Adult (18+) ADHD Assessment

Answers the Question: Do I have ADHD?

  • Suitable for adults (18+ years)
  • All sessions conducted online via Telehealth

 The Process:

  • Intake appointment (approx 50-60 mins)
  • Questionnaires completed at home
  • Assessment session (approx 1.5 hours)
  • Feedback appointment (approx 30 mins)
  • Following the feedback appointment, a report (either a brief report or full comprehensive report) will be provided
  • If required, a brief letter with confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate) can also be provided

Outcomes:

  • Formal diagnosis (or rule out) ADHD
  • Deeper self understanding
  • If ADHD is diagnosed, you are able to request reasonable adjustments at your place of work or study

How are my Assessments Different?:

  • I spend around 2.5 hours conducting your ADHD assessment over two sessions. The extra time I take means that I can really get to understand your life experiences and how they may or may not align with the ADHD criteria.
  • Spending extra time with you also means that there is time to help you start making connections between different elements of your life (for example, why put off doing your tax return, why you can focus really well on some things and not others, or why you get so excited about new hobbies you buy all the things you need….and then never touch them).
  • My assessments are conducted in an informal, conversational way rather than a “tick and flick” set of questions and answers; this allows me to hear what’s really important for you.

Fee for ADHD Assessment: $1250

  • Includes:
    • Intake appointment
    • Cost of all test materials
    • Clinical assessment sessions
    • Feedback appointment
    • Brief report that includes a summary of your assessment findings and any formal diagnoses made
    • Brief letter with confirmation of diagnosis (if appropriate)
Comprehensive Report (optional): $450
    • Comprehensive report which includes developmental information, detailed assessment results mapped to the ADHD diagnostic criteria, any formal diagnoses made
  • If it is felt that further assessment may be beneficial (for example, if Autism is suspected) and you would like to pursue this (there is never any obligation to do so), any extra time needed for assessment and report writing will be charged at the hourly rate of $220
  • A limited number of follow-up support sessions are available at the hourly rate of $220 (you may be eligible for a Medicare or Private Health rebate for follow-up sessions).

Important Information About ADHD Medication

Whilst Psychologists can diagnose ADHDonly medical practitioners (Psychiatrists) can prescribe medication for Adults with ADHD. Many Psychiatrists appreciate the comprehensive assessment and report that you receive when being assessed by a Psychologist, however most Psychiatrists prefer to conduct their own assessments before deciding whether medication is appropriate for their patients. 

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Why Have an Assessment With a Psychologist?

A Comprehensive Assessment

  • ADHD assessments with a Psychologist are spread over at least two appointments, and involve a clinical interview as well as other forms of assessment including symptom checklists and assessments of daily function (the impacts your symptoms have on daily life). The extra time spent exploring your areas of concern mean that an assessment with a Psychologist allows a thorough exploration of whether ADHD may be present, and for it to be distinguished from other potential diagnoses.

Shorter Wait Times:

  • Currently, wait time for an initial appointment is about 2 weeks, and assessments can be completed in approximately 3 weeks.
  • Shorter wait times mean that you can get started with behavioural treatment to help manage any challenging symptoms quickly, and these can be used while you wait for a Psychiatrist appointment (if you are interested in accessing medication).
  • Work and/or study accommodation plans can be made more quickly (a diagnosis from a Psychiatrist is not required to apply for accommodations). 

Access to Post Assessment Care:

  • Whilst our books are closed for ongoing therapeutic clients, Tasha can see you for a limited number of sessions after your assessment for support and to help develop strategies as you learn what your diagnosis means for you and your day to day life.

Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Assessments:

  • Being assessed can be a stressful experience. Our assessments are neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and conducted in a warm and sensitive manner. Spreading assessment over a few sessions means that we can take our time and really explore your concerns in a way that feels safe for you. You are encouraged to be in a comfortable space for your assessments, and to take breaks, fidget, get a cuppa etc as you need to.

Convenient, Online Appointments:

  • All appointments are conducted via telehealth, so can be accessed from anywhere in Australia without the need to travel to a clinic.

Questions You Might Have

Do I Need a Referral for an Assessment?

  • No, no referral is required.

Are Medicare Rebates Available for Assessments?

  • No, unfortunately you are not able to claim Medicare rebates for Assessments, however a GP Mental Health Care Plan can be used for follow-up sessions.

Can I See You For Ongoing Therapy?

  • Whilst our books are currently closed for ongoing therapy clients, a limited number (generally up to 4) appointments following your assessment may be available to help develop strategies and explore what your ADHD diagnoses (or not) means for you.

What Can I Use The Report For?

  • A formal diagnosis of ADHD means that you are able to apply for reasonable adjustments and accommodations at your place of work or study.
  • A diagnosis also gives you protections under the Disabilities Discrimination Act (1992).
  • Many people find that formal confirmation about their neurotype and the way their brain works provides relief, self understanding and compassion, and self acceptance.

Can You Prescribe Medication?

  • No, medical doctors (Psychiatrists) are the only practitioners who can prescribe ADHD medication to adults in Australia.

How Do the Appointments Take?

  • The initial appointment is approximately 50 – 60 minutes.
  • After your intake session you will be sent several questionnaires to complete before the assessment session. 
  • Your assessment session generally lasts around 2 hours, but we can take breaks and take our time. Occasionally a second assessment session is required.
  • The feedback session, where your report and recommendations are discussed, takes about 50 minutes.

Do You Need Information From Other People?

  • Ideally we ask that someone who knew you as a child give information either through questionnaires or a brief interview. If there is nobody able to do very common for adults!) this we can discuss other ways to get childhood information (for example, through report cards).

How Do I Book an Appointment?

  • To book an initial appointment (intake session), please click the “book now” button below. After our initial appointment we will work together to find a suitable time for your assessment session/s.  Please note, the cost of the initial appointment ($220) is taken at the time of booking (this is then taken off your assessment cost).

I’ve Got More Questions – How do I Contact You?

  • If I can help clarify anything please get in touch via email: tasha@neurosagepsychology.com   I’d love to help.