Get Tested for ADHD in Australia: How to Choose an Assessment Provider

There are many different avenues you can take when getting tested for ADHD in Australia, so it’s understandable if choosing an assessment provider feels confusing.

Should you be assessed in person or online? What kind of clinician should you look for? What should the assessment include? And what’s it going to cost?

Here at ADHD Therapy Australia, we provide comprehensive, straightforward and accessible remote ADHD assessments via telehealth. We also offer ADHD therapy, which can be accessed online or in person at our Glebe and Lindfield clinics in Sydney.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing your assessment provider.

The benefits of online ADHD assessments

We offer remote ADHD assessments with our experienced psychologists for several reasons.

Firstly, telehealth assessments are just as effective as in-person assessments when they include a clinical interview, as ours do (read our post “How Do You Get Tested for ADHD: What an ADHD Assessment Actually Involves” here).

We know that the process of organising and attending your assessment can feel overwhelming, so an added benefit of a remote appointment is that it allows you to be assessed from the comfort of your own home, with no travel logistics or time spent in transit. This is especially helpful for people living in rural and remote areas who might have to travel far to access an in-person appointment – as well as the carers of hyperactive and impulsive children who may find travelling difficult.

Another advantage of a remote appointment is the shorter wait times, and the ability to easily book or reschedule your appointment online.

However, not all online ADHD assessments are equally thorough – be cautious of services that rely only on questionnaires or screening tools without including a comprehensive clinical interview.

Choosing an ADHD-informed clinician

Here at ADHD Therapy Australia, our assessors are psychologists and clinical psychologists who have specific training and experience in ADHD assessment (meet our team here).

They’re also trauma-informed, and specifically trained in the assessment of ADHD in women.

This matters because ADHD can present differently from person to person. Symptoms may also be masked, overlooked or confused with the effects of trauma or other mental health conditions. An experienced clinician will look beyond a checklist to understand your individual experiences, history and day-to-day challenges.

If you’re seeking an assessment for a child or teenager, it’s also important to choose a clinician with relevant experience assessing ADHD in that age group.

Our entire process has been designed to be ADHD-friendly – so it’s okay to fidget, move around, interrupt and be yourself in the interview. Our goal is to make you feel heard, seen and informed throughout.

What should be included in a thorough ADHD assessment?

ADHD assessments can differ considerably between providers, so it’s important to understand exactly what’s included before you book.

A thorough ADHD assessment should include your developmental and childhood history, a comprehensive clinical interview, collateral information from people who know you well, a clear diagnosis, and suggestions for moving forwards.

If you choose ADHD Therapy Australia, your assessment will include:

• A pre-screening survey

• Information from people who know you well

• A clinical interview

• A 30-minute feedback session

• A detailed written report

The feedback session is your opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the outcome. We’ll also give you a comprehensive report outlining the assessment findings and recommendations. If you’d like to explore medication, we can discuss the next steps, including how we work with selected psychiatrists. Other doctors may require their own assessment, so we recommend checking their process before booking.

Understand the full cost

Before booking an ADHD assessment, ask the provider to explain the full process and total cost (see our costs here – if you’re interested in medication options, you’ll also need a separate appointment with a medical doctor. This involves an additional fee that isn’t included in our assessment cost.)

Find out whether the advertised price includes the clinical interview, feedback session and written report, or whether some elements cost extra. It’s also worth checking whether follow-up support is available and what your options will be after receiving the outcome.

At ADHD Therapy Australia, we can continue supporting you after your assessment through individual and group therapy. These sessions can help you better understand your unique brain and develop practical strategies to help you cope – and even thrive – in everyday life.

Want to know more? Explore our services or book an ADHD assessment with our experienced, supportive team.

You might also like to listen to our podcast Beyond Distracted, where we share stories from neurodivergent people who succeed by embracing, rather than hiding, their differences.