Adult ADHD Assessment New Zealand | Heritage Psychology Christchurch

As of February 2026, specially trained GPs and nurse practitioners can diagnose and prescribe for ADHD. Many GPs are now accepting psychology reports as part of this process, though practices vary. We recommend checking with your GP to confirm they would accept a psychology assessment report before booking your appointment with us.

GPs and psychiatrists require a drug test for stimulant medication approval. Regular cannabis use can interfere with the effectiveness of stimulant medications and may result in declined treatment. Reducing or ceasing substance use before the assessment is strongly recommended.

For an ADHD diagnosis, evidence of symptoms before age 12 is essential. We typically gather this information from a family member or someone who was familiar with your childhood.

If this information is unavailable, we will work with you during the phone screening to explore alternative options. This may include input from a long-time friend, school reports, old assessments, or other relevant documentation.

If you do not meet the criteria for ADHD, we will explore other potential explanations for your symptoms. We will provide personalised feedback and suggest next steps, which may include further assessments, therapy, or strategies to help you better manage challenges in daily life.

While we are not affiliated with any particular insurance company, some health insurance providers may partially cover the cost of your assessment. Please check with your provider to confirm your eligibility and to understand what documentation may be required.

Yes, we are happy to complete assessments for individuals outside our region. However, in some cases, there may be a more suitable local option. We discuss this during phone consultations and can provide recommendations if we are aware of a better pathway.

The $200 nonrefundable deposit is required to schedule your appointment and covers your initial phone screening consultation.