Online ADHD Diagnosis & Assessment for Women | Telehealth
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. Many women go undiagnosed until adulthood, often because their symptoms present differently than in men. At Graciously You Psychological Services, we offer comprehensive telehealth ADHD assessments for adult women (18+) online across Australia. Our assessments provide a clinical diagnosis and detailed report to inform your treatment pathway. We also provide evidence-based ADHD support for teens and adults already diagnosed. Our neuro-affirming approach helps you understand your ADHD, develop practical strategies, and create meaningful change
ADHD is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. This persistent pattern is linked to how the prefrontal cortex of the brain functions, the area responsible for executive functions, emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making.
While some children experience a change in their symptoms as they get older and become adults, many continue to experience ADHD symptoms into adulthood. For adults, ADHD often presents differently than in children and may have gone undiagnosed for years.
Understanding ADHD in Adults
ADHD in Women - Why Assessment Matters
ADHD in women is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. While hyperactivity is commonly associated with ADHD, women and girls more frequently experience the inattentive presentation, which can manifest as:
Overwhelm and difficulty with organisation
Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks
Chronic lateness or time blindness
Emotional dysregulation or rejection sensitivity
Perfectionism or people-pleasing behaviours
Exhaustion from masking symptoms
These symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety, depression, or stress. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can provide clarity, validation, and a pathway to effective support.
The Three Subtypes of ADHD
Understanding which subtype of ADHD you may have can help inform treatment and support strategies
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Difficulty sustaining attention, organising tasks, following through on instructions, and managing time. People may appear forgetful or struggle with executive function.
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation
Restlessness, difficulty sitting still, impulsive decision-making, and difficulty waiting turns. People may interrupt frequently or struggle with impulse control.
Predominantly Combined Presentation
A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that significantly impact functioning.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
People with the hyperactive and impulsive presentation of ADHD may experience:
Fidgeting or squirming when sitting
Difficulty waiting your turn
Often interrupting others
Leaving seat when sitting is expected
Talking excessively
Feeling restless
Completing people's sentences
A constant feeling of being "on the go" or driven by a motor
Often having difficulty engaging in quiet activities.
Symptoms of Inattention
People with the inattentive presentation of ADHD may experience:
Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks
Appearing not to listen when spoken to
Frequently losing important items
Difficulty following through on instructions
Being easily distracted by external stimuli
Struggling with organisation and time management
Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort
Making careless mistakes in work or activities
Forgetfulness in daily activities
How is ADHD Assessed in Adults
There is currently no single medical, physical, or genetic test for ADHD. Assessment by a qualified health professional such as a psychologist with specific training in ADHD assessment is the recommended approach. A psychologist can provide a provisional ADHD diagnosis based on comprehensive assessment. If you wish to explore pharmacological support (medication), this diagnosis must be confirmed by a psychiatrist.
Important: Choosing Your Starting Point
We recommend that if you are open to trialling medication, you first consult with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can often complete their own thorough assessment, which reduces the overall cost of the assessment process. However, we understand that psychiatrist waiting lists can be extensive, and many individuals may want or need psychological support now for their symptoms. Alternatively, some people may prefer psychological interventions without medication—this is also a valid approach, and we can provide assessment and support for both pathways.
What To Expect From Psychological Treatment & Support for ADHD
An adult ADHD assessment varies between individuals based on developmental history, psychiatric background, and personal circumstances. Before starting, we discuss what will be required for each client to avoid unnecessary costs.
A general ADHD assessment at Graciously You typically involves:
Three 50-minute appointments (may vary)
Comprehensive review of developmental, mental health, and medical history
Clinical and psychosocial assessment
Administration of at least two ADHD-validated screening measures
Psychological profiling assessment
Written assessment report for your GP
Recommendations for ongoing support
Important: Sessions assessing for ADHD are not covered by a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). However, ongoing psychological support following assessment may be eligible.
When Should You Seek an ADHD Assessment?
Many adults seek ADHD assessment when they're experiencing significant difficulties in one or more areas of life. Common reasons include:
Persistent difficulty focusing or maintaining attention at work or school
Relationship difficulties or challenges with communication
Overwhelming anxiety or sensory sensitivities
Struggling to complete daily tasks or manage time
Career dissatisfaction or repeated job changes
Difficulty with organisation, planning, and prioritisation
A sense that something is "different" but you can't quite name it
Working with a qualified psychologist to engage in comprehensive assessment ensures you receive an accurate understanding of your symptoms and tailored support that addresses your specific needs and goals.
What to Expect from Online ADHD Psychological Treatment & Support
Once you have clarity around your ADHD, psychological support can help you develop practical strategies and address any co-occurring conditions. Treatment is always tailored to your individual needs, symptoms, and goals.
Common psychological approaches for ADHD support include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and shifting unhelpful, self-limiting beliefs and thought patterns that may be maintaining difficulties.
Psychoeducation
Learning about ADHD across different age groups, how it may present differently in females and males, how it intersects with other mental health conditions, and evidence-based management strategies.
Time Management & Organisation Training
Developing practical systems for task creation, list building, prioritisation, goal setting, and using technology and tools to support organisation.
Problem-Solving Skills
Learning how to approach problems without becoming overwhelmed, generate solutions, test them, and measure success.
Tailored Attention & Focus Strategies
Identifying strategies specific to your nervous system and sensory preferences to help increase and sustain attention across different environments.
