Adult ADHD Assessment

I understand that finding the right provider for a private ADHD assessment can be overwhelming with so many options and varying prices. I experienced this firsthand and delayed my own assessment for several years because of it. Eventually, I decided I had to proceed to better understand the process from a client's perspective and to become a better assessor.

What to Consider Before an Assessment

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: What do you want the assessment for? A diagnosis can provide validation, help you understand why you've faced certain struggles, and enable sustainable change. It can allow you to access workplace support or exam adjustments. It can give you a different lens to look at yourself and your life through and open the door to self-compassion. It can also be a step towards considering medication for ADHD or associated conditions like anxiety or depression.

As a clinical psychologist, I do not prescribe medication. If medication is a primary focus, you should seek an assessment from a psychiatrist, a specialist ADHD nurse, or contact your GP for more information.

For a useful online screening tool and impartial information on getting an ADHD assessment, see the ADHD UK website.

My Online Assessment Process

I offer a comprehensive ADHD assessment in accordance with NICE Guidelines. My aim is to assess the crucial components necessary for a clinical diagnosis and support you in exploring your experience of ADHD, including both challenges and strengths.

Step 1: Screening Assessment (60 minutes contact time)

• Prior to the session, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires.

• In session, we discuss your current situation and life story, including biological, psychological, and social aspects.

• At the end of this session, I will let you know if we are on the right track and whether we should proceed with further assessment.

• A summary statement of the outcome is provided.

Step 2: Diagnostic Assessment (minimum 150 minutes contact time)

• You will be asked to complete some additional questionnaires.

• In session, we explore your mental health and other factors that might present as ADHD.

• In session, we complete the DIVA-5 interview with someone who knows you well to comment on symptoms.

Step 3: Detailed Report or Diagnostic Summary Statement

• I provide you with a detailed report to review before our final session.

• Alternatively, I can provide a brief diagnostic statement.

Step 4: Feedback Session (30 minutes contact time)

• We go over the results together and finalise your report as necessary.

Assessment Duration and Costs

My Adult ADHD Assessment is broken down into four discrete sections (Steps 1-4). Steps 1 and 2 build on each other; for a full diagnostic assessment, you must complete Steps 1 & 2. Each section is payable in advance. You can pace the steps (and pay for each step individually), but if you want to complete the full assessment, this must be done within 3 months. I also provide the option of a brief diagnostic statement rather than a full report, and you do not need to have a feedback session if you do not want to. Whilst I do not recommend compromising on Steps 3 & 4, I also acknowledge that people’s needs differ, and I want to provide you with the choice.

If schedules allow, the full assessment (Steps 1-2) can be completed in 2 weeks, with the report provided in the third week (Step 3) and a final feedback session in the fourth week (Step 4).

Step 1: Screening Assessment £180

Step 2: Diagnostic Assessment £360

Step 3: Detailed Report £360; or Diagnostic Summary Statement £120

Step 4: Feedback Session £60

If your case is particularly complex, additional time may be required to complete the assessment, and I will inform you of this at the end of Step 1. All costs are discussed upfront. If it is the case that you require a full cognitive assessment, I will inform you of this at the end of Step 1 and I will make a recommendation to refer you on.

Post-Assessment Support

Individual Sessions

Post-assessment support is highly recommended. This is an opportunity to reflect on the outcome of your assessment and its meaning for you, gain pointers for further support, and decide on some immediate action goals.

Immediately after an assessment, people typically experience a variety of emotions, including a sense of relief and validation, but often anger, grief, and a sense of loss for what might have been. Everything is valid and deserves time. After an assessment, I recommend that you let the outcome sink in for a while and share the findings with someone you trust. Speaking things out is often helpful for processing and, when you are ready to do so, seek some post-assessment support.

I offer post-assessment support at my standard rate of £120 per session or a programme of 3 sessions purchased in advance for £300. You do not need to have had your assessment done by me to receive post-assessment support. This support is also provided regardless of the diagnostic outcome.

Couples Sessions

I offer post-assessment support for couples where one partner has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Together, we aim to develop a better understanding of ADHD, how it shows up in the relationship, its impact, and how to navigate relationship dynamics.

These sessions are offered at my standard rate of £120 per session.