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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in Australia

Writer: nurturedthoughts
nurturedthoughts
3 days ago
9 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

The first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis in Australia is an assessment. An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical interview against the formal diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Before the interview, you'll usually be asked to fill in questionnaires and to provide either school reports or input from someone who knew you as a child. 


After considering all the information available, the clinician will then decide if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD assessments can be done by a psychiatrist, a GP (in some states), a psychologist or a paediatrician (for children). Most assessments are privately billed, although Medicare rebates apply to some consultations, such as those with a psychiatrist or paediatrician on a referral.


This page walks through the pathways for how to get diagnosed with ADHD in Australia. We cover who can assess you, what it costs and whether you can get an assessment online. We'll also look at what happens after an ADHD diagnosis, including how treatment is decided on.


An Overview of ADHD Diagnosis in Australia

A formal ADHD diagnosis is a clinical judgement made by a qualified healthcare professional who has thoroughly assessed your situation. 


To meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, your symptoms need to:[1][2]

  • Have started in childhood

  • Show up in more than one setting

  • Impact daily life

  • Not be better explained by something else

All of these criteria need to be met, along with enough symptoms to reach the diagnostic threshold.


Other conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, autism and substance use can all present in a similar way to ADHD or occur alongside it.[3] That's why an ADHD diagnosis can't be made from a questionnaire alone. The assessment must consider your whole situation to ensure ADHD is the most likely explanation for what you are experiencing.


You might have already completed an ADHD self assessment online. These checklists can tell you whether the question is worth pursuing, but never whether you actually have ADHD. The diagnosis part can only be done by a healthcare professional.


Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Australia?

In Australia, 4 types of healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD. We provide a brief overview of each one below.


Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are specialist doctors with advanced training in mental health. They can diagnose ADHD, prescribe treatment and provide ongoing care. A psychiatrist can also treat ADHD and other mental health conditions that co-occur together.


GPs

In Queensland, any specialist GP can diagnose ADHD in adults and start treatment.[5] In other states, GPs either need recognised training to diagnose and treat ADHD[6] or can only continue a prescription that a specialist started.


Paediatricians

Paediatricians are specialist doctors for children and teenagers. They can diagnose and treat ADHD for people up to around age 18. Once a person with ADHD turns 18 (or soon after), their care is usually transferred to a psychiatrist or GP.


Psychologists

Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD. They can provide psychological therapy for ADHD, but a psychologist can't prescribe medication. If you have been diagnosed by a psychologist and would like to see if medication is appropriate, further assessment by a doctor is required.[4]


Do You Need a Referral for an ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD referral matters most if you're seeing a psychiatrist or paediatrician for the assessment. Most psychiatrists and paediatricians will ask for a GP referral before booking, and the referral is what makes you eligible for a Medicare rebate. You can generally see a psychologist for an ADHD assessment without a GP referral, and a referral isn't required for an ADHD assessment with a GP (in the states where this is possible).


What an Adult ADHD Assessment Involves

Exactly what happens during an adult ADHD assessment depends on what stage of the process you're at.


Before the Assessment

A lot of work happens before you meet the professional conducting your ADHD assessment. You'll usually be asked to complete:

  • At least one ADHD questionnaire or rating scale (such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, or ASRS assessment)

  • An intake form covering your personal, medical, and mental health history

  • A health summary from your GP

  • School reports, if you can get them

  • Input from someone who knew you as a child

The diagnostic criteria require symptoms to have been present before age 12,[1] so evidence from childhood is very useful if you can provide it.

During the Assessment

The actual ADHD assessment is a structured clinical interview, conducted over one or more sessions. The healthcare professional works through the ADHD diagnostic criteria one at a time, asking you how each shows up in your life now and what it was like when you were younger.

Expect questions about:

  • School

  • Work

  • Relationships

  • Finances

  • General health

  • Sleep

  • Mood

  • Alcohol or drug use

Cognitive testing isn't strictly required for an ADHD diagnosis,[7] and is more relevant when assessing children or adults over 65.

After the Assessment

When the assessment is completed, you'll be told whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. If you do, you'll usually receive a written report setting out the findings, with a copy also being sent to your GP. 

If your assessment is conducted by a psychiatrist or a GP who can prescribe for ADHD, they'll discuss whether medication might be suitable at this stage.

