Adult ADHD Assessment in Melbourne

Adult ADHD Assessment: no waiting 

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in adults, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed. Many adults have lived with ADHD symptoms for decades without knowing — attributed instead to laziness, poor organisation, anxiety, or low self-esteem. A formal assessment can be genuinely life-changing.

The Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic (BNC) in Doncaster provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults of all ages, including those seeking a late diagnosis. Our registered psychologists use gold-standard assessment tools aligned with the Australian AADPA Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD (2022). Assessments can be face to face or by ZOOM telehealth.

Adult being assessed by ZOOM link
~1.5M
Australians estimated to have ADHD (2023)
75%
of children with ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood
Late
diagnosis is common — especially in women

Why Adults Are Often Diagnosed Late

ADHD in adults frequently looks different from the hyperactive child stereotype. Adult presentations often involve:

🧠 Cognitive symptoms

  • Chronic difficulty concentrating
  • Poor working memory
  • Trouble starting or finishing tasks
  • Chronic procrastination
  • Easily overwhelmed by demands

💼 Occupational & daily life

  • Underperformance relative to intellect
  • Disorganisation; losing items frequently
  • Missing deadlines; poor time management
  • Job instability or frequent career changes
  • Financial difficulties

😔 Emotional symptoms

  • Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
  • Mood swings; emotional dysregulation
  • Low self-esteem and self-criticism
  • Chronic feelings of underachievement
  • Anxiety or depression (often secondary)

🤝 Relationships

  • Difficulty listening attentively
  • Impulsive speech or interrupting
  • Forgetting important dates or commitments
  • Relationship strain due to disorganisation

ADHD in Women: A Frequently Missed Diagnosis

Women and girls with ADHD are significantly more likely to be underdiagnosed. ADHD in females tends to present with more inattentive symptoms and less obvious hyperactivity, making it easier to overlook. Masking — the conscious effort to appear neurotypical — is more common in women and can delay diagnosis by decades.

The 2026 Victorian ADHD Reforms

New in 2026: The Victorian Government has announced reforms allowing trained General Practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and treat ADHD. This means eligible adults may now obtain an ADHD diagnosis from a trained GP, in addition to the existing pathways through psychologists, psychiatrists and paediatricians.

A comprehensive psychological assessment remains the gold standard where: the diagnosis is complex or co-occurring conditions are present; a detailed written report is needed; or ongoing behavioural therapy is required alongside medication.

What Does an Adult ADHD Assessment at BNC Involve?

1

Referral & Initial Enquiry

Contact BNC by phone or email. Obtain a GP referral for a Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare rebates. Your referral can be emailed to reception@adhd.com.au.

2

Clinical Interview (Session 1)

A registered psychologist conducts a detailed developmental and clinical history — covering childhood symptoms, education, employment, relationships, medical history and current concerns.

3

Standardised Testing (Session 2)

Validated ADHD rating scales (e.g., Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales), cognitive assessments of attention and executive function, and screening for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression and ASD.

4

Feedback & Report (Session 3)

Your psychologist presents the findings and provides a comprehensive written report documenting your cognitive profile and evidence-based recommendations for treatment and support.

After Diagnosis: Treatment Options for Adults

BNC offers a multimodal treatment approach for adult ADHD aligned with AADPA guidelines:

  • Behavioural therapy and coaching: Evidence-based strategies for time management, organisation, task initiation and emotional regulation
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addressing the secondary anxiety, depression and low self-esteem that often accompany adult ADHD
  • Nutritional support: BNC is one of very few Melbourne clinics to offer dietary and nutritional assessment as part of ADHD management
  • Medication referral: Where medication is appropriate, BNC will provide a referral and liaison letter for your GP or psychiatrist
  • Workplace and study support letters: Formal documentation to support workplace adjustments or university disability support services

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD in Melbourne? +
Yes. Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist in Melbourne. BNC provides comprehensive adult ADHD assessments. Under 2026 Victorian reforms, trained GPs can now also diagnose and treat ADHD.
Is it too late to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult? +
It is never too late. Many adults are diagnosed in their 30s, 40s or beyond. A late diagnosis often provides significant relief — and access to effective treatment that can genuinely change daily functioning.
How long does an adult ADHD assessment take at BNC? +
Typically 2–3 appointments over 2–4 weeks. This includes a clinical interview, standardised rating scales, cognitive testing, and a feedback session with a comprehensive written report.
Do I need a GP referral for an adult ADHD assessment? +
A GP referral is strongly recommended as it allows you to access Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions per year at a reduced cost). Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic for an ADHD assessment.

Ready to get an adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne?

Contact BNC today to discuss your situation. A GP referral is recommended but you can enquire directly.

Call (03) 9848 9100

Page information: Written by clinical staff at the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic, Doncaster, Melbourne. Reviewed in accordance with the Australian AADPA Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD (2022) and the DSM-5-TR. 

Updated on:  21/05/2026 by Dr Jacques Duff - BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology PhD
Reviewed on: 31/05/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere- Clinical Psychologist; BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS