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.

Jack offers ADHD assessments for adults in person or online via Zoom.

Bookings are available up to 3 months in advance.

My rate for the full assessment, including a report, is $1800 (GST included).

Book Assessment

From February 1, 2026, New Zealand will see changes in how ADHD assessments can be conducted. For the first time, specially trained general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) will be authorised to assess and diagnose ADHD in adults aged 18 and above, and prescribe stimulant medications.

Key changes taking effect:

  • GPs and NPs with specialist training will be able to conduct assessments and diagnose ADHD in adults

  • GPs and NPs will have the ability to prescribe stimulant medications after diagnosis

  • Patients will gain additional pathways to access ADHD medication prescriptions

  • Clinical psychologists will continue to offer ADHD assessments to adults in the community

  • For more detailed information, read a blog post written by clinical psychologist, Petra Hoggarth

Changes to Adult ADHD diagnosis in 2026

What is likely to happen:

  • Some GPs and NPs will complete training to provide ADHD assessments for their patients.

  • Most GP’s and NPs will be authorised to prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD.

  • A hybrid or collaborative working model.

    • Experienced clinical psychologists will continue to perform thorough ADHD assessments and and write reports.

    • GPs and NPs will accept diagnoses from clinical psychologists and then handle medication prescribing and monitoring.

What is unlikely to to happen:

  • You will not be able to present to your GP / NP for a 15 minute appointment, get a diagnosis of ADHD, and be prescribed medication. Assessments will remain a comprehensive process.

  • Due to the time intensive nature of ADHD assessments, many GPs / NPs will not be offering them, only some will offer this.

  • The cost of assessments may not significantly change, it will likely remain a time intensive process, with the cost reflecting this.

Recommendation for clients with bookings from December 2025 onwards:

  • Prior to booking an ADHD assessment with a clinical psychologist, it is recommended that you first reach out to your medical practice and clarify whether your GP or NP will be able to prescribe stimulant medication from February 2026 if you receive a diagnosis of ADHD. It is expected that most medical practices will accept a diagnosis of ADHD from a clinical psychologist and be willing to prescribe medication.

  • If your GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, you will need to see a private psychiatrist. Jack can refer you to a psychiatrist after your assessment if required.

Assessment Process

Initial Screening

  • Contact Jack 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, Jack 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, you can then access medication either through your GP or by paying for a private psychiatrist.

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