Assessment Pathways
We offer two pathways for diagnostic assessments.
Pathway 1 is a two-step process that provides an affordable way to explore whether a formal diagnosis might be beneficial, without paying the full diagnostic fee upfront.
Pathway 2 combines the psychometric questionnaires and diagnostic assessment into one streamlined service with a single payment.
Not sure which option suits you best? Try our Help Me Decide tool.
Explore the Assessment Process and what to expect.
Special Authority
If you want your doctor to apply for Special Authority, we recommend checking with them first to confirm they will do so based on the outcome of your comprehensive diagnostic assessment. If they are unable to assist with this, please consider purchasing a service that includes Special Authority.
Help Me Decide
Unsure which pathway or service is right for you?
Pathway 1
Pathway 1 is a two-step process
1. Screening
2. Diagnostic Assessment
This pathway allows you to start with a screening assessment to see whether a full diagnostic assessment is likely to be beneficial. You only pay for the screening to start with.
Then, depending on the results and our recommendations, you can decide whether to continue with a diagnostic assessment as the next step.
Assessment Process
1. Psychometric Forms
- Collecting Collateral Information
An accurate diagnosis requires careful exploration of a person's history and experiences along with the use of assessment forms that have been developed to assist with the process.
You will be asked to fill in a form with your personal details, as well as the names and contact details of people who know you well, both now and as a child. This is referred to as collateral information and is required to proceed with our services.
You will be asked to complete some psychometric forms prior to your appointment.
Why do we collect Collateral Information?
To ensure all diagnostic criteria are met, collateral support of both current and childhood symptoms is required.
The information from collateral sources is typically gathered using questionnaires that will be sent directly to the nominated person(s).
Current Symptoms
- Collateral information about your current symptoms can be provided by anyone who knows you well now.
Childhood Symptoms
- Collateral information about childhood symptoms can come from:
- Caregivers
- Parents
- Siblings
- Extended family or
- Anyone who knew you well enough to report on your symptoms during childhood (before age 12 years).
- School reports can also be helpful in documenting childhood symptoms and difficulties.
The presence of childhood symptoms is part of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
If you are unable to find a person to complete the childhood questionnaire form that we use for these assessments, you can provide school reports that document the presence of childhood difficulties that might indicate the existence of ADHD symptoms.
If this is also not possible, we may be able to proceed with the diagnostic assessment, but there is a risk that we would not be able to confirm a diagnosis without more information about your childhood difficulties.- Pathway 1: Review of Screening Assessment
Once all the psychometric forms have been completed, a registered psychologist will review the responses. You will receive feedback on whether it’s appropriate to continue with a formal diagnostic assessment.
If a diagnostic assessment is recommended, we will send you a link to purchase a post-screening diagnostic assessment.
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- Pathway 2: Review of Psychometric Forms
Once all the psychometric forms have been completed, the information submitted will be reviewed by your assessor.
They will discuss the results with you during your appointment.
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2. Diagnostic Assessment
- Pathway 1: Appointment
We can offer appointments within 1-2 weeks after the psychometric forms have been completed and reviewed.
The online appointment, which usually takes about an hour, is used to follow up on responses from the completed forms and to gather additional information about the person's history and any other potential causes of the person's difficulties, including other mental health conditions.
- Pathway 2: Appointment
Clients are asked to schedule their appointments at least two weeks in advance to allow enough time to complete the required psychometric forms before your session.
The online appointment, which usually takes about an hour, is used to follow up on responses from the completed forms and to gather additional information about the person's history and any other potential causes of the person's difficulties, including other mental health conditions.
- Diagnosis
Mental health professionals use a combination of observed, reported, and endorsed symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that the diagnosis takes into account not only the individual's own experiences but also how their condition appears to others and manifests in their daily life.
- Diagnostic Report
After the assessment is completed, a written report will be provided that will summarize all relevant information and will include appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
We aim to have the report ready within 10 business days of the assessment and you will receive a notification via email once it is available.
- Prescriptions & Medication
Our team does not prescribe stimulant medication. Instead, we apply for special authority and then refer you back to your GP who will then be responsible for initiating your medication and providing ongoing prescriptions.
Diagnostic Assessments:
No Special Authority
Service provided by a Psychologist
For those who are not interested in pursuing stimulant medication treatment, or who have a relationship with a doctor or psychiatrist who can manage that for them, a stand alone diagnostic assessment with a registered psychologist is an option.
- These services include:
- Psychometric Forms
- Diagnostic Assessment Interview
- Written Report outlining any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations
Diagnostic Assessments:
Special Authority
Service provided by a Clinical Team
We offer diagnostic assessments that include input from both a registered psychologist and a psychiatrist.
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, and you are interested in pursuing medication treatment, the psychiatrist involved in the multidisciplinary assessment can apply for special authority.
Our team does not prescribe stimulant medication. Instead, we apply for special authority and then refer you back to your GP who will then be responsible for initiating your medication and providing ongoing prescriptions.
- This service includes:
- Psychometric Forms
- Diagnostic Assessment Interview
- Multidisciplinary review of results
- Written Report outlining any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations
- Special Authority for stimulant medication if it is indicated
Diagnostic Assessment:
Psychiatrist
Service provided by a Psychiatrist
We offer a diagnostic assessment for ADHD that is conducted by a psychiatrist.
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, and you are interested in pursuing medication treatment, the psychiatrist involved will endorse the application for special authority and refer you back to your GP.
Our team does not prescribe stimulant medication. Instead, we endorse the application for special authority and then refer you back to your GP who will then be responsible for initiating your medication and providing ongoing prescriptions.
- This service includes:
- Diagnostic Assessment Interview
- Written Report outlining any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations
- Endorse Special Authority application
