Okay! You think you might have ADHD. What next? You think you might need to see a psychologist but where to start? Check out the information from Sophie below about what to do next when you think you have ADHD.
A psychologist can help you with ADHD in two ways: (1) firstly they can diagnose ADHD and (2) secondly they can help you to manage ADHD.
The diagnosis process is called ADHD assessment.
Any psychological assessment process involves collecting information from you about your symptoms or experiences and working out if ADHD is the best explanation for these experiences.
Engaging a psychologist for an ADHD assessment does not guarantee you will come out of the process with a diagnosis of ADHD. Sometimes we will conclude ADHD and sometimes the best explanation for your experiences is something really different. Regardless, a psychological assessment is a process that helps everyone to understand what’s going on and to work out next steps for managing challenges and getting support.
Psychologist or Psychiatrist?
ADHD can be diagnosed by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist (or if you are under 18, by a paediatrician, a doctor who specialises in seeing children).
A psychiatrist is a doctor with medical training who specialises in mental health. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications.
A psychologist is a health professional trained in behavioural and counselling therapies, and in psychological assessment, but a psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication.
If you are wondering if you have ADHD, you can go to either a psychologist or a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. How do you know which to choose?
You should consider a couple of key questions:
- How much money am I willing to spend?
- Am I currently taking many medications or already seeing a psychiatrist?
- Am I interested in trying ADHD medication if I am diagnosed?
- How much time am I willing to spend waiting?
- Am I interested in using the assessment/diagnosis to apply for NDIS support or support at work, school, or university?
- Am I interested in getting counselling therapy to support or manage ADHD or mental health in future?
The following will help you how think through these questions:
- The Money: At the present time, ADHD assessments are not covered by Medicare. ADHD assessment is also not typically covered by private health insurers. Seeing a psychiatrist may at times be more expensive per session than seeing a psychologist. Psychologists may also offer assessment packages that work out to be more cost effective. Different assessment packages with psychologists typically vary in price depending on your needs, whereas psychiatrists typically charge a fixed session fee for all clients/patients.
- Psychiatric Management: If you are already seeing a psychiatrist, or if you require a psychiatrist to assist you in managing multiple medications, then it would be better to discuss assessment with your psychiatrist. You could still have an assessment done with a psychologist, but they would likely refer you back to the psychiatrist to prescribe and manage medications.
- Medication: If you are not interested in medication and don’t have any other significant mental health conditions that may require medication, then it makes sense to see a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist. Assessment with a psychologist will likely be cheaper and faster in this case. If you are interested in exploring or trying ADHD medication if you are diagnosed, then you will eventually need to see a psychiatrist, whether you see a psychologist first or not.
- Time and Logistics: Psychologists often have shorter waiting periods than psychiatrists – meaning you can get an appointment sooner. Some psychiatrists may be booked out months ahead whereas you should be able to find a psychologist with appointments the same month. If you decide to see a psychiatrist, note that you will require a referral from a GP to see the psychiatrist. You can book in with a psychologist without seeing a GP.You do not require a referral to see a psychologist for an ADHD assessment.
- Support Needs: Psychologists are typically able to provide comprehensive assessment reports with details of your functioning needs and recommendation for supports. These reports can be used to apply for support from the NDIS, or in workplaces, schools, or universities. If you are likely to need this kind of support, seeing a psychologist may be best at first. Most psychiatrists typically do not offer this service.
- Further Counselling and Support Options: Psychologists are more likely to be able to offer counselling sessions to support you in managing ADHD after diagnosis. Although some psychiatrists may offer therapy to manage ADHD as well as assessment, these sessions are often less frequent and more expensive. For some people having an ADHD assessment and then being able to continue counselling with the same psychological practice is helpful.
Whatever your decision, you should choose a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in assessing ADHD.
What should I ask when booking in with a psychologist?
- Make a list of possible psychologists. You can do a search of psychologists in your area using the website Psychology Today, or using the Australian Psychological Society directory, or your search engine. You can also ask your family, friends, or GP for recommendations.
- Go to the psychologist’s website and check in their “About” page or profile whether they have experience and expertise in assessment of ADHD.
- Once you have a list of psychologists with experience in assessing ADHD, your next step is to compare options for assessment packages/price. You can collect this information from their website, or by calling and asking the cost of ADHD assessment.
- Call the psychology practice to book in. What to say:
- I would like to book in for an ADHD assessment with psychologist__.
- What is your soonest appointment available?
- If __ isn’t available, are any other psychologists with experience in ADHD assessment available?
- What is the likely cost?
- How many sessions will the assessment take?
- What will I need to bring to the first session?
- What will I need to do before the first session?
Some practices will offer an introductory call for you to chat to the psychologist to get a feel for their approach and to decide what assessment package might best suit you.
The psychology practice will take all your contact details, and send you out additional information to prepare you for your first session.
ADHD Assessment means the process you go through to determine if you can be diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many benefits to booking in for an ADHD assessment with a psychologist, though you can also have an ADHD assessment through a psychiatrist.
ADHD assessments do not always conclude a diagnosis of ADHD. Sometimes you and a psychologist will find a better explanation for your experiences. However a good assessment will help you to better understand some of the causes of your challenges, develop a profile of your functioning, become clearer on your needs, and recommend clear next steps to get you the support you need.
If you would like to talk to one of our qualified psychologists about ADHD, request a free introductory call by clicking the button below.
Last reviewed 4 July 2025