Are you thinking of undergoing an adult or adolescent ADHD assessment?

I understand that you might be experiencing feelings of confusion or stress regarding your situation, which are completely normal.

This comprehensive ADHD assessment guide is designed to help navigate you through every step of the journey

Prior to the assessment
Online form / GP visit / GP letter

  • You (or your parent for adolescents) will be sent an online form to complete about your personal information.

  • You will need to make an appointment with your GP to rule out any medical reason for difficulties with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

  • A letter outlining your current symptoms will be provided to me from your GP prior to us meeting for the assessment.

The assessment (2 hour session)
Life experiences / mental health

  • A two hour in-person clinical ADHD assessment interview will commence.

  • During the assessment interview, we will discuss your life experiences as well as any previous or current mental health challenges you may have encountered.

  • A phone call will occur with someone you knew as a child or before the age of 12, such as a relative, guardian, or close family friend. This is to discuss what symptoms were observed to be present in childhood.

  • A review of your primary school documentation (if available) and mental health records.

  • You will be required to complete questionnaires relating to your current experiences in line with ADHD and any other mental health difficulties that may be present. A person who knows you well will also complete a questionnaire about their impressions of your current functioning.

Next stages of the assessment:
Childhood evidence / questionnaires

  • It is recommended that an assessment is completed by a psychiatrist as they might be comfortable diagnosing you without evidentiary information.

If you do not have evidentiary information:

  • You will attend a feedback session as the final stage of the assessment to discuss the outcome of your assessment and whether there is enough evidence for an ADHD diagnosis.

  • Recommendations for addressing your current difficulties will be provided.

Final feedback session
Recommendations / feedback

  • An optional report can be written outlining your diagnosis.

    Before receiving a written report, a payment of $720 is required.

  • The report will be finalised within a month and sent to your GP.

  • For adults: Your GP will share the report with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ psychiatric services, will consider your application to access stimulant medication. Please note that I cannot guarantee this will be approved as they will consider whether this is an appropriate treatment for you based on your physical and mental health experiences.

  • For adolescents: You will need to meet with a private psychiatrist to discuss your interest in stimulant medication. We can refer you to a Telehealth psychiatrist who is next seeing new clients in early 2025 (cost ~$500), or you can enquire with other psychiatrists in case someone is able to see you sooner.

If you are diagnosed
ADHD report / medication

Where you might not meet the criteria for an assessment

  • For a clinical psychologist to diagnose ADHD, it is vital that evidence of symptoms being present prior to the age of 12 years can be accessed. During the process, there will be a step in which I will converse with a close family member or person acquainted with you during your childhood years to gather evidentiary information. Supplementary evidence such as school records or correspondence can also aid in the evaluation process.

  • If you are experiencing significant anxiety (e.g., to the extent where you are struggling to attend work) you are recommended to address this prior to seeking an ADHD assessment.

    If your level of anxiety is substantial it is possible that the assessment outcome may be inconclusive due to difficulty teasing apart these experiences from the diagnostic symptoms of ADHD.

  • I cannot currently assess people who are using substances daily (e.g., cannabis, opioids). If you are doing so the recommendation is to talk with your GP about support available to reduce substance use prior to an assessment.

    If you consume 3+ alcoholic drinks 6+ days per week I also cannot currently assess you. You are welcome to seek an assessment once your consumption has reduced.

  • I am unable to assess those who are currently the subject of criminal charges or awaiting sentencing following conviction.

  • If you meet the criteria for PTSD based on childhood trauma, I may be unable to differentiate signs of ADHD from trauma symptomatology. It is recommended you address these trauma symptoms prior to seeking an assessment for ADHD.

Assessment costs

Full ADHD assessment + report

$1,800.00

Undiagnosed clients / clients diagnosed with ADHD who do not want a report to access medication

$1080.00

Full ADHD + ASD assessment + report

$2,400.00