Services · ADHD Assessments
Comprehensive ADHD Assessments for Children, Teenagers and Adults
Are you wondering whether ADHD may help explain the difficulties you or your child are experiencing?
The Psychology Hub provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for children, teenagers and adults. Appointments are available online throughout Australia and in person at our North Lakes clinic in North Brisbane.
Our experienced psychologists take the time to understand each person’s unique strengths, difficulties, history and circumstances. We look beyond individual symptoms to provide meaningful answers, personalised recommendations and a clearer pathway forward.
You do not need a GP referral to begin. Book an initial ADHD assessment appointment directly with us, or use our clinician matcher to find a psychologist who provides ADHD assessments.
New to the clinic? See what happens at your first assessment appointment.
Could ADHD be part of the picture?
People seek an ADHD assessment for many reasons. There may be longstanding difficulties with concentration, starting or finishing tasks, organisation, time management, restlessness or acting before thinking. These patterns may affect learning, work, relationships, home life or emotional wellbeing.
Similar experiences can have more than one explanation. An assessment considers the person’s development, health, learning, environment and day-to-day functioning rather than assuming ADHD from a checklist or online quiz.
Children and families
Parents or carers may notice difficulties with attention, routines, activity levels, impulse control, learning or managing expectations across home and school. Where appropriate, the assessment may include information from parents, carers, teachers and existing reports.
Teenagers
Increasing academic, social and organisational demands can make earlier difficulties more noticeable. The young person’s perspective is central, with parent, carer or school information included where appropriate and with consent.
Adults
Adults may seek clarity about longstanding patterns affecting work, study, relationships, household tasks or wellbeing. Where helpful and available, the clinician may ask about childhood development or input from someone who knows the person’s history.
If a child is not yet at an age or developmental stage where an ADHD diagnostic assessment is appropriate, parents can still book the 90-minute initial assessment appointment. The clinician can explore the concerns in the context of the child’s age and development and recommend an appropriate next step, which may or may not be an ADHD diagnostic assessment.
An assessment does not guarantee an ADHD diagnosis. Its purpose is to develop a careful understanding and discuss appropriate next steps.
ADHD assessments are available from age 5. Age ranges vary by clinician and by whether the appointment is online or in clinic, so use the clinician matcher to see each clinician’s range.
If you have concerns about a child under 5, we can still see them. An initial appointment can look at what is happening and identify the right starting point, which may be parent or family support, practical strategies, monitoring over time, developmental assessment or another type of assessment rather than an ADHD diagnostic assessment.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment looks beyond ADHD
Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and individualised. The purpose is not simply to provide a “yes” or “no” answer about ADHD, but to develop a meaningful understanding of the whole person.
The clinician will consider the person’s current concerns, strengths, developmental history and everyday functioning, together with relevant medical, family, social, educational or occupational factors, sleep, life experiences and emotional wellbeing.
Where clinically appropriate, questionnaires and other assessment measures may also screen for possible co-occurring conditions, neurodevelopmental differences and alternative explanations for the difficulties being experienced.
This helps the clinician consider:
- whether ADHD is present;
- whether another condition may better explain some or all of the concerns;
- whether ADHD and one or more co-occurring conditions may be present; and
- what support, intervention or further assessment may be helpful.
Our aim is to help the person understand what is happening, what may be contributing to their difficulties and what is likely to help. The comprehensive report will explain the findings and provide personalised recommendations for appropriate next steps and supports.
ADHD is one of several assessment services available at the clinic.
Online ADHD Assessments Across Australia
We provide online ADHD assessments for children, teenagers and adults across all Australian states and territories. In-person ADHD assessment appointments are also available at our North Lakes clinic in North Brisbane.
The clinician will discuss the most suitable assessment process based on the person’s age, circumstances, presenting concerns and individual assessment needs.
Online ADHD assessments
Online appointments are available across all Australian states and territories where telehealth is clinically appropriate and a clinician offers the service for the person’s age and circumstances. You will need a private space, suitable internet and a device that supports secure video appointments. Some assessment purposes, ages or test components may require an in-person appointment or additional information.
