ADHD Psychologist

ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis

Reach Psychology offers comprehensive adult ADHD assessments informed by current best-practice protocols and collaborative care principles.

The assessment process is completed across three psychology sessions and includes:

• Comprehensive clinical interview and developmental history

• Structured ADHD assessment

• Review of attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily functioning

• Consideration of co-occurring mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma)

• Diagnostic clarification and feedback

Following completion of the assessment, a comprehensive written report is provided outlining:

• Diagnostic findings

• Summary of your current difficulties and experiences

• Personalised recommendations for support and treatment

• Guidance around next steps, including referral options for medical review and discussion of ADHD medication where appropriate.

Assessment Fees

• Initial assessment session: $295

• Two further assessment sessions: $275 per session

• Comprehensive ADHD assessment report: $550

The three psychology sessions can be eligible for Medicare rebates of $145.25 per session with a valid Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by challenges with attention, concentration, and impulse control. The condition affects people of all ages and significantly impacts the individual’s day-to-day life.

Although ADHD is commonly associated with hyperactivity in childhood, many adults experience symptoms more internally. This may include racing thoughts, chronic overwhelm, forgetfulness, difficulty prioritising tasks, emotional sensitivity, mental fatigue, procrastination, or feeling unable to “switch off.”

For many people, ADHD can go unrecognised for years, particularly in women and individuals who have developed strong coping strategies.

ADHD can affect:

• Attention and concentration

• Time management and organisation

• Emotional regulation

• Motivation and task completion

• Self-esteem and confidence

• Relationships and communication

• Stress tolerance and burnout

• Work, study, and daily functioning

Types of ADHD

ADHD presentations can vary significantly between individuals. Some people experience predominantly inattentive symptoms, while others experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of both.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that several symptoms:

• Were present prior to the age of 12 years

• Occur across two or more settings (e.g. home, work, school)

• Result in clinically significant functional impairment

Inattentive Presentation

Individuals may experience significant attention and executive functioning difficulties without obvious hyperactivity.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty sustaining concentration

• Procrastination, particularly for tasks requiring sustained effort

• Distractibility

• Forgetfulness

• Daydreaming

• Difficulty following instructions

• Difficulty organising time, belongings, or tasks

• Frequently losing items

• Reduced attention to detail/careless mistakes

• Difficulty completing repetitive or non-stimulating tasks

Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Individuals may experience increased restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating behaviour.

Symptoms may include:

• Restlessness or fidgeting

• Difficulty remaining seated for extended periods

• Excessive talking or interrupting

• Difficulty waiting or delaying responses

• Acting impulsively without fully considering consequences

• Difficulty engaging in quiet or low-stimulation activities

• Persistent stimulation-seeking behaviours

• Intolerance of boredom

• Preference for immediate rewards over delayed gratification

Combined Presentation

Individuals experience a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Many adults remain undiagnosed until seeking support for associated concerns such as anxiety, depression, burnout, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, or occupational stress.

ADHD commonly co-occurs with:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma-related difficulties

• Sleep difficulties

• Learning difficulties

• Substance use concerns

• Emotional dysregulation and burnout

• Eating disorders – You can read more about the relationship between ADHD and eating disorders here. 

ADHD Treatment: How Evidence-based Approaches Can Help

At Reach Psychology, ADHD treatment focuses on helping clients better understand their symptoms while developing practical strategies to manage attention difficulties, emotional overwhelm, impulsivity, disorganisation, and burnout. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to support adults with ADHD, particularly when symptoms coexist with anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or low self-esteem. CBT can help clients develop practical strategies for organisation, task management, emotional regulation, and unhelpful thinking patterns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in developing psychological flexibility and healthier ways of responding to difficult thoughts, emotions, and frustration. ACT can help reduce self-criticism, perfectionism, avoidance, and emotional overwhelm while supporting meaningful and values-based action.

Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for adults with ADHD who experience longstanding feelings of inadequacy, failure, shame, or self-criticism. These patterns are often shaped by years of misunderstanding, criticism, masking difficulties, or feeling “different.” Schema Therapy helps clients identify and challenge deeply held negative beliefs while building confidence and self-compassion.

DBT-informed strategies

DBT-informed approaches can help individuals strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, impulse management, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These strategies can be especially helpful when ADHD symptoms contribute to emotional intensity, frustration, relationship conflict, or shutdown.

Psychoeducation and executive functioning support

Psychoeducation helps clients better understand ADHD and how it affects attention, motivation, emotions, routines, and daily functioning. Therapy may also focus on executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritising, organisation, time management, and creating more sustainable systems and routines.

ADHD Psychology Appointments in Melbourne Bayside & Telehealth

At Reach Psychology, ADHD assessment and support is tailored to each person’s unique profile, strengths, challenges, and goals. Whether you are seeking support following a recent diagnosis, exploring whether ADHD may be contributing to longstanding difficulties, or looking to develop practical strategies for managing ADHD in daily life, Reach Psychology can help.

Sessions are available in person in Highett, Melbourne Bayside, and via Telehealth across Australia.