Adult ADHD assessment · NSW
ADHD diagnosis in NSW, explained clearly.
Wondering if it’s ADHD? Our GPs offer a careful two-visit adult assessment in line with DSM-5. Everyone gets a written result, whatever we find.
Visit 1 is always in person in West Pennant Hills. Visit 2 and ongoing care can then be by video visit, if the usual rules are met.
- AGPAL accredited
- GP-owned since 1997
- No referral needed
Who can diagnose ADHD?
Can your GP diagnose ADHD in NSW?
Not every GP diagnoses ADHD. A GP can play a few different roles, so it helps to know which is which.
Already on our waitlist? We’ll email you a booking link. You can also book now.
Your regular GP
Without ADHD approval, they can talk about your symptoms, rule out other causes, and refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician for an assessment.
An endorsed or approved GP
NSW now lets trained GPs do more in ADHD care. Some GPs can do ADHD assessments and, if the doctor decides it suits you, help start a treatment plan. Not every patient needs to see a psychiatrist first.
A continuation-only GP
Cares for people who already have a diagnosis and a treatment plan from a specialist. They do check-ups and repeat scripts, but not new assessments.
A psychiatrist or paediatrician
Still the path for complex cases, for children and teenagers, and for people outside a GP’s scope.
These roles are easy to mix up. Before you book, ask any GP if they do ADHD assessments or only continuation prescribing. Read about our doctors’ training on our GP team page.
GP, psychiatrist or psychologist
Who can diagnose ADHD in adults?
In Australia, three types of clinician diagnose ADHD in adults. They do different jobs.
Psychiatrists and paediatricians
Medical specialists. They can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. They look after complex cases, children and teenagers, and people outside a GP’s scope.
Psychologists
Can assess and diagnose ADHD using standard tests. They cannot prescribe medication. If medication may help, you still need a doctor to prescribe and monitor it.
GPs
GPs differ by training and approval. A GP with the right approval can diagnose suitable adults and, if it suits you, start and continue treatment.
The main benefit of a GP-led model is continuity. The same doctor who assesses you can look after your check-ups and scripts afterwards. There is no handoff to a specialist.
What the assessment involves
ADHD diagnosis steps
A proper ADHD assessment follows recognised criteria, such as the DSM-5. This is true whether a GP or a psychiatrist does it. It is not a quick checklist.
So a diagnosis is a doctor’s judgement, based on many sources. It is not one test or one chat.
- A pattern of attention problems or hyperactive, impulsive behaviour since childhood
- Symptoms that cause real problems in more than one area, like work, study and home
- No better explanation, such as another health condition, a sleep problem or life events
- Standard rating scales, used alongside a structured interview
Before and between visits
What we look at, and what to bring
Medical history and symptom screening
Your doctor asks about your childhood, family history, school, work, and other conditions like anxiety, low mood or sleep problems. A general health check helps rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems or sleep disorders. Be open about your history. It helps your doctor get a clear picture.
Reports we may request
- School reports, especially comments about attention, behaviour or organisation
- Any past psychology, psychiatry or paediatric reports
- Input from a parent, partner or long-term friend
- A summary from your usual GP, if you are assessed somewhere else
You don’t need everything before your first visit. We can’t finish your assessment until we have everything.
How long it takes
There is no set timeframe for everyone. Timing depends on how many documents you already have, how complex your case is, and appointment times. We don’t promise a set number of visits or a diagnosis. Our focus is an accurate assessment, not a fast one.
Cost and Medicare
What an ADHD assessment costs in NSW
There is no single “ADHD assessment” fee across NSW. A private specialist assessment can cost a lot, and is often billed over several visits.
Adult ADHD assessment
One fee covers the whole assessment: Visit 1 in person at West Pennant Hills, the questionnaires between visits, and Visit 2 in person or by video visit with your result and a written plan.
You can book directly. If you’d like, take our free 2-minute fit check first to make sure an assessment is the right path for you. Everyone gets a written result, whether or not ADHD is found.
Assessments are open now.
Ongoing ADHD care
You don’t need a new diagnosis. Book a continuation visit and our GPs can look at taking over your ongoing care. Your first visit is always in person at West Pennant Hills.
After that, care can be by video visit across NSW. For video care, you need a usual GP we can work with. NSW Health approval may be needed, and the doctor must agree it suits you. We write to your usual GP after your visit. You need an in-person check-up at least once a year.
Medicare and rebates
No single Medicare item covers a full ADHD assessment. Rebates depend on the type of visit. In-person visits at West Pennant Hills may get a rebate. A video visit only gets a rebate if you are a registered MyMedicare patient of Rosedale Medical Practice, or you saw one of our GPs in person, for any reason, in the last 12 months. If not, you pay the full fee. Services Australia sets rebate amounts, and they change over time. See all fees and rebates.
