ADHD Assessments & Therapy

ADHD reflects differences in attention, executive functioning, motivation and information processing that can influence organisation, emotional regulation and navigating daily demands across one’s life. While these differences can create challenges in environments that aren’t aligned with how someone’s brain works best, ADHD is also associated with strengths including creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, adaptability and deep engagement with areas of interest.

At Sonder, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments and practical, evidence-based support for teens and adults across the Mornington Peninsula. Our approach recognises both the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, helping individuals better understand how their brain prefers to process information, what supports motivation and follow-through, and how to work with… rather than against… their natural ways of thinking and learning.

Whether you’re seeking clarity around a possible diagnosis or looking for strategies to navigate daily demands more effectively, our approach is collaborative and tailored to your individual needs, with a focus on building self-understanding, confidence and sustainable supports.

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Assessment Process

A comprehensive ADHD assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources to develop a clear understanding of your experiences, both currently and across your lifespan. This process begins with you and may also include information from parents, siblings, partners, teachers (if currently attending school), school reports and any previous psychological or cognitive assessments where available.

Step 1: Initial Contact

The process begins with a brief phone consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking an assessment and determine whether an ADHD assessment is appropriate. You will also be asked to complete an initial screening questionnaire before booking your assessment appointment.

Step 2: Online Questionnaires

Prior to your appointment, you will receive several online questionnaires to complete at home. These questionnaires help gather information about your attention, concentration, executive functioning, emotional wellbeing and daily management.

Where appropriate, questionnaires may also be provided to other people who know you well, such as parents, siblings, partners, or teachers, to obtain additional perspectives on your experiences.

Step 3: In-Person Assessment

The assessment appointment involves a detailed clinical interview and behavioural observations. Your psychologist will gather information about your developmental history, education, work, relationships and day-to-day functioning.

Structured assessment measures will be used to explore ADHD symptoms and their impact across different areas of life. The assessment also considers alternative explanations for symptoms and any co-occurring difficulties that may be relevant.

Occasionally, a brief follow-up phone call may be required to clarify information or obtain further details from you or a relevant informant before finalising the assessment outcome.

Step 4: Feedback Session

Following the assessment, all information is carefully reviewed and integrated. A comprehensive diagnostic report is typically completed within 2–3 weeks of your assessment appointment.

Once the report is finalised, an in-person feedback session will be scheduled to discuss the findings, answer any questions, and explore recommendations tailored to your needs.

Your diagnostic report will include:

  • A summary of your developmental, educational, and psychosocial background

  • An overview of the assessment process and measures completed

  • Interpretation of assessment findings and diagnostic conclusions

  • Consideration of any relevant differential diagnoses or co-occurring concerns

  • A comprehensive list of practical strategies and recommendations that can be implemented immediately across home, education, work, relationships, and daily life

The goal of the assessment is not only to determine whether ADHD is present, but also to provide meaningful insights and personalised recommendations to support your ongoing wellbeing, functioning, and success.

Ongoing Support

ADHD is not just a set of symptoms, it’s part of a broader, meaningful life experience. Many individuals also navigate anxiety, low mood or self-doubt alongside ADHD.

Our work focuses not only on reducing difficulties, but also on:

  • Building insight and tailored strategies

  • Recognising strengths

  • Supporting a more compassionate understanding of self

Following a diagnosis, we can provide ongoing therapy to support with mental health considerations alongside ADHD specific areas including:

  • Attention and focus strategies

  • Organisation and planning skills

  • Emotional regulation and frustration tolerance

  • Reducing procrastination and overwhelm

  • Building confidence and self-understanding

  • Navigating school, work and relationships

Enquire about ongoing therapy sessions here

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Comprehensive ADHD assessment and feedback sessions include:

    The total cost for a comprehensive ADHD assessment is $1000.

