Adult ADHD Assessment: What to Expect
If you are an adult with undiagnosed ADHD, it is common to struggle with feelings of chronic stress, difficulties with organization and task completion, and the feeling that everyday tasks require more effort than they seem to for other people. This can lead to burn-out and exhaustion as the demands of life begin to exceed capacity. You may have already tried support for anxiety, depression, stress or other concerns and still feel that an important part of the picture is missing. Or you may find yourself wondering about your own diagnosis after a family member is diagnosed with ADHD. Participating in a comprehensive ADHD assessment can be helpful because the assessment aims to help you understand your neurotype, explore the ways it has been affecting your life and provide you with recommendations about how to move forward.
An adult ADHD assessment is not based on a single online quiz or questionnaire. It brings together information from several sources so the psychologist can understand your current experiences, your history and the way any difficulties affect your day-to-day life.
What may be included in the assessment?
At The Northwest Psychology Practice, the assessment process is tailored to the individual. It may include:
A clinical interview with you
Screening questionnaires relating to ADHD and other relevant areas
Questionnaires completed by someone who knows you well
Review of previous professional reports or relevant school, university, work or mental health documentation
Contact with current treating professionals, where this is helpful and you have provided consent
A feedback session to explain the findings and discuss recommendations and possible next steps
The psychologist may need to gather further information after the interview. This means an assessment outcome is not always available on the day of the initial session.
Should I obtain a referral first?
The most appropriate referral pathway depends on your circumstances. You may wish to speak with your GP about a medical evaluation and whether a referral is appropriate. If you are already seeing a psychiatrist, it may be helpful to discuss your concerns with them before beginning a clinical psychology assessment.
If medication is something you want to consider, a psychiatrist or another appropriately qualified medical practitioner will need to be involved. A psychologist does not prescribe medication.
What information may be useful?
You do not need to have every document ready before you enquire. If they are available, previous reports, school or university information, workplace documentation and details of current treating professionals may help provide context. The psychologist may also ask whether someone who knows you well can contribute information.
What report will I receive?
A brief diagnostic report is included in the adult ADHD assessment service. If you require a comprehensive diagnostic report, discuss this with us because an additional fee may apply.
Adult clients have the opportunity to review a draft of the report and provide feedback about how their self-reported information has been presented. Diagnostic reports are usually completed within 6-8 weeks after the final appointment, subject to the assessor's caseload.
What happens in the feedback session?
After your assessment is complete, your psychologist will schedule a feedback session with you to discuss the results, along with any relevant recommendations and resources. Where a diagnosis is made, your psychologist will explain what it may mean for you in practical terms. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss possible supports and next steps.
What is the indicative cost?
The total cost of an adult ADHD assessment typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,680 before any eligible rebates. Face-to-face time is billed at $280 per hour, and indirect assessment work is charged at a fixed cost of $560. The complexity of the assessment can affect the total face-to-face time required.
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for part of the face-to-face assessment time, depending on your referral and circumstances. A private health insurer may also cover part of the assessment. Medicare does not provide rebates for diagnostic reports or non-face-to-face assessment work.
Taking the next step
If you are considering an adult ADHD assessment, begin by talking with us about your concerns and how you think an assessment might help. We can then discuss whether this service may be appropriate and explain the likely process for you.
Enquire about an adult ADHD assessment:
https://www.northwestpsych.com.au/adhd-assessments-for-adults
General assessment enquiry:
https://www.northwestpsych.com.au/autism-and-adhd-assessments
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical or psychological advice, assessment or diagnosis.