Why you can trust us
A real GP clinic, here for the long run
- Our GPs are RACGP Fellows with extra training in ADHD
- We keep your usual GP in the loop
- Free changes up to 24 hours before
Access to ADHD diagnosis in NSW
Getting an appointment is often the hardest part. Access to ADHD diagnosis has been a widely reported problem across NSW. Letting trained GPs do more is meant to ease that pressure over time. Our ADHD assessments are open now. If you already have a diagnosis and only need ongoing prescribing, you can book a continuation visit instead.
After diagnosis: starting treatment and prescriptions
If you are diagnosed, next steps depend on who did the assessment and what suits you. Your plan may include strategies without medication, or a referral for psychology support. In some cases, it may include medication. The doctor decides on medication, under the prescribing rules. It is not right for everyone. Regular check-ups and dose reviews are part of any medication plan. No doctor can promise how you will respond.
Your next appointment: ongoing management
Once you are diagnosed and have a plan, ongoing care means regular check-ups and repeat scripts. You don’t have to start again with a new doctor each time you need a script. Read how check-ups work on our ADHD continuation prescribing page.
How to book your ADHD assessment appointment
- Not diagnosed yet? Our assessments are open now. You can book online. Visit 1 is in person at our West Pennant Hills practice.
- Already diagnosed? Book a continuation visit. You don’t need a referral. Your first visit is in person at West Pennant Hills. After that, care can be by video visit across NSW. For video care, you need a usual GP we can work with. NSW Health approval may be needed, and the doctor must agree it suits you. We write to your usual GP after your visit. You need an in-person check-up at least once a year. See our booking page.
Our doctors provide ADHD telehealth across NSW for ongoing care. This can help people who live outside the city. For visit types, fees and rebates, see our pricing page.
This page is general information, not advice for you. Every assessment is different. No GP or clinic can promise a result, a timeframe or how treatment will go.
Questions
FAQ: ADHD diagnosis in NSW
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in NSW?
Some GPs can, if they have the right training and approval to do ADHD assessments. Many other GPs will check your symptoms and refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. It is worth asking what a GP can do before you book. See our GP team page for more on training.
How do I find a GP that can diagnose ADHD?
Look for a practice that says it offers ADHD assessments, not just continuation prescribing. Before your visit, ask about the GP’s training and approval.
Are there GPs that can diagnose ADHD near me?
My ADHD GP is based at West Pennant Hills. We see adults from across NSW. Elsewhere in the state, it varies. Your first visit with us is always in person at West Pennant Hills. After that, care can be by telehealth (a video visit) across NSW if the doctor agrees it suits you.
Is there a list of GPs that can diagnose ADHD?
There is no single public list. The best way is to contact practices and ask if their GPs do ADHD assessments and have approval to do so.
Do I need a referral to see a GP for an ADHD assessment?
No. You don’t need a referral to see a GP. You may need one if your GP suggests you see a psychiatrist or paediatrician instead.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Yes. A psychologist can assess and diagnose ADHD using standard tests. But a psychologist cannot prescribe medication. If medication may help, you will still need a GP with the right approval, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician to prescribe and monitor it.
What’s the difference between a GP diagnosis and a psychiatrist diagnosis?
Both use the same recognised criteria. The difference is what each doctor is trained and approved to do. Some GPs can diagnose and help start treatment for suitable adults. Psychiatrists and paediatricians look after more complex cases and cases outside a GP’s scope.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in NSW?
Prices vary. A private specialist assessment can cost a lot, and is often billed over several visits. Our adult ADHD assessment is $1,202.45. That is $1,200 plus HotDoc’s $2.45 booking fee. You pay in full when we confirm Visit 1. It covers both visits, the questionnaires between visits, and your result and written plan. Everyone gets a written result, whether or not ADHD is found. Full fees are on our pricing page.
Is an ADHD assessment covered by Medicare?
No single Medicare item covers a full ADHD assessment. A video visit only gets a rebate if you are a registered MyMedicare patient of Rosedale Medical Practice, or you saw one of our GPs in person, for any reason, in the last 12 months. If not, you pay the full fee. In-person visits may get a rebate, depending on the visit. Check the current amounts for your situation.
How do I start an ADHD assessment?
Our ADHD assessments are open now. Start by booking online. If you already have a diagnosis and only need prescribing, you can book a continuation visit instead.
Can ADHD be diagnosed by telehealth in NSW?
Your first assessment visit (Visit 1) is always in person at West Pennant Hills. Visit 2 can be in person or by telehealth (a video visit). After that, ongoing care can be by video visit anywhere in NSW if the usual rules are met. You need an in-person check-up at least once a year. Read about ADHD telehealth across NSW.
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication after I’m diagnosed?
Once you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan, a GP with the right approval can often take over prescribing and check-ups. The usual rules apply. Read more on our continuation prescribing page.
Learn more
Guides to ADHD care with a GP
Short guides on prices, diagnosis and care across NSW.
ADHD care
Find a GP near you
Ready for the next step?
Adult ADHD assessments are open now. No referral needed to book.
Your GP decides on treatment after seeing you. Booking doesn’t guarantee a script.