Environmental Modifications
Reducing distractions in your space and creating systems (reminders, technology, programs) that support your functioning.
Trauma-Focused Interventions
When appropriate, evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) may be used, as individuals with ADHD are at increased risk of trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Appointment Details & Costs
Session Length:
Initial appointment (60 minutes): $230
Standard appointment (50 minutes): $215
Assessment Costs
Additional costs for screening assessments vary depending on what is required for your specific symptoms and needs. On average, assessment forms cost between $87–$135.
Online ADHD Assessment Duration
Most ADHD assessments are conducted across three virtual appointments, though this can vary based on your individual history, any comorbid conditions, and other factors. Each assessment is personalised to your needs.
Medicare Coverage
Assessment appointments are not covered by a Mental Health Care Plan. However, ongoing psychological support following assessment may be eligible with a valid MHCP from your GP.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
You don't need a referral to book an ADHD assessment with a psychologist in Australia. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. However, if you're considering medication as part of your treatment plan, you may wish to discuss this with your GP, as a psychiatrist will need to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing ADHD medication.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD in Australia?
Yes, a psychologist with specific training in ADHD assessment can provide a provisional ADHD diagnosis. This diagnosis is valuable for informing psychological interventions and understanding your symptoms. However, if you are considering pharmacological support (medication), a psychiatrist must confirm the diagnosis, as only psychiatrists and GPs (under certain circumstances) can prescribe ADHD medication in Australia.
Do you work with women who think they might have ADHD?
Yes. We work with adult women (18+) who suspect they may have ADHD for comprehensive assessments. We also work with teen girls and women of all ages who already have an ADHD diagnosis and need therapy and support. Our neuro-affirming approach recognises how ADHD presents uniquely in women and girls.
Why is ADHD often undiagnosed in women?
ADHD in women is frequently missed because symptoms often present differently than in men. Women are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD, which is less "visible" than hyperactivity. Additionally, many women develop coping strategies or masking behaviours that hide their struggles, leading to late diagnosis—often in their 20s, 30s, or beyond. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and hyperorganisation can all be ways women compensate for executive dysfunction, making ADHD harder to detect.
Why are women getting diagnosed with ADHD during perimenopause?
Many women receive their first ADHD diagnosis during perimenopause, often in their 40s and 50s. Research shows this is the most common age range for women's ADHD diagnosis.
During perimenopause, oestrogen levels decline significantly. Oestrogen regulates dopamine, the neurotransmitter already deficient in ADHD brains. When oestrogen drops, dopamine function worsens, creating what researchers call the "ADHD squared" effect. This makes symptoms that were previously manageable become impossible to mask.
A 2025 study found that women with ADHD experience significantly higher perimenopausal symptoms than women without ADHD, and these symptoms appear up to 10 years earlier. An ADDitude Magazine survey of 1,500 women found that 94% reported their ADHD symptoms worsened during perimenopause, with 70% describing the impact as "life-altering."
For many women, the combination of hormonal changes and increased life demands (career, family, ageing parents) brings longstanding ADHD symptoms into sharp focus for the first time.
How can Natasha help?
During your ADHD assessment, Natasha can explore the role of perimenopause and its impact on your symptoms, including examining symptom timelines and hormonal patterns to ensure you receive appropriate support and treatment recommendations.
To learn more about the research and the connection between perimenopause and ADHD, read our detailed article: ADHD and Perimenopause: Why Women Are Finally Getting Diagnosed in Midlife.
What age range do you provide therapy for?
We provide ADHD therapy and support for teens aged 13 and above who have an existing ADHD diagnosis, as well as for adults of all ages. ADHD assessments are available for adults aged 18 and above only.
Do you assess ADHD in teenagers?
No, ADHD assessments are available for adults aged 18 and above. However, we do provide ADHD therapy and support for teens aged 13 and above who have already received an ADHD diagnosis from a qualified health professional.
Can teens with ADHD see you for therapy?
Yes. If your teenager (aged 13+) has an existing ADHD diagnosis, we offer evidence-based psychological support to help manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and address any co-occurring mental health concerns.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?
An ADHD assessment involves multiple appointments and validated screening measures. Costs include:
Initial appointment (60 minutes): $230
Standard appointments (50 minutes): $215 each
Assessment forms and screeners: $87–$135 (depending on which measures are required for your specific needs)
Generally, an ADHD assessment is completed across three appointments, though this can vary based on individual circumstances, history, and comorbid issues.
Are ADHD assessment appointments covered by Medicare?
ADHD assessment appointments are not covered by a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This includes appointments where assessment results are reviewed and diagnosis is discussed. However, once an assessment is complete, ongoing therapy and support appointments may be eligible for Medicare rebates if you have a valid MHCP.
What does your ADHD assessment include?
Our comprehensive ADHD assessment is tailored to each individual but generally involves:
Three 50-minute appointments
Review of full developmental, mental health, and medical history
Completion of a clinical and psychosocial assessment
Administration of at least two validated ADHD measures
Administration of a psychological profiling test
Assessment report for your GP
Recommendations for future support and treatment
The specific assessments used may vary depending on your symptoms, history, and assessment needs. We discuss what will be required with you before starting the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Ready to take the next step? If you're experiencing ADHD symptoms and would like to explore assessment or support, contact Graciously You Psychological Services today to book an appointment.