracy and relevance. Links, phone numbers, and guidelines may change. Always verify current information with official sources.

Last Updated: February 2026
Next Review: August 2026

If you identify outdated information or have suggestions for additional resources, please contact: support@admrl.ai