ADHD Assessments

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts an individual’s daily life.  The symptoms of ADHD includes significant difficulty with focusing, concentrating, sitting still, organising, prioritising, and getting essential tasks at home, at work or at school completed. Other ADHD symptoms include racing thoughts (mainly about things that need to be done), emotionaly dysregulation and difficulty relaxing.

Girls and Women with ADHD present differently from boys and men as they may demonstrate internal hyperactivity. This is usually expressed through inner restlessness, hyperactive thoughts, and being overly talkative. Girls and women with ADHD often have difficulty with friendships. Those with ADHD who also have co-morbid or co-occuring conditions such as anxiety, trauma or depression can make the symptoms worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an ADHD assessment involve?

The ADHD assessment process is a comprehensive approach integrating clinical interviews, symptom evaluations, rating scales, behavioural observations, cognitive assessments (usually for children and teenagers) and collateral information. This information is obtained from significant individuals involved in a person’s life. The ADHD assessments are undertaken by our qualified psychologists to reach an accurate diagnosis informing treatment recommendations.

  • Clinical Interview: A mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.) will ask detailed questions about your current symptoms, childhood history, medical history, family history, and any difficulties you experience in daily life (work, school, relationships).  
  • Questionnaires and Rating Scales: You (and potentially parents, teachers, or partners) will complete questionnaires and rating scales to provide information about ADHD symptoms and their impact.  The rating scales we typically use for children, adolescents and Adults are Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales. In certain circumstances we will use other rating scales to assess for executive functioning difficulties.
  • Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: These may be used to assess attention, memory, executive functioning (planning, organisation), and other cognitive abilities that can be affected by ADHD.  
  • Observation: In some cases, especially with children, clinicians might observe behaviour in different settings (e.g., classroom) or we will request to speak to the child’s educator. or counsellor.  

2. How long does an ADHD assessment take?

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a breakdown of our ADHD assessment process:

It starts with a phone consultation: We’ll discuss your concerns and send you some questionnaires to complete.

Streamlined testing: Thanks to our clinicians’ extensive experience, the in-person testing session is efficient, usually lasting just 1-2 hours.

Prompt feedback: We’ll discuss the results with you right away and provide a detailed written report.

Collaboration for kids: When assessing children, we may reach out to their teacher or counselor to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

3. Who can diagnose ADHD?

Qualified mental health professionals, such as:

  • Psychologists: Specifically, psychologists with appropriate training and experience in diagnosing ADHD and providing therapy to individuals who live with ADHD.
  • Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specialisng in mental health.  
  • Developmental Pediatricians: Doctors specialising in child development.  
  • Some Family Doctors: Some general practitioners may have training in ADHD diagnosis, but in Australia they are often refered to specialists for comprehensive assessments.

4. What are the criteria for diagnosing ADHD?

Diagnosis is based on established criteria, such as those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria include:  

  • Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganisation, easily distracted.  
  • Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty staying seated, interrupting others, acting without thinking.  
  • Symptoms present before age 12: Even if diagnosed as an adult, symptoms must have been present in childhood.  
  • Symptoms present in multiple settings: (e.g., home, school, work).  
  • Symptoms causing significant impairment: In daily functioning.


We’ll also explore areas like executive functioning skills, any history of trauma, and the presence of Autism or other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and personality disorders. This allows us to make a precise diagnosis and create a tailored plan that addresses all of your needs.

5. What are the costs involved?

We understand that seeking an ADHD assessment can be a significant financial commitment. At PsychCare, we strive to make our services accessible to everyone. Our fees are generally lower than most psychology clinics, while still ensuring our clinicians are fairly compensated and our practice can continue to provide high-quality care. For more information regarding the cost please see the schedule of fees below.


ADHD Assessmet Schedule of Fees

Service DescriptionDurationCost
Free 15-minute phone consultation regarding the ADHD assessment 15 minutesFree
Adult ADHD assessment which includes a written report and feedback1-2 hours$790.00
Children and Adolescent ADHD assessment – includes a Cognitive (IQ) assessment (WISC V or WAIS V), feedback and written report. As required$980.00
Additional Assessments such as an Educational Assessment (WIAT)As required$230
ADHD assessment + cognitive assessment + an Educational or an Academic Acheievement Test.
As required$1210.00
The ADHD assessment report will be available after the full payment is received.


6. What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?

If ADHD is diagnosed, the clinician will discuss treatment options, which may include:

  • Medication: We can discuss the potential benefits of medication, both stimulants and non-stimulants, as part of your treatment plan. If you decide to consider medication, we’ll collaborate with your general practitioner and recommend a referral to a specialist (eith a psychiatrist or a pediatrician) who can prescribe stimulants.
  • Therapy: Behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other therapy approaches to address challenges related to ADHD. If there are other issues such as trauma or dissociation, it would also be important to work through this. Addressing trauma through therapy can help you develop coping skills for managing emotional flashbacks, triggers, and hyperarousal, which can significantly improve ADHD symptoms as well
  • Work arounds: Strategies for improving organisation, time management, and coping with ADHD symptoms.  
  • Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, good sleep hygiene and eating healthy food can signficantly improve ADHD symptoms.
  • Educational Support: Accommodations and support services in school or the workplace.

7. What if I suspect ADHD in my child?

If you suspect ADHD in your child, it’s important to talk to their pediatrician or a mental health professional. They can conduct an assessment and provide guidance on appropriate interventions and support.  

Where to find more information:

Book Appointment

Click the link for information on our schedule of fees for a cognitive assessment, Educational Assessments, Children and Teenagers Autism Assessments and Adult Autism Assessments.