In Adelaide in 2026, a comprehensive psychologist-led ADHD assessment for a child, teen or young adult typically costs about $1,400–$2,500 privately, depending on the depth of testing and whether other conditions are being assessed at the same time. Medicare generally doesn’t rebate ADHD assessments (some under-25 items apply with a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral), the NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments, and since February 2026 specially trained SA GPs can diagnose and prescribe for ADHD.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in Adelaide?
Published prices from Adelaide private practices in 2026 for a psychologist-led ADHD assessment generally fall between about $1,400 and $2,500. Combined assessments — for example ADHD with autism or a learning (dyslexia) assessment — cost more because they involve more testing and a broader report. Prices vary because practices include different components, so it pays to compare what’s actually included.
At Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology, ADHD assessments are quoted as one all-inclusive fee before you commit, based on our $240 hourly rate — below the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended $330 per hour for 2026–27.
What should an ADHD assessment fee include?
When comparing quotes, check whether the price covers:
- Interviews with parents or carers and the young person (developmental and clinical history)
- Standardised cognitive testing — attention, working memory, processing speed and reasoning
- Questionnaires from parents, teachers and/or the young person
- Review of school reports and previous assessments
- Scoring, interpretation and a written report with practical recommendations
- A feedback session to talk through the results
A cheaper price sometimes means a shorter assessment, no cognitive testing, or a brief letter rather than a full report — which may be fine for some purposes, but less useful for school planning or complex presentations.
Does Medicare cover an ADHD assessment?
Generally, no. Medicare doesn’t rebate psychological ADHD assessments under Better Access. For young people under 25, Medicare’s complex neurodevelopmental disorder items can rebate up to 8 allied health assessment services per lifetime ($101.55 per psychology service as at 1 July 2026) when a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist refers — whether these apply depends on the referrer’s assessment of the young person. Ask your paediatrician or psychiatrist.
| Funding | Covers an ADHD assessment? |
|---|---|
| Medicare (Better Access) | No — Better Access rebates therapy, not diagnostic assessment |
| Medicare complex neurodevelopmental items | Possibly, under 25, with a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist referral |
| NDIS | No — the NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments |
| Private health “extras” | Sometimes a partial rebate — check your policy |
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in South Australia?
Yes. Since 28 February 2026, specially trained South Australian GPs can assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD in children aged 8 and over, and in adults where clinically appropriate — without a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. This has made medication access easier for many families.
A psychologist’s assessment remains the more comprehensive option when you want to understand why a young person is struggling — for example, to check for learning disorders, anxiety or autism, to get a detailed cognitive profile, or to give the school specific, evidence-based recommendations. Many families use both: a psychological assessment for the full picture, and their GP or paediatrician for medical management.
Who can diagnose ADHD?
| Clinician | Diagnose ADHD? | Prescribe? | Cognitive testing & school report? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | Yes (appropriately trained) | No | Yes — core strength |
| Trained SA GP (since Feb 2026) | Yes (8+ and adults) | Yes | Usually not |
| Paediatrician | Yes | Yes | Sometimes, often with a psychologist |
| Psychiatrist | Yes | Yes | Sometimes, often with a psychologist |
What happens in an ADHD assessment?
- Intake — background, concerns and previous reports.
- Interviews with parents or carers and the young person.
- Questionnaires from home and school.
- Cognitive testing with breaks, usually as part of 3–4 hours face to face.
- Report and feedback — at our practice, we aim to complete reports within 1–2 weeks of testing.
What ages can be assessed?
Our ADHD assessments are for children, adolescents and young adults aged 6–25. If you’re over 25, a trained GP may be able to help under the new SA pathway, or we can talk through whether a cognitive or neuropsychological assessment would answer your questions about attention and executive function.
How to get started
- Gather recent school reports, NAPLAN results and any previous assessments
- If you want to explore Medicare items (under 25), speak with your paediatrician or psychiatrist about a referral
- Send an enquiry describing your concerns — we’ll recommend the right assessment and provide an all-inclusive quote
Frequently asked questions
Why do ADHD assessments cost so much?
A comprehensive assessment involves much more than the face-to-face appointment. As well as interviews and testing (usually 3–4 hours), the clinician gathers and reviews information from parents and teachers, scores and interprets standardised tests, integrates everything into a diagnostic formulation, and writes a detailed report with recommendations. Test materials are also a significant cost.
Is there a bulk-billed or free ADHD assessment in Adelaide?
Public options exist through some paediatric and child and adolescent mental health services, but they usually have eligibility criteria and waiting lists. Under the new SA pathway, some trained GPs may bulk bill their consultations — ask your GP practice. Private psychological assessments are not bulk billed.
Can I claim an ADHD assessment on private health insurance?
Some “extras” policies include psychology and may contribute to part of the cost. Check your policy’s annual limits and whether assessments are included.
Sources
- SA Health — Access ADHD care through a GP
- AADPA — Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD
- MBS Online — Item 82000 (complex neurodevelopmental disorder assessment)
- NDIS — Our Guideline: Mainstream and community supports (27 July 2026)
- Australian Psychological Society — What it costs (recommended fee 2026–27)
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.