What's the Price for an ADHD Assessment in Australia?

ADHD assessment costs in Australia vary a lot depending on which provider you see. Assessments are almost always privately billed, though Medicare rebates apply in some situations.

How Much Does an ADHD Diagnosis Cost?

A full private ADHD assessment generally costs between $1,000 - $2,000, though some cost considerably more.[4] There's no required standard for what an ADHD assessment must include, and no cap on what providers can charge.

The ADHD diagnosis cost you get quoted can depend on several variables, such as:

  • Who conducts the assessment

  • Whether a written diagnostic report is included

  • If treatment initiation and prescribing are included in the cost

  • Any follow-up appointments that may be required

  • Whether any Medicare rebate applies

Ask a provider exactly what their fee covers before you book, and whether anything is billed separately afterwards.

Does Medicare Cover an ADHD Assessment?

Medicare usually doesn't cover ADHD assessment and diagnosis as a package. Where a rebate applies, it's for an individual consultation with a healthcare provider, rather than the assessment itself. The provider you choose should be able to tell you if any Medicare rebates are available in your situation.

Can I Get a Free ADHD Assessment in Australia?

There's no reliable way to get an adult ADHD diagnosis for free in Australia. Public mental health services generally don't assess or treat adult ADHD.[8] The 2023 Senate inquiry into Assessment and support services for people with ADHD identified this gap, recommending a national framework to make assessments more accessible.[9]

Please note: free online ADHD tests are screening questionnaires, not assessments, so they can't produce a diagnosis. Only a suitably qualified healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of ADHD.

Getting an ADHD Assessment Online in Australia

Several providers now offer ADHD assessment and diagnosis online in Australia. This can be a good option for people living in areas where it might be hard to find a provider, or if you simply prefer the flexibility of having the assessment without going into a clinic.


Whether an online assessment is right for you depends on your preferences and the complexity of your situation.

Is an Online ADHD Assessment as Thorough as In-Person?

An online ADHD assessment follows the same diagnostic criteria in the same structured interview as an in-person assessment. Telehealth (healthcare that's delivered by phone or video call) has been a permanent part of Medicare since 2022, and Medicare covers both initial and follow-up telehealth appointments with a psychiatrist.[10]

Telehealth may not be suitable where a person has existing severe or complex mental or physical health issues. Some people also simply prefer to have their assessment done in person.

Booking an Online ADHD Assessment

Most providers let you book an online ADHD assessment directly, then walk you through the process of completing your forms and gathering the background information required before the appointment.

On the day of the assessment, you'll need:

  • A private space where you won't be interrupted

  • A device with a working camera and a reliable connection

  • Your intake forms completed and any supporting documents sent to the provider

Nurtured Thoughts offers online ADHD assessments Australia-wide, with appointments available within 2 weeks.

What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis

An adult ADHD diagnosis opens up the possibility of several treatment options:

  • Medication - usually one part of a broader treatment plan[3]

  • Psychological therapy - structured support to build coping strategies and address any co-occurring emotional, mental health or relationship issues

  • ADHD coaching - practical help with planning, routines and organisation

  • Lifestyle changes - regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits and a balanced diet

ADHD treatment usually combines several of the approaches above. Which combination suits you is a clinical decision to make with your doctor.


If you do start ADHD medication after a diagnosis, expect a period of regular reviews while the dose is adjusted, then less frequent check-ins once things settle. Ongoing monitoring is an important part of how ADHD medication is managed.


Additional ADHD Supports

An ADHD diagnosis can be used as grounds to request reasonable adjustments at work[11] and in study.[12]


The Employment Assistance Fund may also cover workplace changes and up to about $1,800 a year of specialised support, such as ADHD coaching.[13] Approved costs within that limit are covered in full, so there's no gap fee like with a Medicare rebate or a mental health care plan. You apply through JobAccess and the support must be approved before it starts.


Some people use an ADHD diagnosis to support an NDIS application. However, it's worth noting that a diagnosis on its own doesn't automatically make you eligible for the scheme.[14]


Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Diagnosis


What are the 9 symptoms of ADHD?

There isn't a list of 9 ADHD symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes 9 inattentive symptoms and 9 hyperactive-impulsive ones. To meet the criteria, an adult needs at least 5 from either group, present since childhood and affecting more than one part of life.[2]


Can my GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?

