Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment at Cairnmillar?

No referral is required to contact Cairnmillar and begin the assessment process. You can self-refer by completing the online assessment form or contacting the clinic directly on 1800 391 393. Note that Medicare rebates may be available for individuals under 25 with a specific referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

How much does an ADHD assessment cost at Cairnmillar?

Assessment fees depend on the pathway required. The Community Clinic pathway costs $750 at full fee or $550 for concession holders. The Blended Diagnostic Evaluation costs $2,750 at full fee or $2,150 concession. The full Diagnostic Evaluation carried out by a registered psychologist costs $3,400 at full fee or $2,800 concession.

How long does an ADHD assessment take at Cairnmillar?

The process begins with an intake session of 90 to 120 minutes covering detailed questions about functioning and history. This is followed by two or three testing sessions and a feedback session. Testing sessions generally need to be completed face-to-face at one of Cairnmillar's clinic locations. The current waitlist is up to three months from the time of initial contact.

What assessment pathways are available for ADHD at Cairnmillar?

Three pathways are available. The Community Clinic Pathway is a low-cost option carried out by provisional psychologists under supervision, suitable for cognitive, learning or vocational assessments. The Diagnostic Evaluation Pathway is carried out by registered psychologists and is appropriate when a diagnosis of ADHD is being considered. The Advanced Assessment Pathway involves two psychologists working collaboratively and is tailored for individuals aged 12 and over with one or more previous diagnoses or complex presentations.

ADHD Assessment in Melbourne — What It Really Involves and How to Get Started

A practical guide to assessments at the Cairnmillar Clinics

ADHD assessments can vary widely in quality and scope. In this guide, Dr Julia Parsonson, Senior Psychologist and Assessment Clinic Lead at The Cairnmillar Institute, 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. Our 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.

Our Three Assessment Pathways

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.

How to get started

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

Have questions? Contact our friendly clinic team directly on 1800 391 393.

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.

Dr Julia Parsonson is a Senior Psychologist and Assessment Clinic Lead at The Cairnmillar Institute. She is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist with experience across the UK and Australia and holds a Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology from University College London. Julia is a registered Psychologist with AHPRA. Her practice takes a neurodiversity‑affirming approach, with a particular focus on Autism and ADHD. As a board‑approved supervisor, she provides neurodevelopmental assessments and supports inclusive practice across clinical, professional, and community settings.

About The Cairnmillar Institute: Founded in 1961, The Cairnmillar Institute is an independent, not-for- profit organisation dedicated to advancing the mental health and resilience of communities across Australia. We provide higher and tertiary education (from vocational to doctoral degrees) with primary focus on psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, accessible mental health services, applied research, and evidence-based capability and workforce development. With more than 65 years of experience, we have built a strong reputation for practical education, high quality clinical care, community engagement, and strong graduate outcomes. Our approach is guided by the Triple Helix model, which connects research, education and clinical practice in a single integrated system. This model ensures that evidence informs service delivery, insights from practice shape teaching and professional training, and research stays connected to real community needs.