ADHD Treatment

Immediate appointments available
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

What is Adult ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the executive functions of the brain.

Symptoms include:

• Inattention - will often have difficulty concentrating
• Impulsivity - will often interrupt others
• Hyperactivity - will often be in constant motion and unable to sit stil

Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has an ADHD diagnosis as most people sometimes blurt out things they did not mean to say, bounce from one task to another, or become disorganised and forgetful.

To assess whether a person has ADHD we consider several critical questions:

• is this a continuous problem or just a response to a temporary situation?
• does your behaviour occur in several settings or only in one specific place, like the office or in a social setting?

The pattern of behaviour is compared against a set of criteria and characteristics of the disorder. These criteria appear in a manual called the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5).

A full personal and clinical history is also taken as ADHD can be common in people whose relatives have ADHD, or who may have other mental conditions. We also rule out similar mental health issues such as learning difficulties, clinical disorders, mood problems, and medical conditions.

Our psychologists consider many factors when forming a diagnosis, including the person’s strengths and capabilities.

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How can we help?

Our assessments and treatments help identify the right approach for how you can seek to manage ADHD. After matching and assessment, you will receive a clinical report with recommendations for further testing, individual counselling or group therapy Group therapy offers a highly effective yet cost-efficient clinical approach. If individual counselling is recommended, your psychologist will match you with an ADHD psychologist who best fits your needs. Our reception will call you to arrange your appointment schedule. You can read more about individual ADHD counselling here.

ADHD Symptoms and Challenges

People with ADHD often experience difficulties with focus i.e.: zoning out, forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining concentration and completing tasks, and relationships issues.  

At Psychology Melbourne we provide comprehensive services to support adults and adolescents dealing with ADHD symptoms and challenges, including:  

• Psychological testing,
• One-on-one counselling,
• Group therapy

Psychological Testing

You can begin your ADHD journey with an ADHD Screener which can help identify ADHD symptoms and determine whether a full ADHD assessment is necessary. If your results indicate a full ADHD Assessment is required, you will receive a reduction on the full assessment cost.  

These tests are used to identify the type of ADHD you are experiencing, as there are often overlaps between ADD and ADHD. After completing the full test, you will receive a comprehensive report that provides clear insights and recommendations. 

It is important to clarify that psychological and psychiatric assessments serve different purposes. Our psychological assessments not only evaluate ADHD symptoms but also identify co-morbidities or other psychological areas that may need attention. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of mental health needs and can guide broader treatment strategies, beyond ADHD-specific concerns.

Psychiatrists are required to conduct their own evaluations to determine the need for and suitability of medication. This is standard practice to ensure the psychiatrist has a complete understanding of the client’s medical and mental health history. While psychiatrists may incorporate our reports into their evaluation process, they do not solely rely on them for prescribing medication. Our reports are designed to complement, not replace, a psychiatrist’s medical assessment.

Note: If you are solely seeking medication for ADHD, a psychological report may not be necessary. However, it can provide invaluable insights into understanding the condition and how best to manage it, including with medication. For medication prescriptions, please consult directly with a psychiatrist.

One-On-One Counselling

If individual counselling, is recommended, we can provide a series of in-person or online sessions with one of our experienced ADHD psychologists. Through counselling, you will gain a better understanding of how your brain functions and learn strategies for managing ADHD related challenges.

Group Therapy

To complete your therapy, we offer our popular Living with ADHD coaching group Through counselling, you will gain a better understanding of how your brain functions and learn strategies for managing ADHD related challenges.

The Living with ADHD group therapy is an alternative effective treatment that includes working with others with similar challenges. You can do this on completion of your one-on-one sessions or as stand-alone treatment.

Group work gives you valuable access to experienced ADHD psychologists at a reduced cost compared to individual counselling.

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What is the Best Treatment for ADHD?

The two main treatments for ADHD are psychological counselling and psychiatric medication. A combination of the two is often recommended. However, your psychologist will work together with you to discuss this.

Individual counselling includes online or in-person consultations with a dedicated psychologist who has expertise in ADHD.

Group counselling or therapy is also recommended, led by a trained ADHD psychologist for a small group of people with similar neurodivergent issues.

Individual ADHD counselling

At Psychology Melbourne individual counselling is conducted by an experienced psychologist, who will help you understand more deeply how your brain functions and help you develop ways to manage your ADHD symptoms. They will also recommend useful resources for you to help with this.

Our team of psychologists who are trained in working with ADHD will teach you key skills to manage your symptoms and live a more satisfying life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly recommended in reducing core symptoms of ADHD and minimizing the effects of ADHD symptoms on daily life.

The CBT approach includes psychoeducation to understand ADHD and its effects on your behaviour, behaviour therapy, and social skills training. You will learn to build your confidence so that you can better manage your situation at home and at work.

During your sessions, your psychologist will also focus on your strengths and capabilities when recommending exercises for you to do. They will provide various resources and helpful apps to help you with your symptoms.

The Team of ADHD Psychologists

ADHD Coaching Groups

Our Living with ADHD Coaching groups are online and led by experienced psychologists on a weekly basis for 6 – 8 people. You will learn proven, skills-based strategies for managing ADHD symptoms. such as time management, emotional regulation, self-awareness and self-talk, mood management, as well as social skills and relationship management,

Seeing other people tackle problems and making positive changes can help you develop a full range of strategies for facing your own concerns outside the therapy room.

Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you feel heard and understood and puts your own problems in perspective. People often feel alone and like they are the only ones struggling with ADHD. It can be a huge relief to hear others discuss what you are going through.

Group therapy is not just clinically effective, it is cost effective as well. See below for details.

Group work is strongly recommended in the ADHD National Guidelines. You can learn more about our groups here.

