Christchurch ADHD Assessments

Senior Clinical Psychologist Anna Chesney provides comprehensive assessments for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as Autism assessments for adolescents and adults.

Thinking of an ADHD Assessment

If you’ve been struggling with focus, organisation, or impulsivity, an ADHD assessment can help you understand whether ADHD might be the cause. Getting assessed can provide clarity about long-term challenges, access to helpful strategies and support, and insight into managing symptoms effectively. Whether you want to improve your daily life, explore treatment options, or better understand yourself, an ADHD assessment could be worthwhile.

ADHD Assessment Process with Anna Chesney

Anna Chesney provides ADHD assessments for children (6–12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), and adults (18+) through videoconferencing or in person at Heritage Psychology.

Booking and Payment

  • A $200 non-refundable deposit is required when booking via the website.

  • After booking, I will conduct a phone screening to confirm your appointment and send the remaining invoice.

  • The standard adult ADHD assessment costs $1800 (inclusive of the deposit). Payment is due two weeks before the assessment.

  • I complete standalone Autism assessments for ages 13-17 and adults. Or can assess for Autism with those completing adolescent or adult ADHD assessments for an additional $350 fee.

  • I do not require a GP referral, but if you have one, you are welcome to send it through.

Once payment is received, links for consent forms and pre-assessment questionnaires will be sent.

What the ADHD Assessment Includes

  1. Online Questionnaires

    • Self-report and observer-report questionnaires: These assess current ADHD symptoms. The observer-report must be completed by someone who knows you well.

    • For adolescents and children, a teacher-report questionnaire is also included.

    • Mental health symptoms: A separate questionnaire addressing mental health.

    • ADHD symptom impact: A questionnaire exploring how ADHD affects daily life.

  2. Two-Hour Assessment

    • Clinical interview: A semi-structured interview focused on ADHD symptoms.

    • Life history and mental health: Discussion of significant life events and current mental health.

  3. Childhood Symptom Review

    • For adults: A review of ADHD symptoms before age 12, conducted through a phone or email interview with someone who knew you as a child (e.g., a parent or sibling).

    • For children: A school observation will also be arranged.

  4. Feedback Session

    • A 30-minute session (online or by phone) to discuss findings and next steps.

Important Notes on Diagnosis

  • ADHD diagnosis requires evidence of significant symptoms in childhood or early adolescence. If you have school or assessment reports, please email them before your appointment.

  • A completed report will be available within one week and sent to your GP.

    • For adults (18+): Your GP can refer you to the CDHB ADHD pathway for medication approval.

    • For children/adolescents (under 18): A private psychiatrist must be consulted for stimulant medication options. Completing the assessment with a psychiatrist or pediatrician can be more economical.

  • Please note: I cannot guarantee the decisions made by GPs or psychiatrists regarding stimulant prescriptions.

Get in Touch
If you have any questions or would like to book an assessment, feel free to get in touch!

Book an appointment.

Anna is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with expertise in ADHD, Autism, and Gender Dysphoria assessments. Anna worked for Child and Family CDHB outpatient mental health services for 10 years and has worked in private practice since 2019.

 FAQs

  • GPs require a drug test before referring ADHD reports to District Health Boards (DHBs) 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. I typically gather this information from a family member or someone who was familiar with your childhood.

    If this information is unavailable, I 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. I 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 I am not affiliated with any particular insurance company, some health insurance providers may partially cover the cost of your ADHD assessment. Please check with your provider to confirm your eligibility and to understand what documentation may be required.

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

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