ADHD Assessments at Serenity Psychology
Living with undiagnosed ADHD can be confusing and exhausting. At Serenity Psychology, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults that are careful, thorough, and grounded in clinical best practice, so you can better understand what is going on and what to do next.
Why consider an ADHD assessment?
Many people seek an ADHD assessment because they notice ongoing difficulties with focus, organisation, managing time, or feeling constantly “scattered”, at work, in study, at home, and in relationships. An accurate diagnosis (whether confirming ADHD or ruling it out) can open the door to appropriate treatment, workplace or study accommodations, and more self-compassion.
A key point of difference at Serenity Psychology is that we work in conjunction with a GP practice to support clients who may benefit from medication as part of their ADHD treatment plan.
This means the assessment process does not stop at diagnosis. Where medication may be appropriate, clients can be guided towards a medical treatment pathway with a GP, alongside psychological recommendations and support.
Medication is not suitable or necessary for everyone, but having access to this option can be an important part of building a complete ADHD treatment plan.
What the assessment involves
Our ADHD assessments are designed to build a full picture of you and your life, rather than relying on a single test or a brief appointment. The process includes several parts that work together:
A clinical interview to understand your history, current challenges, strengths, and how symptoms show up across different areas of life.
A structured ADHD diagnostic interview using a recognised, gold-standard tool to carefully check each of the diagnostic criteria.
A set of self-report questionnaires that explore ADHD traits and screen for other psychological factors that may be contributing to your experience.
Questionnaires for people who know you well (for example a partner, close friend, or family member) to provide an outside perspective on your day-to-day functioning.
Questionnaires focused on childhood, adding to a thorough clinical understanding of your historical functioning .
Where possible, a request for your primary and high school reports, which often include helpful comments from teachers.
A computer-based assessment that looks at aspects of attention and related functioning as part of the overall evaluation.
All questionnaires are completed and returned before the main assessment session so that your psychologist can review them in advance.
Step-by-step assessment process
You can expect the ADHD assessment to follow these broad steps.
Initial enquiry and booking
You contact Serenity Psychology to discuss your concerns and book an ADHD assessment appointment.
Pre-assessment questionnaires
We send you a pack of online questionnaires to complete, along with versions for a person who knows you well and, where appropriate, someone who can comment on your childhood (often a parent or sibling).
School reports (if available)
You are invited to send copies of your primary and high school reports, which help us understand how you functioned in the classroom over time.
Clinical and structured interview
During your appointment, your psychologist conducts:
A clinical interview to understand your story, day-to-day life, and areas of difficulty and resilience.
A structured ADHD diagnostic interview using a recognised “gold-standard” ADHD interview tool.
Computer-based assessment
You complete a computerised task that contributes additional objective information about aspects of your attention and related functions, alongside everything else we have gathered.
Integration and formulation
Your psychologist brings together all of the information – interviews, questionnaires, school reports, and computer data – to determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, and to consider any other factors that may be important.
Feedback and next steps
In a dedicated feedback session, your psychologist explains the results clearly, answers questions, and discusses recommendations and possible treatment pathways. At which stage, if you wish a referral will be made to the GP practice for medication.
Common questions about ADHD Assessments
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The cost of an ADHD assessment reflects the multi-session, comprehensive nature of the process, including clinical interviews, structured diagnostic testing, questionnaires, and a dedicated feedback session. You can view our current pricing on our Fees page.
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The full assessment process typically spans several weeks, allowing time for pre-assessment questionnaires to be completed and returned, school reports to be gathered where applicable, and the clinical and structured interview sessions to take place (this occurs in one 3 hour face to face session). A dedicated feedback session follows once all information has been reviewed and integrated.
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Yes. However, a formal reassessment as an adult is typically unnecessary but can still be valuable, particularly if you are seeking an updated understanding of how ADHD is affecting you now, or require current documentation for workplace, study, or treatment purposes.
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During your feedback session, your psychologist will discuss recommendations and possible treatment pathways based on your individual results. This may include psychological support through ADHD therapy, and where appropriate, guidance towards a medical treatment pathway with a GP if medication may be a suitable option.
Ready to book an ADHD Assessment?
Serenity Psychology is located in Auckland at our Grey Lynn clinic, conveniently located for people in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Westmere, Herne Bay, Mt Eden, Kingsland, and throughout Central Auckland.