How to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia

Step 1: Screen yourself

Take the ASRS (our free self-test uses it) and read the adult symptom list. A positive screen is not a diagnosis, but it is a reason to proceed and useful to show a GP.

Step 2: See your GP

Book a long appointment. Bring your screen result, a short written history (school reports if you have them, examples from work and home, how long this has been going on) and a list of what you want: assessment, and possibly a Mental Health Treatment Plan for rebated psychology sessions in the meantime. Ask whether the GP can assess and initiate treatment themselves under your state's rules (see how prescribing works) or will refer.

Step 3: Choose the assessor

• Psychiatrist: can diagnose and prescribe. Longest waits, highest fees, partial Medicare rebate with a GP referral.
• ADHD-trained GP: in states that permit it, can diagnose and initiate for adults. Shorter waits, lower cost.
• Psychologist: can assess and diagnose ADHD and provide therapy, but cannot prescribe. Good if medication is not your goal or you want a detailed report.

Step 4: The assessment

A structured clinical interview covering current symptoms in each DSM-5-TR domain, childhood onset (symptoms before age 12), impairment in at least two settings, and other explanations such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, trauma and autism. Rating scales are usual; input from a parent, sibling or partner who knew you as a child is valuable where possible. Cognitive testing is not required for diagnosis and adds cost. One to three appointments is typical.

Step 5: Report and plan

You receive a diagnosis (or not), a letter or report, and a discussion of options: medication, therapy, coaching, workplace adjustments. Nothing is compulsory. The report is what you use for a GP shared-care arrangement, university or workplace adjustments.

Costs and waits in 2026

Psychiatrist initial consultations run $600 to $1,200 with a rebate of $268.90 or $467.45; total assessment pathways commonly cost $1,000 to $1,600 out of pocket. Psychologist assessments range from $800 to $1,500. Waits vary from a few weeks by telehealth to six months or more for popular clinics. See ADHD assessment cost.

Making it faster and cheaper

• Telehealth assessors anywhere in your state widen the field.
• Ask to be on a cancellation list.
• Bring documentation: it can save an appointment.
• Consider whether a psychologist assessment meets your needs if medication is not the goal.
• Start therapy on a Mental Health Treatment Plan while you wait; it is rebated and often helps immediately.

What Inner Help does

Our finder lists psychiatrists, GPs and psychologists who state they work with adult ADHD, and our free self-test gives you something to bring to the GP. Our own GP-led assessment pathway opens in states that permit it during 2026.

Frequently asked questions