View over golden grassy hills overlooking a river, residential area, and distant coastline under blue sky.

Adult ADHD

In-person assessment. Self-referral. 4-6 week wait list.

We now accept self-referrals for most adults (18 and over) seeking care for an initial in-person ADHD assessment in Canterbury. Have a read of what it costs and who it suits, then send us the form at the bottom of this page.

Fees

What an assessment costs

We're an approved Southern Cross Easy-Claim provider – this can reduce the cost you pay out of pocket, although you should always confirm with them first to check you are covered for this assessment and a self-referral is okay. The price covers both appointments, the review of your forms, the two week check-in, and a detailed written report for you to keep.

Adult ADHD

$1,625

Your first appointment is 90 minutes. You then come back 1 to 2 weeks later for a 30-minute review, where treatment options are discussed in detail and commenced if appropriate.

ADHD and ASD together

$1,950

90-minute first appointment, with a 60-minute follow-up review instead. We only assess for ASD when ADHD is the main concern and the ASD assessment forms part of the same overall process.

See how the self-referral works

What the assessment involves

A comprehensive assessment, not a checklist

Our psychiatrists carry out a comprehensive mental health assessment and will diagnose ADHD if that's what the assessment points to. They'll also give you advice on treating any other mental health concerns you have, and on whether physical health issues might be affecting your symptoms.

‍

Once a diagnosis is made, our psychiatrists can commence treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. It's rare for there to be extra costs beyond the assessment fee. That usually only happens if we strongly recommend your follow-up stays with a psychiatrist, which is normally because of other mental health issues that are significantly affecting you, or if you'd simply prefer to keep seeing us.

‍

Advice your GP can rely on

Seeing a psychiatrist locally has a practical advantage. If your GP takes over prescribing, they can usually get a quick answer from a psychiatrist who already knows your circumstances.

A report that travels with you

You'll get a thorough written report to keep. That matters if you change GP practices or move overseas, as it makes it far less likely you'll have trouble accessing ongoing ADHD care.

See how the self-referral works

Before you send

When to see your GP first

A self-referral works well when ADHD is the main thing on your mind and you're otherwise reasonably well. In some situations it's better to start with your GP, so that whatever else is going on is looked after first – and so your assessment here is time and effort well spent.

‍

If any of these apply to you, please talk to your GP before sending this form. It doesn't rule out an assessment with us, and it is likely we would still be very happy to see you after a referral.

‍

Distressing mental health symptoms right now

Anything other than ADHD that is significantly affecting you at the moment – low mood, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm. That needs attention before, or alongside, an ADHD assessment.

Previous admissions or severe mental illness

If you've been admitted to hospital for your mental health, or had previous symptoms of bipolar disorder or psychosis, we'd like a referral so we have the full picture before we meet.

A number of physical health problems

Several conditions, or a long medication list, can affect both your symptoms and what we're able to prescribe. Your GP's summary saves time and makes the assessment more useful.

Your insurance policy requires a GP referral

Insurance cover can make the overall process less costly. Some insurers do require that a GP initiates the process though, so please check regarding your specific policy.

You are not currently enrolled with a GP

As it is important that you have someone who can take over prescribing when you no longer need to see us, you do need to have an enrolled GP when you self refer. We will notify your GP of your self-referral.

Step by step

How the self-referral works

1. Email address verification

Verify your email address below so we know how best to contact you

2. Use the included brief screener, and then submit your self-referral form

The form is at the bottom of this page and takes about ten minutes. You don't need anything from your GP to send it – just read the fees and the notes above first, so you know what you're committing to.

Go to the self-referral form

3. We read your referral

We look at what you've sent within three working days and check we're the right service for you and that a self-referral is safe.

4. Booking information

Once your self-referral has been accepted, we will send out all information required for you to book in with us. The wait times are often only 4-6 weeks long. We will notify your GP at this point that you are booked in to see us. Please check your junk or spam folder regularly – it often ends up there. If you can't find it after a day or two, email us and we'll send it again.

5. Questionnaires

Complete the questionnaires and send them back. At least two of them are filled in by other people, so it's worth asking them early – this is usually the part that holds things up.

6. Your first appointment

90 minutes, then a review 1 to 2 weeks later. Bring a list of your current medications, or the packets with the pharmacy labels on them.

self-referral form

Tell us about yourself

Send this when you've read the information above and you'd like to go ahead.
We'll read it and come back to you within three working days with the next steps.

Finding us

Where to go

Ground Floor, 822 Colombo St, Christchurch Central, 8013

‍

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. The carpark entrance is on Peterborough St, just off Colombo. We have the first two bays behind the building, under the carport, but if parking is not available you may wish to park in the paid parks in front of the townhall on Kilmore St. We are working to find more parking options nearby!

Recovery looks different for everyone

Wherever you're starting from, your perspective comes first. Let us carry hope with you as we work towards feeling better.

Reach out to us

Aerial view of coastal town with rivers, hills, and ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Specialist mental health care for
adults across Christchurch.