Positive Wellbeing Psychology Melbourne | ADHD Assessment in Melbourne: A Step-by-Step Guide for Adults

25 May ADHD Assessment in Melbourne: A Step-by-Step Guide for Adults

Posted at 22:17h in ADHD psychologist, ADHDer, Australian Psychologists, Neurodiversity, Online Psychologist and Telehealth, Psychiatry Services, Psychology Help by
Clinically reviewed by Emily Burton, Registered Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor (AHPRA PSY0002092793)

Many adults seeking an adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne begin to question whether longstanding patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or cognitive restlessness may be consistent with ADHD. Our ADHD psychologists in Melbourne and ADHD psychiatrists work together to provide a comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming assessment experience For individuals who have experienced chronic difficulties with organisation, follow-through, or sustained attention despite significant effort, these concerns are not uncommon — and meaningful clarification is available.

Seeking an adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne can be a clarifying and validating step. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology and Psychiatry, we are committed to providing a transparent, evidence-based assessment process delivered with warmth, respect, and clinical rigour.

Our psychologists and psychiatrists have a special interest in neurodiversity-affirming assessment and treatment, with a focus on understanding each individual’s unique cognitive and behavioural profile rather than relying on standardised assumptions. Our clinicians provide structured support at every stage of the assessment process.

What Is An Adult ADHD Assessment?

An adult ADHD assessment is a comprehensive clinical evaluation designed to determine the presence or absence of ADHD, assess for co-occurring conditions, and inform an individualised treatment plan.

Unlike brief screening tools or online questionnaires, a formal ADHD assessment for adults involves structured clinical interviews, validated psychometric instruments, and a detailed developmental and psychosocial history. Findings are interpreted by an experienced clinician within a diagnostic framework. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists provides clinical guidelines for adult ADHD assessment that inform our approach.

In Melbourne, adults may access ADHD assessments via a psychologist, psychiatrist, or integrated services such as ours, which provide coordinated multidisciplinary care within a single clinical setting.

Step 1: Personalised Intake and Connection

The Initial Appointment

Your assessment journey begins with an initial consultation with either a psychologist or psychiatrist, depending on whether you proceed via a psychologist-led or psychiatrist-led pathway.

This appointment explores presenting concerns, developmental history, functional impact, and relevant medical, psychological, and social background. It provides a structured and supportive space to examine how attentional and executive functioning difficulties may have impacted work, study, relationships, and daily functioning.

As part of this process, screening is also conducted for common co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and binge eating behaviours. These factors may exacerbate executive functioning challenges or occur secondary to them, and are important to identify to ensure accurate formulation and treatment planning.

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we prioritise timely access, responsiveness, and continuity of care, with a focus on accessible, client-centred service delivery.

Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment Using Validated ADHD Tools

Following intake, structured psychometric and diagnostic measures are administered to assess core domains including:

  • Attention and concentration
  • Executive functioning
  • Working memory
  • Emotional regulation
  • Cognitive profile and neurodevelopmental presentation

Prior to attendance, clients complete a series of validated pre-assessment questionnaires designed to provide a broad multidimensional profile of functioning and assist in diagnostic formulation.

Where appropriate, clients may also be asked to provide prior psychological reports, educational records, or medical documentation to support a comprehensive clinical understanding. Where assessment reveals co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or autism, our integrated team can address these within the same clinical setting.

Step 3: Integrated Multidisciplinary Support

A key feature of Positive Wellbeing Psychology is our integrated multidisciplinary model. Clients may access psychiatrist input following psychologist assessment, or psychologist support following psychiatrist assessment, within the same coordinated service.

Our Neuroaffirming Approach

We conceptualise ADHD and Autism within a contemporary neuroaffirming framework, recognising these as neurodevelopmental differences rather than pathologies or deficits.

Our aim is to provide a structured, respectful, and stigma-free assessment environment that supports insight, self-understanding, and empowerment.

