ADHD Assessment Sydney

ADHD Assessment Sydney

Understanding Our ADHD Assessment Approach

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. At McKinnon Psychology, we conduct ADHD assessments for children, teens, and adults using evidence-based, best-in-class methods.

Our clinic, conveniently located less than 5 minutes from Edgecliff station, supports clients from throughout Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Inner West, and beyond. We also offer telehealth ADHD assessments for clients throughout Australia who are unable to attend in person.

Our ADHD testing is personalised to each client and incorporates multiple assessment tools and methodologies to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Standardised psychometric assessments
• Detailed clinical interviews
• Behavior rating scales
• Cognitive testing (if applicable)
• Developmental history review

It’s never too late to undergo an ADHD assessment. For many individuals, receiving an ADHD diagnosis can help provide a new perspective of yourself and your interactions with the world. Recognising and harnessing the unique strengths of your ADHD brain can bring immense relief, bolster confidence, and substantially improve quality of life.

Adult ADHD Assessment Sydney

While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults go undiagnosed and struggle with symptoms throughout their lives. Our Adult ADHD Assessment service is specifically designed to address the unique presentation of ADHD in adulthood.

Adult ADHD can manifest differently than childhood ADHD, with symptoms that may include:

• Difficulty with time management and organisation
• Challenges maintaining focus during meetings or conversations
• Impulsive decision-making
• Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
• Emotional dysregulation
• Inconsistent work performance despite adequate intellect and skills

Our adult ADHD assessments consider these unique factors, including possible co-occurring conditions like OCD, which can sometimes overlap with ADHD symptoms. We conduct thorough ADHD assessments to ensure that all cooccurring conditions or alternate diagnoses, such as autism or OCD, are identified and accounted for before formalising an ADHD diagnosis.

We understand that it can be difficult for adults to find the necessary time to undergo this process, which is why we offer remote ADHD assessments with secure Telehealth access.

From ADHD Assessment to ADHD Treatment in Sydney

We can conduct one-off ADHD assessments. However, unlike other clinics, our psychologists also offer end-to-end care that begins with a comprehensive ADHD assessment and, if appropriate, is followed by psychological therapy with the same psychologist.

Our ADHD treatment approaches may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing ADHD symptoms
• Executive functioning skills development
• Environmental modifications and accommodations
• Therapeutic support for emotional challenges associated with ADHD
• Collaboration with other healthcare providers if medication is part of treatment

This continuity of care allows our psychologists to develop a personalised treatment plan that evolves with you or your loved one’s progress, while also helping build trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship.

What to Expect During Your Sydney ADHD Assessment

Before your ADHD assessment, you will attend an initial consultation. During this first session, your psychologist will assess your concerns, history, and goals. For children and teens, 2 initial consultation sessions are required; 1 parent session and 1 child or teen session. Based on the information gathered, your psychologist will tailor an ADHD assessment to suit your needs.

The ADHD assessment involves 2 stages, which may require 2-4 sessions:

1. Testing Phase: This includes clinical interviews, questionnaires, and/or psychometric tests designed to evaluate attention, executive functioning, and other cognitive processes.
2. Report and Feedback: After testing is completed, your psychologist will write a detailed report with your results and recommendations. They will take you through this report and discuss next steps during a feedback session.

The results of an ADHD assessment may be used to tailor treatment plans, offer educational recommendations, and guide therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Assessment Sydney

Where can I get an ADHD assessment in Sydney?

Our clinic in Edgecliff provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for residents throughout Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Inner West, and surrounding areas. Located just steps away from Edgecliff station (less than 5 minutes’ walk), our clinic is easily accessible via public transport from all parts of Sydney. We also offer telehealth ADHD assessments for adult clients throughout Australia.

Do you offer Telehealth ADHD assessments?

Yes, we provide telehealth ADHD assessments for adult clients throughout Australia who are unable to attend our Edgecliff clinic in person. While some components of the assessment may need to be adapted for the telehealth format, our psychologists are experienced in conducting thorough remote assessments. At this point in time, we do not offer telehealth appointments for our child and adolescent clients.

What does an ADHD assessment involve?

1. Initial consultation

Before your ADHD assessment, you will attend an initial consultation. During this first session, your psychologist will assess your concerns, history, and goals. For children and teens, 2 initial consultation sessions are required; 1 parent session and 1 child or teen session. Based on the information gathered, your psychologist will tailor an ADHD assessment to suit your needs.

2. ADHD assessment

Following the initial assessment, The ADHD assessment involves 2 stages, which may require 2-4 sessions. The first stage is testing, which may include clinical interviews, questionnaires, and/or psychometric tests. After the testing is completed, the second stage involves your psychologist writing a detailed report with your results and recommendations. They will take you through this report and discuss next steps during a feedback session.

How many sessions are required for the ADHD assessment?

Excluding the initial consultation, an ADHD assessment typically comprises 2-4 sessions, depending on the testing required. After the assessment is complete, and if it is appropriate, you are welcome to continue to see your psychologist for further support and treatment.

How much does the initial consultation cost?

The initial consultation session is charged at your psychologist’s regular rate.

Subsequent sessions for ongoing support and treatment are also charged at your psychologist’s regular rate.

How much does an ADHD assessment cost?

The fee for an ADHD assessment varies, as all of our assessments are tailored to suit our clients’ individual needs. The cost can be as low as $1400, depending on factors such as the number of sessions required, hours needed, and types of tests used. Please contact the clinic for an estimated fee for a standard ADHD assessment.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate for an ADHD assessment?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer rebates for ADHD assessments. However, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for your initial consultation session, as well as any additional sessions that occur as a part of treating the condition . To claim the Medicare rebate, we require a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from a GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist.

If I have already completed some psychometric testing, will these tests be repeated?

Previous psychometric testing may need to repeated depending on how recently the tests were completed, the testing procedure and protocol, and your current concerns. This will be discussed with your psychologist during your initial appointment.

What do I do after my ADHD assessment?

Your psychologist will provide a detailed report with your results and personalised recommendations for ongoing management or treatment. These outcomes will be discussed during your feedback session, during which your psychologist can help formulate a plan on how to move forward.

If further psychological support or treatment is recommended, you are welcome to continue seeing your psychologist. We can also provide referrals for external care if necessary.

Can you prescribe medication for ADHD?

In Australia, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication. We work closely with external psychiatrists and other medical professionals who specialise in ADHD and can assess your suitability for medication.

What is the difference between an ADHD assessment with a psychologist and an ADHD assessment with a psychiatrist?

Psychologist: Carries out the full diagnostic assessment from clinical interviews, psychometric testing, and a review of your history across school, work and relationships. Psychologists can diagnose ADHD but cannot prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist: Can also diagnose ADHD, and can prescribe and manage medication where needed. Appointments typically involve longer waitlists and higher fees.

A common pathway: Assess with a psychologist first, then see a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss medication. This is often faster and more affordable than starting with a psychiatrist.

Our ADHD Assessment Sydney Psychologists

Dr Anna McKinnon

Shanae O’Leary