ADHD Assessment Melbourne
ADHD is one of the most common and most misunderstood neurodevelopmental conditions in Australia. Often dismissed as laziness, disorganisation, or poor self-control, ADHD involves real and measurable differences in how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and executive function.
At The Talk Shop, our Melbourne psychologists provide comprehensive ADHD assessments and evidence-based psychological support for children, adolescents, and adults — across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both, that interfere with daily functioning across multiple settings. It is not caused by poor parenting, lack of effort, or low intelligence.
The DSM-5 recognises three presentations of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation — difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organising activities; often goes undiagnosed, particularly in girls and women
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation — difficulty sitting still, waiting, and controlling impulses; more commonly identified in early childhood
- Combined Presentation — features of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity; the most common adult presentation
ADHD is not simply a childhood condition. An estimated 2–3% of Australian adults live with ADHD, many undiagnosed until well into adulthood. With the right support, people with ADHD can manage their challenges effectively and leverage the genuine strengths that often come with the ADHD brain — including creativity, hyperfocus, and problem-solving ability.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD presents differently depending on the person and presentation type. Common signs in adults and adolescents include:
Inattentive symptoms:
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or during conversations
- Frequently losing things (keys, phone, important documents)
- Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily obligations
- Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts
- Avoiding or procrastinating on tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Starting many tasks but struggling to complete them
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms:
- Restlessness — difficulty sitting still or feeling “driven by a motor”
- Talking excessively or interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting — in queues, conversations, or taking turns
- Making impulsive decisions without fully considering consequences
- Difficulty regulating emotions — low frustration tolerance, quick to anger or upset
Executive function difficulties:
- Poor time management — chronic lateness, misjudging how long tasks take
- Difficulty planning, organising, and prioritising
- Working memory difficulties — forgetting instructions or losing your train of thought
- Emotional dysregulation — big feelings that feel hard to manage
Many adults with ADHD have developed “masking” strategies that hide their difficulties from the outside world — while internally experiencing significant exhaustion and self-doubt.
You Are Not Alone
ADHD affects approximately 6–7% of children and 2–3% of adults in Australia — though the true figure is likely higher due to significant underdiagnosis.
AADPA Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, 2022
Women and girls are particularly underdiagnosed. The hyperactive presentation — which is more visible — is more common in boys, while the inattentive presentation (more common in girls) is frequently overlooked or attributed to anxiety or personality traits. Many women receive their first ADHD diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, or later.
Undiagnosed ADHD carries significant costs: higher rates of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, academic underachievement, and career instability. A diagnosis — at any age — can be a turning point, providing a framework for understanding lifelong experiences and opening the door to effective support.
Late Diagnosis and ADHD in Adults
Many adults seeking an ADHD assessment at The Talk Shop have spent decades wondering why they struggle with things others seem to find easy — staying organised, finishing projects, managing time, regulating emotions.
A late ADHD diagnosis can be both validating and transformative. It reframes a lifetime of self-criticism as the result of a brain that works differently — not a character flaw. Adults diagnosed later in life commonly report:
- Relief at finally understanding patterns that have caused difficulty throughout life
- Reduced shame and self-blame
- Improved self-compassion and motivation
- Access to targeted strategies and, where appropriate, medication options
- Better outcomes in work, relationships, and daily functioning
It is never too late to understand how your brain works — and to get support that actually fits.
ADHD Assessment and Psychological Support
Our psychologists offer both formal ADHD assessment and ongoing psychological support. These are distinct services:
Comprehensive ADHD Assessment
A thorough, multi-session clinical assessment involving structured interviews, validated rating scales, cognitive testing, and collateral information (where appropriate). Provides a formal diagnosis and detailed recommendations for treatment, workplace or educational adjustments, and support strategies.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
CBT adapted for ADHD addresses the specific challenges of executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem. Strong evidence base for reducing ADHD symptoms and improving daily functioning in adults (Knouse & Safren, 2010).
Skills-Based Coaching and Strategies
Practical, structured support for time management, organisation, planning, and emotional regulation. Tailored to your specific ADHD profile and the real-world demands of your life.
Treatment of Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely travels alone. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are common in people with ADHD — often as a result of years of undiagnosed struggle. Our psychologists are equipped to address these alongside ADHD.
If you are unsure whether you need a formal assessment or ongoing support — or both — your first appointment will help clarify the right path forward.
What ADHD Support Looks Like at The Talk Shop
Your first appointment is a 50-minute session to discuss your concerns, history, and what you are hoping to achieve — whether that is a formal diagnosis, practical strategies, or both.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically involves 2–3 appointments and results in a written report. Ongoing psychological support is tailored to your needs and typically runs across 8–16 sessions for skill-building and co-occurring conditions.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
Funding Options — What Will You Pay?
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
- WorkCover approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
- NDIS plan-managed or self-managed — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
- TAC claim approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
- Medicare rebate (Mental Health Care Plan) — get medicare rebates same-day or next day
- Private Health Insurance — we provide an itemised invoice to help claim your extras benefit
- No funding / self-pay — affordable rates from $50 per session, no GP referral needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. ADHD is a lifelong condition that persists into adulthood for the majority of those diagnosed in childhood — and many adults receive their first diagnosis in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond. An adult ADHD diagnosis is valid and meaningful at any age.
What does an ADHD assessment involve?
A comprehensive ADHD assessment at The Talk Shop involves clinical interviews (covering current symptoms, developmental history, and impact on daily functioning), validated rating scales, and cognitive testing. It typically spans 2–3 appointments and concludes with a written diagnostic report.
Do I need a GP referral for an ADHD assessment?
No. You can book directly with The Talk Shop. A GP referral is only needed if you wish to access Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan.
Can a psychologist prescribe ADHD medication?
No. In Australia, ADHD medication is prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist. Your psychologist can work alongside your GP and provide a diagnostic report to support a medication assessment if that is something you choose to pursue.
Is ADHD covered by Medicare?
Psychological sessions for ADHD — including assessment sessions — are covered under a Mental Health Care Plan. Note that a comprehensive written diagnostic report may involve fees beyond the Medicare rebate; your psychologist will be transparent about costs from the outset.
I have been managing on my own for years. Is it too late to get help?
It is never too late. Many adults seek assessment and support decades after their ADHD first affected them — and consistently find that understanding their brain, and having the right strategies, makes a significant difference to quality of life.
Get Clarity on ADHD. Talk to a Melbourne Psychologist Today.
Whether you are seeking a formal assessment or practical support, our team is here to help — in a way that fits your life and budget.
Other Conditions We Help With
References
Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA). (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). AADPA. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). APA Publishing.
Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). Guilford Press.
Knouse, L. E., & Safren, S. A. (2010). Current status of cognitive behavioral therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 497–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.001
Young, S., Adamo, N., Asgeirsdottir, B. B., Branney, P., Beckett, M., Colley, W., … & Woodhouse, E. (2020). Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in females of all ages. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 404.