Will I receive a formal diagnosis of adult ADHD?
Yes, at completion of the assessment process (during your Feedback Session) your psychologist will inform you as to whether or not you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. If you do meet the criteria, they will be able to provide a written, formal diagnosis, within the comprehensive report. Our reports can be reviewed by a psychiatrist who may confirm diagnosis and prescribe medication where appropriate.
What are the benefits of being formally diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Many people who have received a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult report feeling an overwhelming sense of validation, and a different lens through which to view some of the challenges they may have faced throughout life. For some people they may have attributed struggles they’ve had with attention, focus, organisation, or impulsivity to a personal failing or inadequacy. Receiving a diagnosis can feel like a relief, as it provides a neurological basis for struggles experienced.
The increased awareness that can come from a diagnosis can then motivate a person to develop effective coping strategies to better manage their symptoms. It can also help others (e.g. partners, family, friends) to understand the person better, and can help people to advocate for certain accommodations to be made to support their study or work.
What kinds of recommendations would I get in an ADHD assessment report?
Our priority is providing comprehensive reports and feedback in simple language to help you understand what the results reveal. The emphasis of our reports is on personalised recommendations and strategies that can assist given your unique set of strengths and weaknesses. We provide practical, easy-to-adopt recommendations and strategies for you to help make immediate improvements in the quality of your life and functioning.
Do you need a referral for ADHD testing in Perth?
No, you do not need a referral for an ADHD assessment. In the first instance, if you are worried about any aspect of your functioning, development or mental health, we recommend you start by discussing your concerns with your General Practitioner. Your GP is your primary health provider, and it is always beneficial to have your GP involved in your health concerns. However, a GP referral is NOT required to commence your confirmation of ADHD. However, if you have one, please bring it with you.
What should I bring to my adult ADHD assessment?
Please bring along any school reports, and/or a resume to your appointment. While these are not essential, they can help with the assessment process.
Can I bring a loved one to my ADHD diagnosis appointment?
Should you wish to have the opportunity to go through your results and their implications with a partner, or significant other, this can be arranged following your Feedback Session.
How do you book an ADHD test/assessment?
Once you’re ready to make a booking for an adult ADHD assessment, call Headway’s friendly administration team on (08) 9226 4489, or submit an online enquiry, mentioning that you’re interested in an ADHD test for adults.
Our team will run through any queries you might have, and make a date for your booking, usually within 4-8 weeks. For our assessment packages, a deposit is required to confirm the booking of your initial session (Clinical Interview). This can be taken over the phone for your convenience.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialised training in psychiatry which is the study of how to diagnose, treat and prevent emotional and behavioural disorders. Being medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication such as anti-depressants and stimulant medication for the treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatrists can also admit people to hospital if needed or make referrals to other health practitioners.
A psychologist is a registered health professional who is trained in human behaviour. Some psychologists choose to complete further training to become endorsed in specific areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, health, community, forensic, organisational, and sports psychology. A psychologist can administer psychometric assessments to diagnose mental disorders and use different types of talk therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you manage your symptoms.
The main difference between the two is that a psychiatrist has trained as a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and can’t prescribe medication and a psychiatrist tends to prioritise treatment using medication rather than talk therapy.
Will I be prescribed medication?
No, not by a psychologist. Psychologists can diagnose ADHD; however, initial medication is only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a paediatrician in Australia. When medication has stabilised, in some circumstances, ongoing management can be conducted by a General Practitioner.
Our team of qualified professionals provide comprehensive assessment and psychological treatment for adults who are showing signs of ADHD. The assessment process utilises evidenced based psychometrics and a structured clinical interview aimed to assess if an adult meets the criteria for ADHD.
Will I find out my results on the day of the Clinical Interview?
No. Once you have completed your questionnaires and your Clinical Interview, your psychologist will analyse your results, and compile your report. The results of your assessment will usually be given at the Feedback Session scheduled 2-4 weeks following your Clinical Interview appointment. From time to time, the psychologist will request that a further questionnaire is administered based on the results so far. Your formal adult ADHD assessment report will be sent to you via email 1-2 weeks after your Feedback Session.
Can my existing Headway Psychologist complete my adult ADHD assessment?
No. It is best practice for a separate, independent psychologist trained in ADHD assessments to complete your assessment. This is important as it ensures that your assessment is unbiased, independent, and valid. You can then continue individual therapy with your usual therapist.
Do you offer ongoing ADHD treatment/therapy for adults?
Yes, we offer individual therapy to assist with the management of ADHD symptoms. Evidence-based treatment for ADHD suggests that a combination of medication with therapy is the most effective for symptom management.
This is because some ADHD symptoms are supported by stimulant medication and others are the result of years of learning to live with ADHD in an ineffective way.
Your psychologist can work with you to develop more adaptive coping strategies that make management of ADHD symptoms easier. These can include support for emotional reactivity, procrastination, impulsivity, motivation, and interpersonal problems. Evidence-based therapies for ADHD include cognitive behaviour therapy, anger management, interpersonal skills training, marriage/family counselling, and time management/organisational skills training.
Can I undergo an adult ADHD assessment via telehealth (video call)?
No, not usually. There are important aspects of the assessment that cannot be completed via telehealth. However, you will be able to attend your Feedback Session via telehealth if that is more convenient. Please inform our administration team of this requirement when you make your booking.
Do I have to take stimulant medication for ADHD?
No, not necessarily. Seeing a psychiatrist for a prescription of stimulant medication for ADHD is your choice.
You do not have to take stimulant medication, however it is important to understand that while seeing a psychologist for support will be helpful, there are certain symptoms of ADHD that can’t be fixed with talk therapy due to differences in brain function. These can include concentration difficulties, trouble with attention to detail, restlessness, fidgeting, etc.
For this reason, it is often important to consider speaking to a psychiatrist about stimulant medication to support your ADHD.
How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost in Perth?
Pricing for adult ADHD testing/diagnosis in Perth can vary between providers.
At Headway, the cost of the assessment package is $1500. This includes the clinical psychometrics, the clinical interview and assessment, analysis of your results, report writing, and a feedback session.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 will be required upon booking your assessment appointment. The remaining $1000 is due one week prior to your assessment appointment. Payment is either by phone or using the credit card we have on file.
Links to complete clinical questionnaires will not be sent out until payment has been received.
Can I receive a Medicare rebate for an adult ADHD assessment?
There are currently no rebates for psychological assessments available from Medicare.
Private Health: Some private health providers may provide some rebates for psychological assessments. Please enquire with your private health fund.
NDIS: For those who are self-managed or plan-managed NDIS clients, please check with your support coordinator or plan manager regarding utilising your NDIS funds for psychological assessment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give as much notice as possible should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations with more than 3 business days’ notice will result in your deposit being held for a future booking, to be made within 3 months.
Cancellations within 3 business days of the clinical interview will result in forfeiting the deposit of $500. Please be advised we accept medical certificates should you have to cancel due to illness.