In Queensland, a specialist GP can diagnose ADHD in adults and start treatment.[5] In other states, it depends on local rules and whether your GP has completed recognised training,[6] so ask your GP for the most up-to-date information.


How long does it take to get diagnosed with ADHD?

There's no set length for an ADHD assessment. It varies from person to person and can run across more than one appointment. Waiting times differ by clinician type and location, ranging anywhere from a few weeks to more than 6 months in some areas.


Can you develop ADHD as an adult?

ADHD is a lifelong condition, so what usually happens is someone gets a late diagnosis rather than developing the condition in adulthood.[15] In these cases, the symptoms were usually present in childhood and went unrecognised, before becoming harder to manage in adulthood as study, work and family demands built up.


How do you get tested for ADHD?

ADHD testing doesn't involve a blood test or a brain scan. Therefore, discussion around how to get tested for ADHD really means how to get assessed. An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical interview with a psychiatrist, a GP (in some states), a psychologist or a paediatrician.


Where to Start With Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Australia

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in Australia involves undertaking a structured assessment with a psychiatrist, a GP (in some states), a psychologist or a paediatrician. When the assessment is finished, you will be advised whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and if so, a diagnosis will be made. For adults in Australia, ADHD assessments happen almost entirely in the private system.


The main choice regarding how to get diagnosed with ADHD is which healthcare professional to see. Psychiatrists and GPs (in some states) can both diagnose and prescribe treatment. Psychologists can diagnose a person with ADHD, but can't prescribe medication. Your GP can help you decide who to see if you're unsure.


Cost and waiting times for ADHD assessment and diagnosis vary. A private assessment generally runs between $1,000 and $2,000, with waiting times anywhere from a few weeks to more than 6 months. Online ADHD assessments are available Australia-wide. This can be a good option if there are long waitlists in your area or if you prefer not to go into a clinic.


Disclaimer: This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak with your GP or treating healthcare practitioner about your individual situation.


References

[1] Healthdirect Australia. (2025). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd


[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (DSM-5 fact sheet). https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-ADHD.pdf


[3] Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. (2025). Psychiatrists release new position statement on ADHD. https://www.ranzcp.org/news-analysis/psychiatrists-release-new-position-statement-on-adhd


[4] University of Wollongong. (2026). A 12-month wait and a $1400 bill: ADHD diagnosis in Australia. The Stand. https://www.uow.edu.au/the-stand/2026/a-12-month-wait-and-a-1400-bill-adhd-diagnosis-in-australia.php




[7] Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for ADHD: 2.1 Diagnosis. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/diagnosis/adhd-diagnosis/


[8] Mendonsa, R. D., & Jayasooriya, H. T. (2025). The bottleneck effect: Wait times for adult ADHD assessment at a private clinic in Australia. European Psychiatry, 68(Suppl 1), S792. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12436960/


[9] Senate Community Affairs References Committee. (2023). Assessment and support services for people with ADHD. Parliament of Australia. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ADHD/Report


[10] Department of Health. (2021). MBS psychiatry telehealth services from 1 January 2022 (factsheet). Australian Government. https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/2211355D5611CA3DCA2587A70006FF09/$File/factsheet-psychiatry-telehealth-24-December.pdf


[11] Australian Human Rights Commission. (2025). Chapter 1: Legal and human rights obligations. https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/chapter-1-legal-and-human-rights-obligations


[12] Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training. (2026). Reasonable adjustments: Disability specific. University of Tasmania. https://www.adcet.edu.au/students-with-disability/reasonable-adjustments-disability-specific


[13] JobAccess. (2026). What the Employment Assistance Fund can cover. Australian Government Department of Social Services. https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/i-am-a-person-with-disability/looking-applying-job/government-services-help-you/funding-workplace-changes/what-eaf-can-cover


[14] Senate Community Affairs References Committee. (2023). ADHD under the NDIS. In Assessment and support services for people with ADHD (Chapter 7). Parliament of Australia. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ADHD/Report/Chapter_7_-_ADHD_under_the_NDIS


[15] Cooper, M., Hammerton, G., Collishaw, S., Langley, K., Thapar, A., Dalsgaard, S., et al. (2018). Investigating late-onset ADHD: A population cohort investigation. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(10), 1105-1113. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175329/


 
 
 

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