I provide independent psychological assessments and expert reports for solicitors, insurers, employers, and individuals involved in legal, compensation, or regulatory proceedings in Melbourne, Victoria. My reports are designed to assist courts, tribunals, and decision-makers with objective, evidence-based psychological opinion on matters including workplace psychological injury, neurodevelopmental conditions, complex trauma, and fitness for work.
About the Assessor
I am Dr Sarah Fischer, a registered psychologist with AHPRA endorsement in organisational psychology (Registration: PSY0001719709). I hold a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Psychology from Deakin University. I am a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). I practise from consulting rooms in Caulfield South and St Kilda. My clinical and organisational experience spans workplace psychology, adult neurodevelopmental assessment (ADHD, autism, and related conditions), complex trauma, and psychosocial hazard assessment. I also hold the position of Wellbeing Manager (Organisational Psychologist) at the Victorian Bar, which provides direct experience with the psychological demands of legal practice environments. I am registered with MeDirect and Expert Experts as an independent medical examiner and accept referrals through both platforms as well as directly from solicitors, insurers, and employers.
My MeDirect profile, including booking and redacted report request options, is available here.
Areas of Expertise
My independent assessments cover several areas of specialist expertise. In workplace psychological injury, I assess the psychological impact of bullying, harassment, discrimination, excessive workload, organisational change, and other psychosocial hazards. I conduct fitness-to-work and return-to-work assessments to determine psychological capacity for specific roles following injury, illness, or prolonged absence. I assess adult neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and nonverbal learning disability using validated diagnostic tools, which is relevant where a pre-existing or undiagnosed condition intersects with a compensation or legal matter. I assess complex trauma presentations including PTSD, complex PTSD, and dissociative responses, with attention to differential diagnosis and the interaction between trauma and other conditions. I also provide assessments for professional negligence and professional standards matters where psychological evidence is required.
Types of Proceedings
Reports can be prepared for workers’ compensation proceedings (WorkSafe Victoria, WorkCover), Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claims, common law personal injury matters, Fair Work Commission proceedings, NDIS Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviews, family law proceedings where psychological assessment is relevant, professional negligence and professional standards matters, and employer-initiated fitness-for-work assessments. I accept instructions from plaintiff and defendant solicitors, insurers, employers, and self-referred individuals.
Assessment Process
Each assessment follows a structured process. I review all documentation provided by the instructing party before the examination. The clinical examination involves a detailed interview covering the presenting concern, relevant history, current functioning, and mental status examination. I administer validated psychometric instruments appropriate to the referral question, which may include measures of symptom severity, cognitive functioning, personality, and functional capacity. All findings are integrated into a comprehensive written report that addresses the specific questions posed by the referrer. Reports include a clear diagnostic formulation based on DSM-5-TR criteria, an opinion on causation and prognosis, and recommendations for treatment or workplace adjustments where relevant.
Indicative Fees and How to Refer
Fees are calculated on a time-spent basis at a professional hourly rate, with the total depending on the complexity of the matter. All fees are quoted exclusive of GST. For standard assessments involving one clinical examination, psychometric testing, file review, and a written report, the indicative range is $2,500 to $4,000. Complex matters involving extensive documentation review, multiple examinations, or detailed causation analysis typically range from $4,000 to $6,000 or higher. A tailored fee estimate is provided before the assessment commences once the scope of the referral is understood. Court attendance, supplementary reports, and responses to questions on notice are charged separately. Medicare rebates do not apply to independent medicolegal assessments. For referrals through MeDirect or Expert Experts, fees are managed through the respective platform.
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Referrals can be made directly by contacting me at sarah.fischer@behaviouraledgepsychology.com or by telephone on 03 8771 4315. Referrals can also be submitted through MeDirect or Expert Experts. When making a referral, it is helpful to include the referral questions to be addressed, relevant documentation (medical reports, workplace records, claims history), the nature and jurisdiction of the proceedings, and any timeframe requirements for the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) and Master of Psychology from Deakin University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology from Macquarie University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. I am registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA (Registration PSY0001719709) with endorsement in organisational psychology. I am a full member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). I have completed formal training in WAIS-5 administration and interpretation and hold specialist competency in validated diagnostic tools for adult ADHD, autism, and related neurodevelopmental conditions.​
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What types of legal proceedings do you provide reports for?
