FAQ

ADHD is short for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Common symptoms of ADHD in adults include difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adults with ADHD often struggle to focus on tasks, becoming easily distracted by external stimuli. They may have trouble organising and completing tasks, leading to procrastination and a sense of being overwhelmed. Hyperactivity in adults can manifest as restlessness or a constant need to stay busy.

Impulsivity can lead to impromptu decisions without considering the consequences, such as making hasty financial choices or engaging in risky behaviours. Adults with ADHD may also have challenges with time management and keeping track of appointments or deadlines.

In social settings, they might interrupt others, struggle to listen attentively, and have difficulty following conversations. These symptoms can negatively impact relationships and work performance.

Furthermore, adults with ADHD may experience emotional difficulties, such as mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and difficulty managing anger or stress.

It is essential to remember that ADHD symptoms can vary among individuals, and not everyone will exhibit all these behaviours.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can bring several potential benefits. First and foremost, it offers validation and a sense of understanding, helping individuals make sense of their lifelong challenges and struggles. With a clear diagnosis, adults can access appropriate support and treatment, such as medication, therapy, or coaching, tailored to address ADHD symptoms effectively. This can lead to improved time management, organisation, and focus, enhancing productivity and performance at work or in academic settings. Additionally, understanding one’s ADHD can lead to better self-awareness, improved coping strategies, and stronger self-advocacy skills. It may also improve relationships by providing loved ones with insights into the person’s behaviour and facilitating empathy and support. Overall, an ADHD diagnosis empowers adults to take control of their lives, leading to a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being.

The assessment involves 2 main parts – a 1-hour telehealth consultation with Joel, and completion of some questionnaires. Around a week before your consultation, we will send you the questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is very important that these are done before your consultation as Joel will need to refer to them. You will then have your telehealth consultation. In your consult, Joel will take some background history, discuss your assessment results and possible diagnosis, and may also make recommendations around treatment, further assessment, or follow-up as necessary. Joel will then take the information you provided and prepare a diagnostic report.

In total, you can expect to allow 1 hour for your telehealth consult, plus around another hour to complete your questionnaires. We allow 2 weeks for Joel to complete the assessment report.

No, a diagnosis will only be made when a person presents with symptoms that meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria.

The early part of the assessment process involves gathering relevant background information and personal history, which Joel will consider alongside the results of your questionnaires. If these don’t indicate that a diagnosis of ADHD is likely, Joel will discuss this with you and may suggest that you not continue with the rest of the assessment. In this case, you would not be billed for the entire assessment process.

During the assessment, Joel will explore potential alternative explanations for your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or medical conditions. It’s essential to consider any co-existing issues to ensure accurate diagnosis.

The cost of the assessment is AU$750. This is payable at the end of your telehealth consultation and can be made via credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard). Harman Psychology does not bulk bill, nor offer discount or concession rates. The cost of the assessment includes 1 hours of consultation, plus 2 hours for preparation of your report.

We require a deposit of $250 at the time of booking to secure your appointment. This amount will be credited toward the total cost of your assessment, and is refundable if you cancel with more than 48hrs notice.

If Joel determines that a diagnosis of ADHD is not appropriate, the cost will be $250, which can be paid using your deposit.

Joel strives to maintain availability of appointments, but during periods of high demand there may be a waiting period. We aim to keep wait times to less than 3 months.

If something comes up and you need to change your appointment, we ask that you provide a minimum of 48hrs notice. However please note that when rebooking there may be a wait time until the next available appointment. If you wish to cancel your appointment, we require 48hrs notice or a $250 cancellation fee will apply.

Due to changes in telehealth rules for Medicare providers on 1^st July 2023, most people are no longer eligible for Medicare rebates for telehealth psychology services. Private health insurance may cover some of the cost of your assessment, but this varies between insurers. We suggest you check with your insurance provider before making an appointment, quoting the item number 100. If this is the case, you would pay the full cost of your assessment to Harman Psychology, and we will provide an invoice that you can use to seek reimbursement from your insurer.

If you have any other medical or psychological conditions, or have reports from prior assessments, it’s important that you have those at hand for your telehealth consultation. Joel may request copies of some information if it is relevant to the assessment process, which you may provide with your consent.

At this stage Joel does not offer ongoing counselling services. We suggest that people follow up with therapists in their home state.

Joel does not provide services through DVA, WorkCover, Comcare, NDIS or third-party personal injury insurers, nor does he provide medico-legal, insurance, or any other third-party reports.

No, medications for ADHD in adults can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist.

No, Harman Psychology is not a crisis service. Please see our Resources page for some suggestions for crisis support services. In the event of an emergency, please contact your nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.