In-clinic ADHD assessments
In-clinic appointments are available at The Psychology Hub, Shop 5/25 Discovery Drive, North Lakes QLD 4509. Clinician age ranges and current availability vary, so use the clinician matcher to find an appropriate option.
What an ADHD assessment may involve
Every assessment is tailored to the person and the purpose of the report. It may include:
90-minute initial appointment
Every assessment begins with an appointment to understand the person’s concerns, history and goals. The clinician then recommends an individualised assessment pathway and provides a tailored quote.
Clinical interviews
These explore attention, activity, impulse control, executive functioning and the impact across important areas of life.
Questionnaires or standardised measures
Selected by the clinician according to age, circumstances and the purpose of the assessment.
Supporting information
With consent, this may include parent, partner, teacher or other collateral information, school reports, previous assessments or relevant health records.
Additional assessment sessions
Arranged if further information or testing is clinically required.
Feedback and documentation
Discuss the findings, whether diagnostic criteria are met, and any recommendations or next steps. A full comprehensive assessment would ordinarily include a written report, though documentation may be scoped differently depending on the assessment.
The number and length of appointments vary. Following the initial appointment, the clinician will explain the recommended pathway, report inclusions and tailored quote before you proceed.
Timing and written reports
Initial appointments are typically available within one to two weeks for both online and North Lakes appointments, subject to clinician availability and suitability. This is the wait for the initial appointment, not the time required to complete the full assessment process.
Where a written report is included in the agreed scope, it is usually completed within four to six weeks after the assessment sessions are finished. Complex assessments, missing documents or delays in receiving collateral information may extend this timeframe. The clinician will confirm the expected documentation and timing in the recommended pathway and tailored quote.
Before booking, tell the clinic why the report is needed and whether another organisation has set particular requirements. The Psychology Hub cannot guarantee that a report will be accepted by a school, employer, funder, court, government agency or another health professional, or that it will produce a particular diagnosis, medication, funding or support outcome.
What to prepare
If available, it can be helpful to gather previous psychological, medical or allied-health reports; school reports, learning assessments or workplace information; a current medication and health summary; details of relevant developmental and family history; contact information for a parent, partner, teacher or other person who may provide collateral information, where appropriate; and any written requirements from the person or organisation requesting the report.
Do not delay making an enquiry if you do not have these documents. The clinician will explain what is relevant for your circumstances.
Fees, referrals and funding
Can I self-refer?
Yes. A referral is not generally required to book a privately funded ADHD assessment. A referral may be required if another organisation requesting the report requires one.
How are assessments funded?
Diagnostic assessments are privately funded. The Medicare rebates that apply to standard therapy sessions do not ordinarily apply to assessment services, so plan for the full fee. If you have a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or a particular funding arrangement in mind, tell us when you enquire and we will confirm what applies to your circumstances before you proceed.
Can private health insurance help?
Some policies may contribute to psychology assessment services. Benefits and exclusions vary, so check directly with your insurer using the clinician and service details provided by the clinic.
Support after your ADHD assessment
An ADHD assessment can provide valuable clarity and help identify practical next steps. Recommendations are tailored to the individual and may include:
- psychological therapy and ADHD-informed support;
- psychoeducation and a better understanding of individual strengths and needs;
- executive-functioning strategies;
- emotional-regulation support;
- parenting or family strategies;
- school, university or workplace supports and adjustments;
- environmental or lifestyle changes;
- assessment or support for co-occurring concerns; and
- consultation with another health professional where appropriate.
Where helpful, we may recommend suitable practitioners or services for support following the assessment. This may include practitioners within The Psychology Hub or relevant external professionals.
Medication is only one possible ADHD support option and is not the only reason to undertake an assessment. Many people benefit from psychological, behavioural, environmental, educational, family or workplace-based supports, whether or not medication forms part of their care.
