ADHD Assessments

Living with suspected ADHD can make work, relationships, and daily life hard. Common signs include trouble focusing, getting easily distracted, poor organisation, and difficulty listening. You might often lose things, put off important work, have racing thoughts, or struggle with emotions. Many people feel restless, fidget, interrupt others, or make impulsive decisions. If this sounds familiar, you may wish to consider getting an assessment.

I offer ADHD assessments for adults. I can offer assessments in person or online via Zoom. My rate for the full assessment, including a report, is $1800 (GST included).

If you you live in Canterbury and you receive a diagnosis of ADHD from me, you will be able to access medication via your GP. If you live outside of Canterbury, you'll need to find a private psychiatrist and use my report / diagnosis to get medication from them.

Assessments available in September / October 2025

Assessment Process

Initial Screening

  • Contact me by email or make a booking via my website

  • Free 30-minute phone call to check for ADHD symptoms and other mental health factors

  • If an ADHD assessment is appropriate for you, I will offer you an ADHD assessment date and an invoice will be sent

Cost and Payment

  • The cost of the full assessment and report: $1800 (GST inclusive)

  • Payment is required before assessment date

Assessment

  • Online ADHD questionnaires for you and one other person to complete prior to the assessment

  • 2 - 3 hour assessment interview, either in person or online.

  • You must provide childhood/adolescent evidence of ADHD symptoms (school reports OR confirmation from family member / childhood friend / others)

  • Without evidence of symptoms during childhood / adolescence, an assessment cannot be completed

After Assessment

  • Written report completed

  • Feedback conversation by phone to discuss diagnosis and recommendations

  • If diagnosed with ADHD, report sent to your GP for you to access medication.

Important Notes

  • Completing screening and being offered an assessment doesn't guarantee an ADHD diagnosis

  • All possible explanations for difficulties will be considered

  • Autism spectrum disorder assessments are not currently available

Changes to Adult ADHD diagnosis in 2026

In July 2025, Te Whatu Ora released a new national framework for diagnosing and treating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand. These changes will take effect from February 2026 and are aimed at improving access to care while ensuring ADHD assessments and prescribing remain comprehensive, evidence-based, and consistent nationwide. Notably, the new framework now means that GP’s and nurse practitioner’s with additional specialist training in ADHD will also be able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications for adults.

However, this does not mean that you will be able to present to your GP for a regular 15-minute appointment, get a diagnosis of ADHD, and be prescribed medication. The reality is that the proposed changes are more complex than what has been reported in the media and public forums. ADHD assessments will continue to be a comprehensive assessment process, as outlined above. I would encourage those interested to read a blog post by clinical psychologist, Petra Hoggarth, which provides further details on the proposed changes, and the reality of what to expect from next year onwards.