ADULT ADHD DIAGNOSES AND ASSESSMENTS
If you’re wondering if you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) then understanding how it shows up for you is the first step. This understanding will let you learn how to manage and make the most of your traits.
A Beehyve screening assessment may be the place to start, but it's important to understand the difference between an ADHD assessment and an actual diagnosis. Here, we explain what these processes involve.
If you’d like more help, you’ve come to the right place! Beehyve is here to demystify the ADHD journey and ensure you have access to the care you need.
We get a lot of questions about Adult Assessments:
Do I have ADHD? What about Autism: Complete a free screening Test
How do I get a diagnosis for Adult ADHD in New Zealand?
Incl what is the difference between an assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
And what on earth is titration?
Who can diagnose ADHD? And who can initiate the special medication?
How much will it cost? An estimation and other common questions.
Do I have ADHD?
What about Autism?
Complete a free self screening test
Self-Screening tests can play an important role in your journey of self-discovery, and may inform your decision to pursue a formal diagnosis. We’ve included some clinically validated tests for ADHD and Autism.
WHAT NEXT?
How do I get diagnosed as an adult in Aotearoa.
For a formal assessment of ADHD, please contact the Beehyve team, or find a qualified professional from Beehyve’s directory.
Beehyve also offers autism assessments though telehealth assessments of autism are not eligible for government disability funding (MSD/IF). If autism is suspected during an ADHD assessment, we’ll let you know. You can book an autism assessment with Beehyve or find assessment practitioners in our directory.
Beehyve’s screening assessment looks at whether your experiences align with the official criteria for ADHD according to the DSM-5. This is a diagnostic manual used by healthcare professionals.
Beehyve’s screening assessment can help you decide if you’d like to access care such as coaching. It can also help you choose whether to pursue an official diagnosis. It is particularly useful to:
find validation and understanding of your experience
identify which symptoms may be impacting your life
avoid having ADHD immediately noted on your medical records.
Beehyve’s screening assessment can help you decide if you’d like to access care such as coaching or counselling. It can also help you consider whether to pursue an official diagnosis. Some diagnosing practitioners may accept it as a referral, but you should check with them first.
Our screening assessment involves an interview with a professional who knows what to look out for when it comes to ADHD. At Beehyve, we have a range of specialists who are experienced in running these screening assessments.
The interview takes about 1.5 hours, and you can do it online with us from anywhere in New Zealand. Afterwards, our practitioner will write a report that they will share with you following the session. We may choose to continue through to a full diagnostic assessment through Beehyve or with another assessment practitioners after completing a screening assessment at an additional cost.
The 2026 total cost for assessment is $265. Depending on the outcome you seek, it may be the most cost-effective approach to addressing any symptoms that are holding you back.
What is Beehyve’s ADHD Screening Assessment?
Getting a Diagnosis in Aotearoa
ADHD shares similar symptoms with other diagnoses. These include Autism/Aspergers/ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Trauma/PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Tourettes, and more. A person can experience symptoms of one or more of these.
As of February 2026 the rules for prescribing stimulant medicines for ADHD have changed. As a result, a wider range of health professionals are able to complete a diagnostic assessment of ADHD and start people on stimulant medicines.
We’re proud to share that members of Beehyve’s leadership team worked tirelessly with government and other agencies to bring about this change.
The pathway to a diagnostic assessment for medication involves a process of several steps
An assessment is the process of determining whether a person meets the criteria for one or more diagnostic categories. This may be completed through an interview. You may also be asked to provide other information or do a short test. All this helps to outline your history and experience of symptoms.
A diagnosis is the result of assessments completed by a qualified professional. They are expected to work within their scope of practice and maintain competence in ADHD assessment.
Treatment can start at any time. Even before you get a diagnosis, you can work with a coach, therapist, naturopath and more to help you move towards the outcomes you want. If you choose medication to help manage symptoms this can only happen post diagnosis, and it may take a while to work out what’s the right medication for your body.
Titration is the process of finding the right medication and dose with a medical professional. This usually starts with the general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist, nurse practitioner (NP), (or paediatrician), who diagnosed you. They may complete titration or refer you to a GP or NP experienced in ADHD medication.”
Every person's body is different, and what your brain needs is not based on age, gender or size. All bodies react differently so if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
Who can diagnose ADHD in New Zealand?
Who Can diagnose?
As of February 2026 GP’s and NP’s, as well as psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists and psychologists are recognised as professionals who can complete or oversee the diagnosis of ADHD for adults 18+.
What is a ‘Special Authority‘, and who can Issue it?
It is important to note that only a psychiatrist, paediatrician, neurologist, GP or NP can authorise a ‘Special Authority’ with Pharmac. The special authority enables you to access stimulant medication which is restricted in New Zealand.