If someone wishes to explore medication, their comprehensive report can be shared with their GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified medical practitioner. The report provides detailed assessment findings and recommendations to inform the practitioner’s consultation, clinical decision-making and ongoing care. The medical practitioner may complete their own consultation and relevant health checks as part of safe prescribing, but this does not mean repeating the comprehensive psychological assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Yes. Psychologists with appropriate training and experience can assess and diagnose ADHD.
The Psychology Hub has psychologists who provide comprehensive ADHD and other developmental and cognitive assessments for children, teenagers and adults. You do not need to see a psychiatrist or paediatrician simply to begin an ADHD assessment with us.
Not every psychologist provides every type of assessment, so our clinician matcher can help you find a practitioner with relevant ADHD assessment experience.
Who do you provide ADHD assessments for?
We provide ADHD assessments for children, teenagers and adults. Assessments are available online throughout Australia and in person at our North Lakes clinic in North Brisbane.
Each assessment is individually planned according to the person’s age, circumstances, presenting concerns and assessment needs.
Can we get help for a child under five?
Yes. ADHD assessments are available from age 5, but that does not mean we cannot help a younger child who is having difficulties.
Parents can book an initial appointment to discuss concerns about a child under 5. The clinician will consider the child’s age, development and circumstances and recommend an appropriate next step. That may be parent or family support, practical strategies, monitoring over time, developmental assessment, or another type of assessment rather than an ADHD diagnostic assessment.
If you are not sure where to start, a free 10–15 minute discovery call with the clinic team is the easiest way to ask.
Can an ADHD assessment be completed online?
Yes. Many ADHD assessments can be completed online using secure Telehealth appointments, allowing us to assist people throughout Australia.
The clinician will consider the person’s age, needs and circumstances when recommending the most suitable assessment process. In-person appointments are also available at our North Lakes clinic.
What does a comprehensive ADHD assessment include?
The exact assessment process is tailored to the individual. It may include:
- a comprehensive clinical interview;
- developmental, medical, educational, occupational and personal history;
- questionnaires and recognised psychometric measures;
- consideration of attention, executive functioning and everyday functioning;
- review of relevant school, medical or previous assessment reports;
- information from parents, partners, teachers or other people where appropriate;
- consideration of individual strengths and support needs;
- screening for possible co-occurring conditions; and
- consideration of alternative explanations or differential diagnoses.
The purpose is to develop a meaningful understanding of the whole person rather than relying on a single questionnaire or providing only a yes-or-no answer about ADHD.
What happens at the initial ADHD assessment appointment?
Your initial 90-minute appointment is the first stage of your comprehensive ADHD assessment.
During this appointment, your clinician will take the time to understand your concerns, strengths, history and current circumstances. They will then determine which assessment components and measures are most appropriate for you or your child.
Because every person is different, we do not use one fixed assessment package for everyone. Following the initial appointment, your clinician will explain the recommended assessment pathway, provide a personalised quote and guide you through booking the remaining appointments.
Each stage builds towards a comprehensive understanding of what is happening, including whether ADHD or another condition is present, whether there are co-occurring concerns and what supports are likely to help. We will support you throughout the process.
A diagnosis is not ordinarily made during the initial appointment because the clinician must first gather and carefully consider all the relevant information.
What happens if the findings are not fully explained by ADHD?
Our assessments are designed to provide useful answers, even when the findings are more complex than ADHD alone.
The clinician will consider whether another condition or life circumstance may better explain some or all of the concerns, as well as whether ADHD and another condition may be occurring together. The assessment may also identify areas that could benefit from additional exploration or support.
Your report will explain the findings and provide personalised recommendations to help you understand the most appropriate next steps.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-refer and book an initial ADHD assessment appointment directly with us. You do not need to see a GP before contacting The Psychology Hub or beginning the assessment process.
If you have an existing GP referral, relevant medical information or previous reports, please provide these to your clinician where possible.
