ADULT ADHD ASSESSMENT
I offer assessment for adult ADHD (age 18+) and psychotherapy and behaviour strategies for the management of ADHD in adults. I do not prescribe or provide special authority numbers for ADHD medication. This has to be done by a psychiatrist.
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A standard assessment includes:
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1. A ~45-minute phone call to screen for ADHD symptoms and other relevant mental health and lifestyle factors before booking confirmation.
2. Completing a self-report questionnaire about current ADHD symptoms and completing an observer report form by someone who knows the person well. Screening tests for mental health issues are also performed depending on the issues present (e.g. depression, anxiety, eating issues). These are all completed online.
3. A two-hour-and-a-half-hour assessment that includes a semi-structured clinical interview for ADHD, discussing other significant life history events and current symptoms of other mental health problems.
4. A review of symptoms present before age 12 by interviewing someone who knew the person as a child (such as a parent, caregiver, or sibling) and any available documentation such as school or other assessment reports.
5. A 50-minute feedback session regarding the assessment, recommendations, and the next steps (medication, therapy etc.)
Please note that there has to be evidence that the person had "several" symptoms of ADHD in childhood and early adolescence for diagnosis. This has to be evident in school reports and/or the
report of someone who knew the person as a child. If neither of these exist (including if the observer
does not report symptoms of ADHD when questioned), then coming to see me isn't the right
assessment option. You will likely need to find a psychiatrist who places less emphasis on collecting
childhood evidence.
If there is evidence that ADHD is present, a report will be provided to the person's GP, who can then send this to the adult specialist mental health service to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication (free!). Other behavioural options for treatment can also be discussed. See the Common Problems section for more information about the symptoms and consequences of adult ADHD.
The fee for this service is $1800. In assessments where additional work is required, a further hourly fee may be added. This is no charge for the telephone screening interview. The total fee is payable two weeks before the first assessment appointment. Payment is accepted by bank transfer.
If you are outside the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha (Canterbury) region you will need a pathway to obtain medication, which is the most effective evidence-based treatment for ADHD. This will most likely mean an additional appointment with a private psychiatrist. It would be better to find a psychiatrist directly and forego a psychologist assessment in most cases.
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