​I provide independent psychological assessment reports for workers’ compensation proceedings (WorkSafe Victoria, interstate WorkCover schemes), Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claims, common law personal injury matters, Fair Work Commission proceedings, NDIS Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviews, family law matters where psychological evidence is required, and professional negligence and professional standards matters. My reports are prepared to meet the evidentiary standards of the relevant jurisdiction and are designed to assist the court, tribunal, or decision-maker with objective psychological opinion.
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Do you accept instructions from both plaintiff and defendant?
​Yes. I accept referrals from plaintiff solicitors, defendant solicitors, insurers, employers, and self-referred individuals. Regardless of the instructing party, my role is to provide an independent, objective assessment. The report addresses the referral questions based on the clinical evidence and is not prepared to advance any particular party’s position.
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What assessment tools do you use?
​The specific tools selected depend on the referral question and the nature of the presentation. My assessment toolkit includes validated diagnostic interviews (DIVA-5 for ADHD, MIGDAS-2 for autism, SCID-5-D for dissociative disorders), cognitive assessment (WAIS-5), and a range of standardised psychometric instruments administered through Novopsych. These may include measures of symptom severity (DASS-21, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5), trauma and dissociation (ITQ, DES-II), functional capacity (WHODAS 2.0), personality and emotional regulation (PID-5-SF, DERS, BSL-23), and condition-specific screening tools (RAADS-R, AQ, CAT-Q for autism). All instruments are validated, widely accepted in medicolegal settings, and selected to address the specific clinical and legal questions posed by the referrer.
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How long does the assessment process take?
​The timeline depends on the complexity of the matter and the volume of documentation to review. A standard assessment typically involves one to two clinical examination sessions (each lasting 1.5 to 3 hours), psychometric testing (completed by the individual online before or between sessions), and a file review. The written report is generally completed within two to four weeks of the final examination session. Complex matters involving extensive documentation or multiple assessment sessions may take longer. If there is a specific deadline, I am happy to discuss timeframes at the point of referral.
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What is included in the report?
​Each report includes the referral questions as stated by the instructing party, a summary of all documentation reviewed, the assessment procedure and tools used, findings from the clinical interview and mental status examination, psychometric test results and interpretation, a diagnostic formulation with reference to DSM-5-TR criteria, an opinion on causation and contributing factors, a prognosis, and recommendations for treatment or workplace adjustments where relevant. The report concludes with a declaration of independence and a statement of qualifications. All opinions are clearly distinguished from factual findings, and the basis for each opinion is made transparent.
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Can you provide supplementary reports or respond to questions on notice?
​Yes. I can provide supplementary reports addressing additional questions, updated information, or changes in the individual’s circumstances following the initial assessment. I also respond to written questions on notice from any party to the proceedings. Supplementary reports and responses to questions are charged on a time-spent basis at my standard professional hourly rate. A fee estimate is provided before the work commences.
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Do you provide evidence in court?
​Yes. I am available to give oral evidence in courts and tribunals, including VCAT, the Fair Work Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and state courts. I can also participate in expert conclaves (joint expert conferences) and prepare joint reports where directed by the court. Court attendance, preparation time, and conclave participation are charged separately from the assessment and report. A fee estimate for court attendance is provided in advance on request.
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How do I refer through MeDirect or Expert Experts?
​Referrals can be submitted through MeDirect by visiting my profile at medicalexpertsdirectory.medirect.com.au/doctor-profile.php?expert=Dr-Sarah-Fischer and using the booking or referral function. Referrals through Expert Experts can be made by contacting Expert Experts directly and requesting my services. I also accept direct referrals by email at sarah.fischer@behaviouraledgepsychology.com or by telephone on 03 8771 4315. When making a referral, it is helpful to include the specific referral questions, relevant documentation, the nature and jurisdiction of the proceedings, and any timeframe requirements.
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