Adult ADHD Assessment in Melbourne - in clinic or via ZOOM
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, their issues attributed instead to laziness, poor organisation, anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. A formal assessment and therapy can be genuinely life-changing.
This page covers ADHD assessment for adults specifically. For assessment in children, click here for our child ADHD assessment guide
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.
Why Adults Are Often Diagnosed Late in Life
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 GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, in addition to the existing pathways through psychologists, psychiatrists and paediatricians. Read our full guide to the 2026 reforms to see which pathway suits your situation.
What Does an Adult ADHD Assessment at BNC Involve?
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.
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.
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.
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
Costs, Rebates & Health Fund Cover
From $1,250 for a straightforward ADHD assessment with no co-occurring conditions. The final cost depends on complexity and any comorbidities identified during the clinical interview — your psychologist will confirm this with you before proceeding.
| Item | Cost / Rebate |
|---|---|
| Adult ADHD Assessment (straightforward, no comorbidities) | From $1,250 |
| Assessment with complexity / comorbidities | Quoted individually — confirmed before your first session |
| Medicare rebate (with valid GP Mental Health Care Plan) | $101.55 per session (standard Medicare rebate for an eligible psychologist session under a GP Mental Health Care Plan) — the exact rebate depends on which Medicare item number applies to your appointment, per current Medicare rules |
| Private health fund cover | Rebates may apply depending on your fund and level of extras cover — we recommend checking with your provider before your appointment |
Please note: Medicare rebate amounts depend on the specific item number used for your appointment and are subject to Medicare rules, which can change. The figures above are a guide only — our team will confirm your exact costs and any applicable rebates before your assessment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get an adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne?
Contact BNC today to discuss your situation.
Updated on: 28/08/2026 by Dr Jacques Duff-PhD; BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; FANSA; Clinical Neuroscientist
Reviewed on: 28/08/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere-BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS; Clinical Psychologist