ADULT ADHD ASSESSMENTS

How to get an adult adhd assessment

A guide to getting assessed for adult ADHD/Aroreretini in Aotearoa is outlined below. There is potential for change as government guidelines change and are updated.

Beehyve recommends following ADHD NZ, a not for profit working to identify issues within the community, provide support services and advocate for change through all sectors incl education, work, government and health. This includes Facebook support group for adults who think/know you have ADHD, live in NZ, and want connection and support from others ADHD community members.

If you think there is more helpful info to add, or changes we could make to this info, please give us a buzz.

TYPES OF PRACTITIONERS

Who can assess & diagnose?

  • Psychiatrist and Pediatricians are the only specialists who can give you a ‘special authority’ for ADHD specific stimulant medications.

    • Psychiatrists and Paediatrician complete an assessment 1st. With that assessment they can then make a diagnosis.

    • Psychiatrist and Paediatricians may cost about $450+ per hour.

    • An adult assessment with one of these practitioners would normally require two one hour visits.

    • Following the initial diagnosis, Beehyve Health would recommend you maintain contact with this specialist via email or shorter sessions as all bodies are different. Finding the right medication, and dose is important, and generally takes tweaking.

    Note

    • Get a quote for assessment, and ensure you find out exactly what it includes

    • Ask about their process for follow up sessions, frequency, session length and charges. These sessions may be required to ensure correct medication and dose.

  • A Clincial Psychologist, can assess and diagnose you, but they then must refer you to a psychiatrist for a special authority.

    • This may means you pay per session with a Clin Psych at rates of $150-$300+ per hr.

    • Assessment usually takes several sessions. Many clinical psychologists also include differential diagnosis, which means they assess for other neurological or mental health diagnosis that present similarly to ADHD.

    • Many Clinical Psychologists charge $1500.00+ for the evaluation.

    • If you are not seeking stimulant medication, then a Clinical Psychologist may suit you.

    • If you seeking medication, you will most likely you will then need to see a psychiatrist for a ‘special authority’: This may be one or two sessions at 30 - 60mins. You will pay the Psychiatrist their fee for this session.

    Note:

    • Some Clinical Psychologists may have a relationship with a psychiatrist that includes a script for medications.

    • Get a quote for assessment, and ensure you find out exactly what it includes.

    • Other practitioners such as Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, can assess for ADHD, but not complete the diagnosis.

    • If you seeking a ‘special authority’ for stimulant medication, you will still need to see a psychiatrist or pediatrician.

    • Some of these practitioners may have relationships with Psychiatrists who will then complete as assessment, and make a diagnosis.

    • Depending on the assessment format, some psychiatrists and paediatricians will accept this as a referral.

    • The visit with a psychiatrist of paediatrician may be one or two sessions at 60 mins. You will pay per hour the diagnosing clinicans fee for this session.

    Note

    • Get a quote for assessment, and ensure you find out exactly what it includes.

FINDING THE RIGHT SPECIALIST

Why see a specialist who has current knowledge of ADHD assessment?

Adult ADHD was finally medically recognised in 2014 and added to the DSM (basically the Mental Health Dictionary/bible). Unfortunately, many adult psychiatrists (both public & private) either don’t believe in adult adhd, or don’t understand its symptoms as it only recently-ish became a formally recognised condition. Therefore you need to see a Psychiatrist who can be compassionate and truly assess you.

These psychiatrists should assess you for ADHD as well as looking at other diagnosis that share similar symptoms. Other diagnosis with similar/overlapping symptoms may include Aspergers/ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Trauma/PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), Etc.

Below is a list of practitioners that other Adults with ADHD have found helpful.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

How to get assessed in NZ

  • You may be able to get assessed through the public system but it is often more challenging. In many areas, Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ doesn’t prioritise adult ADHD and assess only the most severely debilitated from the condition (this means almost no one in their opinion). However there have been some districts such as Waitakere and Waikato who were fairly good.

    Speak to your GP about a referral, to understand if it’s worth a worth a try.

    If you go through the public system, it will take longer, and initially you will most likely be assessed by different practitioners before you finally see a psychiatrist.

  • You may be able self refer to a psychiatrist or paediatrician for a private assessment or require a referral from your GP.

    We strongly recommend that you find an assessment specialist who has a good understanding of ADHD.

  • Canterbury
    (updated 220630 - this could change once DHB’s disestablished)

    The CDHB SPOE(Single Point of Entry) team can review your GP information, and a Clinical Psychologist or Paediatricians assessment report. A CDHB Psychiatrist will then complete a written recommendation back to the GP regarding Medication Prescriptions. You will still need a private assessment with a Clinical Psychologist.

 
GET SUPPORT

Where to find good ADHD Specialists

Check out our ADHD Support page to find a range of healthcare providers and groups recommended by our community.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How much will it cost?

Psychiatrist Estimation

  • Psychiatrist fees start from $450+.

  • Some psychiatrists may complete an assessment and give a diagnosis within the first session. Some may take two sessions.

  • Psychiatrists can be expensive to see for therapy. We would suggest finding a psychologist, counsellor or coach for support outside medication management, unless the psychiatrist offered reduced rates for this kind of support.

  • When going back for follow ups with a psychiatrist may charge in 15 or 30 minute slots.

  • Remember, write down any questions you have, and don’t be afraid to ask them.

Payment Options

  • If you can't afford to go privately, but feel it's your only option, then some psychiatrists may let you work out a payment plan, to pay off your assessment. Give some a call to see if they will allow you do to this.

  • If you have health insurance, depending on your plan, it may cover some or all of the costs of an assessment. Check with your health insurer first.

We wish you all the best on your assessment journey.
Don’t be nervous, many have successfully navigated the same course.

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