Medication

Our psychologists can explain some of the benefits, risks, and possible side effects of medications to help you make your own decision if you decide to go down this path.

Psychologists are not able to prescribe psychiatric medication and you will need to speak to your GP about this. Alternatively, you can choose to manage your symptoms without medication using behavioural techniques. Many people find this a longer-lasting solution.

The medication for ADHD is restricted, psychiatric medication which can only be prescribed by a GP following an assessment with a psychiatrist. This will be an additional out-of-pocket expense for you, however, a Medicare rebate available.

Stimulants are the most common type of medication prescribed: methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta, and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).

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How does an ADHD Assessment work?

Our ADHD assessment process is designed to provide clarity and direction for managing ADHD symptoms and challenges.

The first step is the ADHD screener, which provides an indication of whether you may have ADHD. This screening includes a 30-minute online consultation plus two screening tests. You can learn more about it here.

You can then discuss your Screener results with your GP and decide together if a comprehensive assessment would be beneficial. If you decide to proceed with a full ADHD test package a GP referral will be required. The assessment includes a series of ADHD specific screening tests, three clinical consultations and a comprehensive Assessment report that can be shared with your GP (General Practitioner) or psychiatrist. This assessment can be done online or in-person for your convenience.

Your report will give you a clear diagnosis (if applicable) and recommendations for future treatment, whether medical or behavioural. The report will recommend both medication and non-medication pathways to help manage your ADHD symptoms. Non-medication pathways – or behavioural therapy - includes individual or group counselling.

Your report will provide you with a clear diagnosis (if applicable) along with recommendations for managing your ADHD symptoms, including both medical and non-medical pathways. Non-medication pathways – or behavioural therapy - includes individual or group counselling.  

After completing the assessment, your psychologist will carefully review the test results with you to identify the best therapy options for you. Depending on the results of your screening tests, further testing may be recommended.  

Our assessment process is compliant with the recently published National ADHD Guidelines 2022.

You can find out more about the ADHD Screener and full Assessment package here

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How much does it cost?

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for the ADHD Treatment are as follows:

1. ADHD Assessments

The cost of the Adult ADHD Screener is $170 and the full ADHD Test package is $1,300.

Our Reception can assist you with all your questions about our ADHD Assessment. You can call the reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at assessments@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

2. Individual Counselling

We have a large team of male and female psychologists who provide in-person and online ADHD counselling. They are available six days a week, for sessions both before and after regular working hours, as well as all day on Saturdays.

• Consultations with a clinical psychologist start from $275 and a Medicare rebate of $141.85 may apply for each session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.15 per session.
• Consultations with a registered psychologist start from $230 and a Medicare rebate of $96.65 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.35 per session.

Please note:

• The fees for consultations differ between in-person and online sessions. The is an additional fee of $10 for appointment scheduled before 9 am and from 5 pm weekdays, as well as for appointments throughout the day on Saturdays..
• Medicare rebates are available for 10 one-on-one counselling sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
• To access funded services from a third party, such as Workcover or NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you must provide approved claim details 48 hours before your first session. If, for any reason, approval is not provided, you will be responsible for full payment, or appointments may be cancelled. A gap fee of $20 per session may apply.
• A reduced fee is considered on request for clients under financial hardship with a letter from your GP confirming your financial situation.
• Fees can be paid by EFTPOS, Visa, or MasterCard. Please note that we do not accept American Express or Diners Club.
• Bulk Billing is not available at our clinic.

3. ADHD Groups

The cost of the ADHD Coaching groups vary from 4 to 6 sessions and is approximately $75 per session. Groups are held online at various times but usually in the evenings.

• Groups run by a clinical psychologist cost $340 and a Medicare rebate of $36.00 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $196.00 or $49.00 per session. 

• Groups run by a registered psychologist cost $300 and a Medicare rebate of $23.80 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $204.80 or $51.20 per session.  

Please note:

• Medicare rebates are available for 10 1-hour group sessions per year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and are within a telehealth rebate area.
• Afterpay is available for the initial cost of the group and rebates if applicable are sent to your nominated account after each session.

For more information, please contact our reception team on 1300 161 639 and press Line 1, or email us info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

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How do I make an appointment?

Screeners and Assessments

You can purchase an ADHD Screener or full ADHD Assessment directly from the website and our reception will call you back to set up your appointments.

Or call us on 1300 161 639 and we will arrange payment for you.

Individual counselling

For individual appointments you can book online here or call our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

Reception will find an appointment time that suits you best and will reserve 3 future appointments in the diary so that you can keep your place in your psychologist’s diary. Appointments after that will be made between you and your consultant.

We understand that changes to your appointments are sometimes necessary, but we urge you to notify us as soon as possible to avoid cancellation fees. You will be sent an SMS reminder four (4) days before your appointment.

For in-person appointments we have strict precautions in place at all our locations for your safety. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of fever, or have tested positive for COVID-19, we ask you to use our online counselling services until you are well again.

Please bring your Mental Health Care Plan to your first session or email it to us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to fax this through to us on 03 9957 8122.

Group appointments

We require prepayment of all groups prior to the start date. You can purchase the group therapy on our website or call our Reception team for assistance on 1300 161 639 or email them at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

Once you have enrolled in the group, you will be sent several forms to fill in before the group starts. If you have any confusion about forms, please speak to our helpful Reception team. The forms are required to be completed 24 hours before the group starts.

You will need to join the online group 10 minutes before it starts to ensure there are no technology problems. Assistance on the night is only available for 10 minutes before and after the start time.

Alternatively, we can show you how to join on the day prior to the group starting.

If you have any technology problems, please check your audio and video are working properly as well as your Wi-Fi connection. Refresh your browser if you are still experiencing problems.

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