Step 4: Collaborative feedback and next steps

Following completion of the assessment, a structured feedback consultation is provided to:

  • Review diagnostic findings and clinical impressions
  • Address questions and clarify results
  • Develop an individualised, evidence-based treatment plan aligned with goals and functional needs

Recommendations may include psychological therapy, ADHD coaching, pharmacological review (including stimulant and non-stimulant options), and practical strategies to support occupational, academic, and daily functioning.

Medicare Rebates for ADHD Assessment in Melbourne

Where assessment includes psychiatrist involvement, Medicare rebates may be accessed via two relevant MBS pathways. Understanding the distinction between these options assists in selecting the most appropriate care model.

Option 1: MBS Item 291 — Comprehensive assessment and management plan

MBS Item 291 is applicable where a psychiatrist conducts a comprehensive one-off assessment and provides a detailed management plan to the referring GP.

Following assessment, a written report is provided to the GP outlining:

  • Diagnostic formulation
  • Evidence-based treatment recommendations
  • Pharmacological options (including stimulant and non-stimulant medications)
  • Psychological and behavioural interventions
  • Ongoing monitoring recommendations

Ongoing care is then managed by the GP, supported by specialist guidance. For further information on costs see our fees and rebates page. This model is generally suited to individuals who have an established GP relationship and prefer GP-led continuity of care.

MBS Item 291 is a single-use item and is not intended for ongoing specialist review.

Option 2: MBS Item 296 — Ongoing psychiatric management

MBS Item 296 applies where ongoing psychiatric involvement in treatment is clinically indicated or preferred.

Under this model, the psychiatrist provides continued management including:

  • Ongoing medication prescribing and review
  • Regular clinical monitoring and follow-up
  • Treatment adjustments over time
  • Coordination with GP and psychologist where required

To access MBS Item 296 you will need a GP referral. See our GP referral information page for details on how to organise this. This pathway is typically recommended where presentations are more complex, where ongoing specialist oversight is preferred, or where GP-led prescribing is not suitable.

MBS Item 296 allows for multiple follow-up consultations, each eligible for a Medicare rebate.

Which option is right for you?

The most appropriate pathway depends on individual clinical needs, treatment preferences, and complexity of presentation. This decision is made collaboratively with your treating clinician during the assessment process.

Both MBS Item 291 and MBS Item 296 represent evidence-based models designed to support continuity and quality of care. Our integrated team works collaboratively to ensure coordinated, neurodiversity-affirming support regardless of the selected pathway.

Benefits Of Our Integrated Approach For An ADHD assessment in Melbourne

There are multiple ADHD assessment services available in Melbourne. Our service is distinguished by:

  • Personalised assessment tailored to individual neurodevelopmental profiles
  • Transparent communication throughout the process
  • Timely access to appointments and responsive clinical support
  • Accessible, high-quality care with consideration of affordability
  • Integrated psychologist and psychiatrist collaboration
  • Neuroaffirming, strengths-based clinical framework

Our neurodiversity integrated care model means psychologist and psychiatrist support is available within the one service — reducing referral delays and ensuring continuity of care. Sessions are available in person at our Armadale clinic and via telehealth Australia-wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne, including information about the assessment process, Medicare pathways (MBS Item 291 and 296), referrals, and what to expect. This section is designed to support clarity and informed decision-making.

