ADHD Assessment for Adults in Melbourne — What You Need to Know

If you are an adult who suspects you may have ADHD, or you have been told by someone else to look into it, getting a formal assessment is a practical first step toward understanding yourself better. This guide explains what a comprehensive ADHD assessment looks like, why a whole‑person approach matters, and how to navigate assessment pathways with confidence.

What Is a psychological assessment?

The purpose of a psychological assessment is to gather and interpret information about a person’s cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning. It is used to identify strengths and challenges, diagnose developmental and mental health conditions to help develop individualised treatment plans to improve a person’s quality of life.

Importantly, Cairnmillar’s approach focuses on understanding your unique experience rather than simply providing a diagnosis — although a diagnosis is provided as part of the assessment process where relevant.

Can Cairnmillar assess for ADHD?

Yes. ADHD is one of the presentations that Cairnmillar’s assessment service can assess and diagnose. The assessment tools used may include questionnaires about executive functioning and structured interviews specifically used in ADHD assessment. Their practices are strictly evidence-based and draw directly on the AADPA Guidelines (referenced in the recent ABC Four Corners episode). This means a focus on the individual and their experience; not a focus on one single diagnosis. However, there is an important distinction to understand about which assessment pathway is right.

 

• Community Clinic Pathway: A low-cost service carried out by provisional psychologists (Under supervision). It is suitable for cognitive, learning or vocational assessments. Some people are not seeking a diagnosis but just want to understand themselves better. This pathway helps these clients at a lower cost than would be possible for a full diagnostic evaluation.
• Diagnostic Evaluation Pathway: Assessments in this pathway are carried out by registered psychologists who may hold additional endorsements such as clinical psychology or educational and developmental psychology. This pathway is ideal for people who have a family history or previous screeners that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD is relevant.
• Advanced Assessment Pathway: This pathway involves two psychologists working collaboratively; it is tailored for individuals aged 12 and over who have one or more previous diagnoses and want to understand more, or who have complex mental health challenges that need further exploration.

Do clients need a referral?

No. You do not need a referral to contact Cairnmillar and begin the assessment process. You can self-refer or have a professional or family member assist you. (Note: Medicare rebates may be available for individuals under 25 with a specific referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist).

 

What does the assessment process look like?

• This starts by contacting the Clinic. The Clinic Support Team will send you an email with a link to an online form.  Once this is complete, the person needing assessment will be directed to the best pathway for your needs. The waitlist is up to three months.
• The first session is an intake session with either a registered psychologist or a provisional psychologist. This lasts 90 to 120 minutes and covers detailed questions about functioning and history.
• After the intake session, there are two or three more testing sessions and a feedback session. Testing sessions generally need to be face-to-face at one of Cairnmillar’s clinic locations. At the feedback session the results are explained and, where applicable, a diagnosis is given. A written report is also included.

How much does an assessment cost?

Our assessments don’t just explore ADHD but help to understand more about strengths and challenges through a comprehensive assessment of history, current functioning and future goals.

Fees depend on the pathway required for your circumstances:

• Community Pathway: Fees start at $750 ($550 concession). This looks broadly at learning, day-to-day skills, attention, and mood.
• Diagnostic Evaluation (Registered Psychologist): $3,400 ($2,800 concession). This is an involved, highly comprehensive evaluation of development, learning, and behaviour.
• Blended Diagnostic Evaluation: $2,750 ($2,150 concession). This allows you to complete portions of the assessment with a Provisional Psychologist working alongside a Registered Psychologist, reducing the overall cost.

Where Do Assessments Take Place?

Most assessments have components that can only be conducted in-person at one of Cairnmillar’s four clinic locations. However, if travel is a significant barrier for you, Cairnmillar will do its best to provide appointments via telehealth where possible. You will be asked about your preferences in the intake form.

 

How to Get Started

To request an assessment at Cairnmillar, contact the clinic at 1800 391 393 or submit an appointment request.

If you or a client would benefit from assessment at Cairnmillar Clinics, we are ready to guide you to the right support.

Ready to book? Please complete our Online Assessment form

Once your form is submitted, we will review your responses, send an email confirming the best pathway for your needs, and provide details on upcoming appointment availability.