Once a diagnosis is complete and the special authority is registered with Pharmac, medical professionals like GP’s and NP’s can then prescribe the stimulant medication, including brand names such as Concerta, Ritalin, Rubifen, Vyvanse and Dexamfetamine.
Clinical psychologists cannot apply for a Special Authority or prescribe medication. However, their detailed reports are often required for workplace or learning accommodations and special funding. Their comprehensive assessments are ideal for autism evaluations, cognitive testing, complex mental health cases, and understanding current functioning.
At Beehyve, clinical psychologists work with GPs who can apply for a Special Authority and manage titration after reviewing your medical history. If you’re seeing a psychologist elsewhere, check if they collaborate with a medical professional for these services.
Other medications.
Non-stimulant medication is also available and only requires management by a GP. You don’t need a diagnosis of ADHD for this medication, though many GPs may require this. This type of medication is an option when a person's body does not react well to stimulants or when stimulants are not suitable.
Choose your Diagnostic Assessor carefully!
Not all psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, GP’s, NP’s or psychologists specialise in ADHD and other diagnoses with similar symptoms.
NZ has no government requirements for training or accreditation of practitioners who wish to provide ADHD services. However practitioners providing ADHD services are expected to follow the NZ Clinical Principles Framework for ADHD.
Before booking and spending money, make sure the professional you work with, has a special interest in ADHD, practises within their scope, and maintains competence.
FINDING THE RIGHT SPECIALISTWhat should you look out for?
Unfortunately, getting a diagnosis can mean long waiting lists and high costs—often $600 to $4,000—and you may wait months for an appointment.
In NZ ADHD services are not included in core funding, which means most people in will pay privately. Costs vary by provider, service type, local funding, and time required for assessment and follow-up. Many practitioners will require a GP or NP referral (though some accept self-referrals). Depending on the practitioner, you may be able to complete a screening assessment with Beehyve to use as a referral.
Before committing, Beehyve recommends contacting several diagnostic assessments providers and asking about:
Wait times
Processes (e.g., referral requirements, number of appointments, titration approach, extra evidence needed)
Charges, including titration fees
Whether they provide invoices for insurance (check your cover first)
We have a list of assessment practitioners we’ve heard about that you might find helpful.
You may be able to pursue a diagnosis through the public system. Unfortunately, the process is not well supported in many regions. If supported, only the most severely debilitated cases are prioritised. However, it doesn’t hurt to chat to your GP to find out if they know what your region offers.
You can get ongoing care from your GP and Beehyve
If you’d prefer not to work with your GP to support your ADHD, Beehyve can help. Many of our GPs can complete diagnostic assessments for ADHD. However, they can also meet with you to support medication, discuss concerns related to ADHD or coexisting issues, or write referrals.
We help by streamlining the process from screening assessments to diagnosis, titration and medication management.
Beehyve has a range of services that you can access straight away. You can receive therapy, care, and support without a diagnosis.
WHAT TO EXPECTHow much will it cost?
Diagnostic Assessment Estimation
Assessment fees can start from $500 per session, or more. And may cost $2000 or more. Each diagnostic practitioners sets their own price, and may depend on what’s going on with you.
Some practitioners may complete an assessment and give a diagnosis within the first session. Some may take two or more sessions.
Some may start medication titration, or complete medication titration before passing onto your GP. This price is not normally incl in the assessment price, so find out what their standard protocol is.
Psychiatrists are valuable if you have complex needs, but they can be expensive to see for therapy. If diagnosed by a psychiatrist, we would suggest discussing with them if finding a psychologist, counsellor or coach for support outside medication management is helpful, and could reduce rates for this kind of support.
When going back for follow-ups, you may be charged for 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 diagnostic practitioners 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.
Wait time for appointments
Expect to wait 3 months to 12 months. These wait times are expected to continue.
Be patient. This isn’t simply a New Zealand problem. It’s a worldwide issue. There is a shortage of diagnostic practitioners with and interest in ADHD.
Beehyve understands the journey differently
At Beehyve, we all have our own ADHD stories. Many of us have made the journey ourselves, and we understand that each one is unique. Beehyve is a safe space that’s free of judgement.
Adult ADHD was finally medically recognised in 2014. Unfortunately, some practitioners (both public & private) either don’t believe in adult ADHD or don’t understand its symptoms.
Beehyve combines unique insight with the latest research and practice; we’ve got your back.
We launched Beehyve to meet a demand for support that truly understands the specific needs of adult ADHD and can serve a broad range of those working on their wellbeing. Although our individual focus areas are wide and varied, we all share a non-judgmental understanding of ADHD; that's at the heart of our work.
Together we’re different. And different is great!