Do I need a GP referral for an ADHD assessment? −
A GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates for a psychiatrist appointment under MBS Item 291 or 296. Some psychologist-led assessments can be accessed without a referral, however a GP referral is still needed to access Medicare rebates and for medication management. You can find out more about how to get a GP referral on our website.
How long does an adult ADHD assessment take? +
The process typically spans multiple appointments across several weeks, including an intake consultation, assessment sessions, and a feedback appointment. Most adult ADHD assessments are completed over 2–3 sessions in total. Prior to attendance, clients complete validated pre-assessment questionnaires online which take approximately 30–45 minutes. Your clinician will outline the expected timeline during your first session.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time? +
Absolutely. Many adults receive their first ADHD diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, or later — often after years of being labelled as lazy, disorganised, or unmotivated. A late diagnosis can bring significant clarity and relief, helping to make sense of longstanding challenges with focus, organisation, and daily functioning. It is also common for women and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds to receive a late diagnosis, as symptoms often present differently and may have been missed earlier in life.
What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist ADHD assessment? +
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and access Medicare rebates for psychiatric assessment items (MBS 291 and 296). They are required for medication management in Victoria. Psychologists conduct comprehensive cognitive and behavioural assessments — including validated psychometric testing — and provide evidence-based therapy.
Our integrated model — at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our psychologists conduct the full psychometric assessment process, then coordinate directly with our in-house psychiatrists where pharmacological treatment is being explored. You are not referred out or left to navigate separate providers — your psychologist and psychiatrist work together within the one clinical setting to ensure level-one treatment and clinical excellence at every stage of your ADHD care. This reduces delays, avoids duplication, and ensures true continuity of care.
What is MBS Item 291 and how does it relate to ADHD? +
MBS Item 291 is a Medicare item that allows a psychiatrist to conduct a one-off comprehensive psychiatric assessment and provide a detailed management plan to your GP. It is commonly used as part of the ADHD assessment pathway. Following the assessment, your GP oversees the implementation of the management plan and your ongoing care, including medication prescribing via delegation letter. MBS Item 291 is a single-use item and is not intended for ongoing specialist review.
What is MBS Item 296 and when is it used? +
MBS Item 296 is used when you prefer your psychiatrist to continue managing your ADHD treatment directly on an ongoing basis. Unlike Item 291, which covers a one-off comprehensive assessment, Item 296 allows for multiple ongoing appointments — each attracting a Medicare rebate. This covers ongoing medication management, progress reviews, and treatment adjustments over time. It is recommended for more complex presentations, where co-occurring conditions are present, or where longer-term specialist involvement is preferred.
How do I choose between MBS Item 291 and MBS Item 296? +
The right pathway depends on your individual circumstances and treatment preferences. MBS Item 291 is ideal if your GP will manage your ongoing ADHD care with specialist guidance. MBS Item 296 is better suited if you would prefer your psychiatrist to remain directly involved in your ongoing treatment. Your clinician will discuss both options during your assessment and help you decide which approach best suits your needs. You can also visit our fees and rebates page for further information on costs.
Is ADHD assessment available via telehealth? +
Yes. We offer telehealth appointments for both the intake consultation and feedback sessions, making our ADHD assessment accessible to adults across Melbourne and Victoria. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychiatrist appointments with a valid GP referral under MBS Item 291 or 296.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in Melbourne? +
Our psychologists conduct comprehensive ADHD assessments priced under $1,500 — making our service one of the most accessible options for adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne. This includes the full assessment process: intake consultation, validated psychometric testing, and a written feedback report with diagnostic formulation and recommendations. Where a psychiatrist is also involved for medication management, Medicare rebates are available via MBS Item 291 or 296 with a valid GP referral, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs. You can view full pricing on our fees and rebates page.
Can ADHD and autism be assessed at the same time? +
Yes. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying co-occurring ADHD and autism — sometimes referred to as AuDHD. Research suggests that between 50–70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD. Where both are suspected, our integrated assessment process can capture both presentations within the one pathway. Learn more about our autism assessment services.
Will I get a prescription at my first ADHD appointment? +
No. Your first appointment is a comprehensive intake and assessment consultation. Medication is only considered following a full assessment and diagnostic formulation. If medication is clinically indicated, your psychiatrist will discuss stimulant and non-stimulant options, provide a delegation letter to your GP, and support safe initiation and monitoring. This ensures you have adequate time to understand how medications work, potential risks, and the regulatory requirements surrounding their use in Australia.

Ready to Get Clarity on Your ADHD?

Whether you’re exploring ADHD for the first time or seeking answers after years of unanswered questions, our psychologists and psychiatrists are here to help. We offer neurodiversity-affirming ADHD assessments priced under $1,500 — available in-person at our Armadale clinic or via telehealth Australia-wide, with Medicare rebates available via MBS Item 291 and 296 with a valid GP referral.

Book Now
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