ADHD Assessment
At Empowerment Psychology, we are recognised leaders in the assessment and therapy for autism and ADHD in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Our team provides gold-standard, evidence-based care with a holistic and individualised approach tailored to each client.
Our multidisciplinary team of psychologists works across a range of specialties and is qualified to provide formal ADHD diagnoses. We also support clients who may not yet have a diagnosis but are seeking strategies and therapy to better understand and manage ADHD traits.
We are committed to providing the highest standard of care, offering neuro-affirming therapy with our psychologists. When appropriate, we collaborate with trusted private paediatricians and psychiatrists to ensure clients can explore medication options if needed.
A particular area of expertise within our team is the assessment of ADHD in girls and women. Dr Missy Wolfman has provided training to the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists on recognising ADHD in girls and women and brings specialist knowledge in the intersections of ADHD with maternal mental health.
We take additional care in our developmental interviews and assessments to account for the ways ADHD may present differently. Many girls and women become skilled at masking their challenges, which often leads to delayed diagnosis. Our approach is designed to identify these differences and provide clarity and support.
If you’re unsure whether an assessment is right for you, we encourage you to get in touch for a conversation—we’re here to guide you through your options with compassion.
ADHD assessment for children and teens (5-17 years old)
We offer comprehensive ADHD assessments and diagnostic services for children and young people.
While psychologists are qualified to diagnose ADHD, it’s important to note that we do not prescribe medication. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, we can connect you with a trusted paediatrician or psychiatrist who can discuss medication options if this is appropriate.
Below you’ll find important information about our assessment package, process, and suitability criteria.
When an ADHD Assessment May Not Be Suitable
An ADHD assessment may not be appropriate at this time if your child:
Is currently using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances chronically
Is actively experiencing psychotic symptoms
Is engaging in restrictive, bingeing, or purging behaviours (in these cases, an ADHD assessment is recommended only once your child is weight-restored and eating regularly)
In addition, for an accurate diagnosis, ADHD symptoms must be present in two or more settings (for example, at home and at school). This means your child’s school will need to take part in the assessment, such as by completing questionnaires, joining an interview, or providing a written description of your child’s functioning. School reports are also required to help us assess academic progress and challenges.
Our ADHD Assessment Process
Our assessments are evidence-based and follow a gold-standard approach, drawing on multiple sources of information to ensure a thorough and accurate understanding of your child’s needs.
The process usually includes:
Clinical interviews: Sessions with your child and with you to explore symptoms, developmental history, and mental health background
Psychometric questionnaires: Completed by your child (if age-appropriate), parents, and teachers
Review of records: Examination of school reports and any medical or psychiatric notes that may provide additional context
What’s Included in the ADHD Assessment Package
Comprehensive mental health assessment session with you and your child (80 minutes)
Developmental history session with you (50 minutes)
Psychometric questionnaires completed by your child (if age-appropriate), parents, and teachers
Feedback session (50 minutes)
ADHD resources provided following the feedback session (if a diagnosis is made)
Comprehensive assessment report (typically 6–10 pages)
Referral to one of our trusted paediatricians or psychiatrists (Dr Heidi Baker, Dr Zahra Al-Khudairi, or Dr Jamie Speeden) if medication options need to be explored. Children assessed by our team are often able to see these providers sooner.
Total fee: $1650 inclusive GST
ADHD assessment for adults (18 + years old)
We provide comprehensive ADHD assessments and diagnostic services for adults. While psychologists can formally diagnose ADHD, we do not prescribe medication. If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, we can connect you with a trusted psychiatrist to discuss medication options if appropriate.
Below you’ll find important information about our assessment process, criteria, and our evidence-based, gold-standard approach.
When an ADHD Assessment May Not Be Suitable
An ADHD assessment is not recommended if you are:
Currently using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances chronically
Experiencing active psychotic symptoms
In addition, an ADHD diagnosis requires evidence of symptoms beginning in childhood (before age 12). If no collateral information is available, such as school reports or input from someone who knew you as a child, an assessment may not be suitable.
Our ADHD Assessment Process
Our assessments are thorough, evidence-based, and follow international best practice guidelines. We gather information from multiple sources to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The process typically includes:
Clinical interviews: A detailed interview with you, as well as with someone who can provide insights into your childhood (e.g., a parent or close relative)
Psychometric questionnaires: Completed by you, and where possible, by a parent, partner, or significant other to provide additional perspective
Review of records: Examination of school reports and/or relevant medical or psychiatric records
What’s Included in the Adult ADHD Assessment Package
Comprehensive mental health assessment session (80 minutes)
Developmental history session (50 minutes) — may involve a parent, partner, or significant other, depending on your circumstances
Psychometric questionnaires
Feedback session (50 minutes)
ADHD resources emailed to you if a diagnosis is confirmed
Comprehensive ADHD assessment report (typically 6–10 pages)
Referral to a private psychiatrist for medication options if required
Total fee: $1650 inclusive GST
Our evidence-based ADHD assessment process
Frequently Asked Questions
Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and evidence-based. They include a clinical interview, developmental history, psychometric questionnaires, review of school/medical records, a feedback session, and a detailed written report.
No, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. If an ADHD diagnosis is made, we can refer you (or your child) to a private psychiatrist or paediatrician who can discuss medication options.
The process typically takes between 4–6 weeks from the initial appointment to the feedback session, depending on the availability of collateral information such as school reports or questionnaires.
Yes, we assess ADHD in both children and adults. Our team has particular expertise in identifying ADHD in girls and women, who are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present.
Yes. ADHD assessments can be completed online via secure video conferencing. This option works well for both adults and children, and still follows our gold-standard, evidence-based process.
Yes. Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report (usually 6–10 pages) and, if needed, a diagnostic letter for schools, universities, or workplaces.
You’re welcome to contact us for a chat. Our team can guide you through whether an assessment is the right next step for you or your child.
If you have an existing diagnosis but need updated documentation for school, work, or further support, we can discuss whether a full reassessment is necessary or whether a shorter review and report would be sufficient.
Yes, if you or your child would benefit from ongoing therapy, you can continue working with one of our psychologists for neuro-affirming support tailored to ADHD.
For a formal diagnosis, evidence of ADHD symptoms in at least two settings (e.g., home and school) is required. If a school is unable to participate, we’ll discuss other ways of gathering collateral information.
Yes. We understand that many adults may not have parents available or may prefer not to involve them. We’ll work with you to find alternative ways of gathering the required developmental information. This could include interviewing a friend, sibling, or other relative who knew you in childhood, or reviewing school reports and other records.
Yes. School reports are helpful but not essential. We’ll work with you to find alternative ways of gathering the necessary developmental information. This might include interviewing a friend, sibling, or other relative who knew you in childhood, or considering other relevant records.