ADHD Assessment

What does assessment involve?

We offer ADHD assessment to children, youth, and adults. Assessment is comprehensive, involving information gathering from multiple sources and administration of formal assessment measures. The assessment process involves a series of questionnaires and interviews.

Are you able to prescribe medications?

Our psychiatrists, registrars, and nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medication for ADHD.

Please note that if you live in WA, we will not be able to prescribe stimulants, because we are based in VIC. If you live in WA, you need to see a psychiatrist in WA for stimulant medication. We are happy to consider non-stimulant medication and non-medication options with people who live in WA.

Can my GP prescribe my medications?

If they are willing and you are on a stable dose, we are happy to transfer prescribing and stimulant permits to your GP in accordance with state and territory laws. 

Where is the assessment held?

We offer assessment via telehealth or in person at our clinic in Bendigo.

Is there a waitlist?

Generally, we are able to see you within 1-2 months. 

Do I need a referral?

We are happy to see you with or without a referral, but referrals may make you eligible for a Medicare rebate. It is also important for us to be able to communicate with your GP, whether you have a referral or not.

How much does the assessment cost?

An initial appointment with our psychiatrist is $850. It isn't possible to say how long it will take to stabilise medication doses, but $150-250 is indicative for follow up appointments. With our nurse practitioner, the initial appointment is $450 with $180 follow up appointments and an appointment with our psychiatrist for $250 to get your medication started. 

Is there a Medicare rebate?

In many cases, the answer is yes. You will need to get a referral from your GP for Medicare rebates with our psychiatrist. For our nurse practitioner or registrar, you must see them in person for the first appointment to qualify for a Medicare rebate.

How should I prepare?

It can be helpful to bring any previous test results such as school reports, imaging, your list of medications, and other medical history, especially if you have childhood medical reports or letters. On the day of assessment, ensure you have had adequate sleep, food, and water. 

Can someone else attend with me?

You can bring support people no matter their relationship to you. There may be limited space in the assessment room, so please let us know if you are bringing more than 2 people to the clinic. 

If it is someone who knows you well, they can be very helpful in adding to your interview.

How long will the assessment take?

The interview can take up to 1 hour, and follow up sessions tend to be up to 30 minutes. 

Do I have to involve a parent?

If a family member or someone who has known you for a long time is available, this enhances the process. They do not need to attend the interview, but we ask that, if possible, someone who knew you before you were 18 years old completes a questionnaire. We understand, though, that not everyone has contact with people from their childhood and are happy to work with you to obtain the best and most accurate information possible. School reports can be particularly helpful in establishing a long term pattern of symptoms.

Are my results confidential?

Your results will be shared with your referrer and your GP. You can choose with whom else you want to share the information.