ADHD Assessment - Overview and FAQ
Get your comprehensive ADHD assessment — within one week
Ghel practice don’t just provide a diagnosis. As a specialist psychiatry practice, we deliver a clear, meaningful assessment with a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Who follows up on the plan depends on your referral type:
Referral under Medicare Item 291
Your referring GP will manage and implement the treatment plan.Referral under Medicare Item 296
We will continue your care and guide you through the treatment process directly.
Follow-Up — with no wait time
If you had an assessment done by Dr Caroline you can easily continue with follow-up appointments.
Please note:
If you had your assessment under Medicare item 291 or at another clinic, you will need a referral under Medicare item 296 beforehand. You usually will not need another assessment with Dr Caroline, if your assessment wasn’t too long ago.
There are two types of apointment for a follow-up consultation:
- 30 min follow-up consultation
- 15 min follow-up medication in titration phase
ADHD FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
In Australia, only a psychiatrist—a medical doctor specialised in mental health—is legally and medically authorised to make a formal diagnosis of ADHD, determine whether medication (including stimulant or non-stimulant options) is appropriate, and prescribe ADHD medications accordingly.
Psychologists, on the other hand, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication or make a formal ADHD diagnosis for the purposes of medical treatment or PBS-subsidised prescriptions. However, they play a crucial and complementary role in ADHD care, offering psychotherapy, behavioural strategies, psychoeducation, and support that can significantly improve quality of life. For some individuals, psychological therapy alone may be sufficient to manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
Yes. A GP referral is required to claim a Medicare rebate.
We recommend either asking for a Referral for Medicare Item 291 — this allows us to complete a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and report for your GP.
Or if you prefer to have ongoing appointments at Ghel Practice with Dr Caroline during your medication titration phase you ask your GP for Referral for Medicare Item 296.
How long does the ADHD assessment take?
The assessment with Dr Caroline usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes. It’s done via video call, from the comfort of your home.
Why do I have to fill out ADHD questionnaires before the assessment?
Completing ADHD screening questionnaires before your appointment helps us gather key information about your symptoms, history, and everyday challenges.
This allows Dr Caroline to prepare in advance so that your ADHD assessment via telehealth can be focused, personalised, and completed in one session.
Does the psychiatrist look at the ADHD questionnaires before my appointment?
Yes. Dr Caroline reviews all your answers carefully before your session. This is a key part of how she tailors the assessment to your specific situation. It also saves you time and helps ensure you get the most value from your appointment.
How can an ADHD diagnosis be made in just one telehealth session?
Thanks to the detailed pre-assessment questionnaires and GP referral, Dr Caroline can prepare thoroughly before your appointment. This means she can complete your full psychiatric assessment, diagnosis (if applicable), and treatment planning in a single, longer telehealth session — rather than needing two or three appointments.
What’s included in the ADHD report my GP receives?
Dr Caroline provides your GP with a detailed psychiatric report. This includes:
A summary of your symptoms and personal history
Whether ADHD is diagnosed, and why
A structured ADHD treatment and management plan
Medication suggestions, lifestyle recommendations, and referral options
Your GP receives the report within one week of your ADHD telehealth assessment.
Why does an ADHD assessment cost so much if it’s only one session?
Although the appointment itself is around 45-60 minutes, that’s just one part of the full process. You’re also paying for:
Review of your referral and questionnaires before the session
A comprehensive ADHD assessment by a consultant psychiatrist
- Fullfilling all the different regulations by Australian states
A custom-written report and treatment plan sent to your GP
Behind-the-scenes work that often takes several hours
This is a highly detailed and personalised service that continues even after the session ends.
What happens after my adult ADHD assessment?
If you were referred under Medicare Item 291, your GP will receive a full psychiatric report within a week. This includes diagnosis (if confirmed) and a detailed plan your GP can follow. If ongoing support is needed or you chose for psychiatrist led medication tirtration, you may continue with Ghel Practice under an ADHD treatment plan with Referral 296 (ongoing psychiatric care).
How soon will I be seen?
Actually there is no waitlist. Most patients are seen within 7 days of referral.
Will I get a diagnosis straight away?
If ADHD is diagnosed, we’ll explain this clearly and provide a written report to your GP within 1 week, including treatment options. If not, we’ll provide alternative explanations and guidance.
What does the report include?
Your GP will receive a detailed letter outlining:
The assessment findings
Whether ADHD is diagnosed
Recommended treatment (e.g. medication, therapy, lifestyle strategies)
Suggestions for follow-up or ongoing care if needed
Can I start medication for ADHD?
If a diagnosis is made, we can discuss treatment options, including stimulant and non-stimulant medications.
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication after the assessment?
Yes — in many cases, once a psychiatrist has confirmed the ADHD diagnosis and recommended medication, your GP may be able to continue prescribing it as part of the treatment plan.
Some patients choose to begin treatment directly with Dr Caroline, especially for the initial titration phase. Others prefer to have their GP take over prescribing, based on the psychiatrist’s written recommendations. We’ll always tailor the plan to what’s clinically safe and works best for you.
Is this service suitable for people outside of Perth?
Yes. We’re a 100% telehealth practice. We support patients across regional WA and all states in Australia — especially in areas where psychiatric services are hard to access.
How much does it cost?
Ghel Practice is a private billing clinic. You’ll pay a consultation fee and if eligible, you can claim a Medicare rebate with a valid referral.
More information under Fees and Medicare
Our admin team will also confirm costs with you before your appointment.
What are common ADHD symptoms in adults?
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Forgetfulness or losing things often
Trouble starting or finishing tasks
Feeling overwhelmed or mentally scattered
Restlessness or inner tension
Emotional reactivity or low frustration tolerance
Procrastination, especially with boring or complex tasks
What are common ADHD symptoms in women?
Women often experience:
Chronic overwhelm
Feeling disorganised despite effort
Emotional sensitivity or anxiety
Quiet inattentiveness mistaken for laziness or depression
Low self-esteem due to under-recognised struggles
Difficulty balancing work, home, and social life
What are common ADHD symptoms in men?
Men may present with:
High restlessness or impulsivity
Poor attention to detail
Risk-taking behaviours
Anger or frustration outbursts
Struggles with time management and organisation
Work or relationship instability
What other mental health issues can be linked to ADHD?
ADHD is often overlooked because its symptoms can overlap with or mimic other conditions.
If left untreated, ADHD can contribute to:
Depression
Anxiety
Burnout and work stress
Low self-worth
Substance use or misuse
Relationship problems
Sleep disturbances
Can ADHD be mistaken for something else?
Yes. Undiagnosed ADHD is often mislabelled as anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders.
That’s why a structured psychiatric assessment is so important — to get the diagnosis right and tailor your care accordingly.
Can I do the whole process online?
Yes — from referral to assessment to report, everything is done online. You don’t need to travel, take time off work, or wait months to be seen.