Medicare rebates may apply to particular appointments in limited circumstances but generally do not cover the full cost of a comprehensive ADHD assessment and report. Our team can clarify this before you book.
Can I use NDIS funding for an ADHD assessment?
NDIS funding cannot be used when the purpose of the assessment is to diagnose ADHD.
Some other assessments may be NDIS-funded when their purpose is to understand everyday functioning and disability-related support needs. Please contact us before booking if you are unsure whether the assessment you require may be funded through your NDIS plan.
Will I receive a comprehensive written report?
Yes. Following completion of the agreed assessment process, you will receive a comprehensive written report explaining the relevant assessment results, clinical findings and diagnostic conclusions, where appropriate.
The report will also outline individual strengths, areas of difficulty, possible co-occurring concerns and personalised recommendations for relevant supports and next steps.
The report can provide helpful information for other professionals involved in your care, including psychologists, GPs, psychiatrists and paediatricians, as well as schools, universities, workplaces and relevant support services.
If you require the report for a particular purpose, please let us know at the beginning of the assessment so your clinician can discuss any specific requirements with you.
What support is available after an ADHD assessment?
The assessment is intended to help you move forward with greater clarity. Recommendations will be tailored to your individual strengths, difficulties, circumstances and goals.
Depending on your needs, recommendations may include psychological therapy, psychoeducation, executive-functioning strategies, emotional-regulation support, parenting or family strategies, school or workplace supports, environmental changes, or support for co-occurring concerns.
We may also recommend practitioners or services that could assist following the assessment. Where suitable practitioners are available, you may be able to access ongoing ADHD-informed psychological support through The Psychology Hub.
If you would like to explore medication, your comprehensive report can be provided to your GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified medical practitioner. The report will inform the practitioner’s consultation and clinical decision-making, so you are not simply starting the psychological assessment process again. Medication is one possible option, but it is not the only form of ADHD support.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?
The total cost depends on the assessment components and measures required for the individual.
It is similar to visiting a dentist. The dentist first completes an initial appointment to understand what is happening, determine what treatment is required and then provide a personalised recommendation and quote. They cannot know exactly what will be needed before they have assessed the person.
Our assessment process works in much the same way. The initial 90-minute appointment allows the clinician to understand the person’s presentation and determine what further assessment is required. The clinician will then explain the recommended assessment pathway and provide a personalised quote.
You pay for each stage as you progress rather than paying the entire assessment cost upfront.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The timeframe depends on what assessment components are required, how quickly questionnaires and other requested information are completed and returned, and how soon the relevant follow-up appointments can be completed.
Your clinician will explain the recommended process and anticipated timeframe following the initial appointment and support you through each stage.
Can I bring someone to my ADHD assessment?
Yes. You are welcome to have a support person, family member, partner, carer or advocate attend your appointment if this helps you feel comfortable or communicate your needs.
There may be times when the clinician recommends speaking with you individually for part of the appointment. This will be discussed with you as part of the assessment process.
Can parents, partners, teachers or other people contribute information?
Yes. We often find it helpful to obtain information from people who know the person well, such as parents, partners, teachers or other relevant people.
This can help the clinician understand the person’s development, strengths, difficulties and everyday functioning across different settings. Who is involved will depend on the person’s age, circumstances and assessment needs, and information will only be obtained with the appropriate consent.
Can I access both ADHD therapy and an assessment through The Psychology Hub?
Yes. The Psychology Hub provides both ADHD assessment and ongoing therapy and support.
Sometimes the same psychologist may provide both services. In other circumstances, a different practitioner may be recommended for ongoing support. We can help connect you with a suitable practitioner based on your individual needs, preferences and goals.
More questions about appointments, fees and how the clinic works? See our frequently asked questions.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are seeking answers for yourself or your child, our experienced psychologists are here to help you understand what is happening and identify a clear pathway forward.
You do not need a GP referral to begin. Book your initial ADHD assessment appointment online, or use our clinician matcher to find a psychologist who meets your needs.
Or call 1300 366 614.
You talk, we listen.