    This fee reflects the time, care and detail involved in providing a thorough and meaningful assessment, and includes:

    • One-two 60-minute assessment appointments

    • One 60-minute feedback session

    • Cost of all assessment materials and questionnaires

    • Time of scoring, interpreting and preparing diagnostic report

    • A comprehensive 20+ page report with personalised recommendations and practical strategies

    • An optional brief confirmation of diagnosis letter (for schools, workplaces or other supports)

    Yes, installment payments are available, please discuss this in the initial phone call.

  • No. Psychologists can provide assessments, diagnosis and therapeutic treatment but not medications.

    Psychiatrists remain the first step in prescriptions for ADHD.

    Your regular GP can receive approval to manage the ongoing script refill and oversight of medications, in consultation with the psychiatrist.

    See the next FAQ for more information.

  • Yes, however there is a few steps needed.

    1. You will still need a consultation with a psychiatrist first.

    2. GPs must apply for a permit if medications are recommended by a psychiatrist (not psychologist).

    3. Once the GP is approved, this permit allows them to start your prescription and work with you to find the right medication and dose over time.

    Why?

    ADHD medications are Schedule 8, which means they are closely regulated. You will need regular GP reviews to continue your script and repeats are usually limited.

    Wait times can vary from weeks to months sometimes to be seen by a psychiatrist, which means it can be more time-efficient to have reviews and scripts refilled by your GP.

  • For many individuals, the most comprehensive approach involves both professions:

    • Psychologist: Provides a detailed assessment, diagnostic clarity, and practical recommendations.

    • Psychiatrist: Provides medical assessment and discusses options and can prescribe medication options where appropriate.

    Psychologist can often have significantly reduced wait times. Meaning diagnosis can be determined quicker, strategies implemented sooner and formal documentation can be provided to work, school/university or if you are seeking considerations in those settings.

    At Sonder, we have availability typically 3 weeks from enquiry and can also offer ongoing therapy support following assessment.

    Whilst assessment specifics (price, wait times, level of detail and provided psycho-education) vary across both psychologists and psychiatrists. The following questions may help you determine which is right for you at this stage:

    If your primary goal is:

    "I want to understand myself (or my child), receive a thorough assessment, understand strengths and challenges, and walk away with practical recommendations" then a psychologist is often the best first step.

    If your primary goal is:

    "I already strongly suspect ADHD and want to discuss medication as soon as possible" then a psychiatrist may be the better starting point.

  • Following the assessment, in your feeback session you will receive a comprehensive ‘Diagnostic Report’ reviewing:

    • Developmental background history

    • Summary of assessment findings

    • Differential diagnosis (exploring if other symptoms or diagnoses are present and determining if ADHD better explains your experience above and beyond or alongside them)

    • Diagnosis (if applicable)

    • Personalised recommendations and strategies you can begin putting into practice immediately.

    You can also request a simplified ‘Confirmation of Diagnosis’ document to provide to your employer or educators. This helps formally communicate a diagnosis and recommendations without extended information you may not wish to share about personal history.

    The goal is to provide more than just a diagnosis. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your experiences, along with practical strategies and recommendations you can begin using straight away.

  • The assessment process typically takes at least two-three appointments, approximately 60 minutes each.

    1. Understanding developmental history. If required this can be online. With adolescents this often involves a parent or guardian.

    2. Clinical interview. A detailed conversation and direct observation, involving structured questionnaires to understand current concerns and experiences, face-to-face with the person being assessed.

    3. Feedback session. Where you’re provided and talked through the assessment outcomes and recommendations. Typically within 2-3 weeks of all assessments being completed.

  • That’s completely okay. You don’t need a formal assessment or diagnosis to start getting support.

    You can still work with a psychologist to focus on your goals, whether that’s improving concentration, building routines, managing overwhelm or understanding your patterns more clearly.

    While ADHD assessments are not typically covered by Medicare, therapy sessions can be accessed with a rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)

    To get started, you can:

    • Speak with your GP

    • Request a Mental Health Care Plan

    • Ask for a referral to us (or your preferred psychologist)

    This allows access to up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.

    If you decide you’d like an assessment in the future, that option is always available—but it’s not required to begin making meaningful changes.