“We are a team of mental health clinicians (including psychiatrists and psychologists) in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. If you can use help with your mental well-being, we have the resources to support you and improve your lifestyle.”
How we work
You can contact us directly or get a referral from your GP or psychologist. We will follow up with information and suggested next steps. This typically includes an invitation for an appointment if we believe we can help you. Scheduling an appointment is by invitation only. On this page you can find an indication of mental conditions we specialise in, an overview of costs, and other relevant information. If you have a question that is not answered here, feel free to send us an email.
ATTENTION: we are NOT an urgent care facility.
We have a wait time of a few weeks before your first appointment.
What we offer
ADHD Assessment Package
Full ADHD assessment and treatment, including assessment interview, psychometrics/testing, a medication consultation, and a medication review. You will receive an in-depth report at the end. Prescription of any applicable medication is included. The ADHD medication prescription (the Special Authority) will be valid indefinitely.
Cost: $2,100 | from 6 years old
Cost: $1,400 | Assessment only (no medication trial)
ADHD Screener
Our ADHD screener consists of a continuous performance test, a Conners/CAARS assessment, and a live feedback session to discuss the results. This screening service will give you insight into the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis based on psychometrics. The feedback session allows you to make an informed decision whether to proceed with the full ADHD assessment or not. To confirm: the screener will not provide a diagnosis or report.
Cost: $350 | Includes $200 credit towards the ADHD Assessment Package | from 8 years old
ASD Assessment
Full ASD assessment, including assessment interview, psychometrics/testing, and feedback on diagnosis and questions. You will receive an in-depth report at the end.
Cost: $1,850 | Full assessment for new clients
AuDHD Assessment Package
This assessment combines the ADHD Assessment Package with an ASD Assessment, and takes the challenges into account that the combination of ADHD and ASD brings forward. The findings and diagnoses will be documented in a single report.
Cost: $3,100 | Full assessment for new clients
Psychiatric Assessment Package
A psychiatric assessment to investigate a potential mental disorder or injury. This assessment starts with a session with a psychiatrist of up to 1½ hours. For complex and extensive requests, this is a scoping session that requires a follow-up session or referral to another specialist.
Cost: Case specific
Medication Consultation
An appointment to discuss medication treatment based on a reported diagnosis. A prescription is included if applicable.
Cost: $540 | 60 mins for new clients
Cost: $450 | 60 mins for existing clients
Cost: $280 | 30 mins for existing clients
Cost: $150 | 15 mins for an adjustment of prescribed medication in the last 3 months
![[Prescription bag]](https://www.novamentem.com/web4/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Prescription.jpg)
Prescription
A repeat prescription for existing clients.
Cost: $35
What we can help you with
We can help you with assessments of most psychiatric and psychological conditions. These conditions include (but are not limited to):
Who we help
We help young children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. We take your lifestyle and home situation into account. If you bring your child for an assessment, we work with you as a caregiver too. We like to know those who are close to you and are willing and available to support you.
Who we are
Dr Anoek Dechering
– Psychiatrist –
I am a caring, passionate, and experienced psychiatrist and a mother of two grown-up daughters. In 2006, I moved to Hawke’s Bay, together with my husband and children. I have experience in both adult and child psychiatry services with special interests in neurodevelopmental conditions and trauma. I have a focus on working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I was a Medical Director from 2018 and I have been leading the Mental Health and Addiction services in Hawke’s Bay. As such, I have worked with a wide range of professionals. To offer more/different services, we have founded our private Mind Health clinic: Nova Mentem. You can be assured that collaboration with other professionals is a cornerstone of our clinic. I am here to help you and I look forward to welcoming you in our practice.
Dr Paul Dechering (PhD)
– General Manager –
I have a passion for a rewarding lifestyle and I love helping others to reach that too. My career is based on computing science, and I have enjoyed years of teaching at the Institute of Technology in Hawke’s Bay (EIT / Te Pukenga). I have founded and run a few companies and, together with my wife, this clinic: Nova Mentem. I will make sure it runs efficiently with the right people, providing top-quality care. In my career, I have cared for staff, supported clients, delivered quality solutions, and taught people how to reach their goals. Nova Mentem will benefit from what I have learned and experienced. Both our clients and our clinicians will have a comfortable and trusted environment.
Dr Elaine Plesner
– Medical Officer in Psychiatry –
I am a medical officer with over 25 years experience in psychiatry. I emigrated in 2004 to Hawke’s Bay with my husband and two sons. I have experience in working with adults, older adults with mental health issues and cognitive difficulties, and people with intellectual disabilities. I enjoy seeing how I can help clients and seeing them get better.
Dr Raewyn Barry
– Clinical Psychologist –
I am a registered clinical psychologist and an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD. My experience of living with the strengths and challenges of ADHD has led to my passionate interest in neurodiversity, and in supporting people to live their best lives. I have two adult children, one of whom also has ADHD. I have worked in Child Development Services and in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services where I largely focussed on neurodevelopmental assessments, and more recently with a private provider delivering neuropsychological assessments. It is my absolute privilege to offer you assessments for ADHD, autism, cognitive problems, and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in collaboration with the team at Nova Mentem.
Andrea Hannah
– Registered Psychologist –
Over the last twenty years I have specialised in the assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), assessments of intellectual ability, and attachment related behaviour issues. I have worked with many clients in the Child Development Services at the Hawke’s Bay Hospital. I enjoy working together with the client to gain insight into the difficulties that brought them to the appointment and to find possible solutions.
Wendy Higgs
– Clinical Psychologist –
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist who has been working in Hawke’s Bay for the past 15 years, alongside raising my three young children. I have spent time working with children, families, adolescents and adults across a number of settings, including at the Child, Adolescent and Family Service, in primary care and in private practice. I have enjoyed working in the areas of neurodevelopmental assessment, disordered eating, general mental health, and trauma. I look forward to working together with you towards your health goals.
Maite Dechering
– Psychometrist –
I became interested in other people’s stories and life experiences that shaped their inner world when I began acting. I performed in many theatre pieces and started playing more complex characters because I wanted to understand their backgrounds and the emotions they were experiencing. This was a stepping stone to my psychology study. I have experience as an English and Drama teacher with students ranging from early childhood to adulthood. I have recently completed my bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology, and I will continue my studies to work towards becoming a registered clinical psychologist. I love working with people, caring for you, and helping you with your next step. You’ll meet me online at Nova Mentem for the ADHD screening and testing.
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© Nova Mentem Ltd. Last updated: 18 June 2026