At Waterman Psychology in Fullarton, an ADHD assessment costs $1,395, for children (6 to 17) and adults. A $450 non-refundable deposit is paid when you book. If reading or learning is also a concern, a combined educational and ADHD assessment for a child is $1,795. Medicare doesn’t cover ADHD assessments.
Fees are current as at October 2026. Our fees page always has the latest prices. We publish them because cost is one of the first things families ask about, and you shouldn’t have to call to find out.
What the fee covers
The $1,395 fee covers the full assessment: a 2-hour appointment with a registered psychologist, standardised questionnaires, a cognitive assessment, brief feedback at the end of the appointment and a written report. The report is usually ready within about 5 to 10 business days.
- Before the appointment: questionnaires about your child’s attention and behaviour at home and at school, completed by you and your child’s teacher, and any reports from health professionals from about the last two years.
- On the day: a conversation with you about your child’s development, schooling and what you’re noticing, and a cognitive assessment with your child. For children, we use the WISC-V, a widely used standardised test of thinking and reasoning skills. For adults, we use the WAIS-IV. These tests help us understand how a person learns, so recommendations fit them.
- Afterwards: a written report from the psychologist, not AI, setting out what the assessment found and practical recommendations for home and school. You can share it with your child’s school, GP or paediatrician.
Why ADHD assessment fees vary
ADHD assessment fees vary between practices because assessments vary. Some include cognitive testing, a detailed written report and feedback; others are shorter or charge for parts separately. When you compare, look at what’s included and who does the assessment, not just the headline price.
Questions worth asking any practice:
- Who will do the assessment?
- How long is the appointment?
- Is a cognitive assessment included?
- Is a written report included, and how long does it take?
- Are there any other fees, such as a consult beforehand or follow-up calls?
At Waterman Psychology Services, every assessment is completed by a fully registered psychologist, and the report is written by the psychologist.
Does Medicare cover an ADHD assessment?
No. Medicare doesn’t cover ADHD assessments with a psychologist, for children or adults. Private health may cover it, so check with your health fund to see if yours covers psychological assessments. Medicare and private health can’t both be used for the same assessment.
If you’re an NDIS participant: we accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. We can’t accept agency-managed (NDIA-managed) NDIS participants. NDIS fees are different, so please call us on 08 8133 5711 for details.
When the combined educational and ADHD assessment fits
If the school has raised concerns about both learning and attention, the combined assessment looks at both in one 3-hour appointment. For a child it’s $1,795. For adults, the combined ADHD and educational assessment is $1,900. It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often.
A learning difficulty and ADHD can look alike in class, and they can occur together. Our guide to which assessment your child needs explains how to tell which questions you’re asking.
Other costs to know about
- Initial consult ($300): for families who aren’t sure which assessment fits. It’s separate from the assessment fee and doesn’t come off it if you go ahead.
- Deposit: the $450 deposit is paid at booking and isn’t refundable.
- Extra services: anything outside the original assessment, such as extra questionnaires, follow-up calls or emails, or a follow-up appointment after the report, may attract a fee of up to $330 an hour (the APS rate).
- Medication: we don’t prescribe. If medication is being considered after the assessment, that’s with your paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP, and their fees are separate.
What an ADHD assessment can and can’t tell you
An assessment tells you whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD and, just as importantly, what else may be going on. Attention difficulties can come from anxiety, sleep, language or learning difficulties, and Australia’s ADHD clinical practice guideline recommends that assessment considers these (Australian ADHD Professionals Association, 2022).
If your child doesn’t meet the criteria, we’ll tell you, and explain what we think is happening instead. Either way, the report sets out what may help at home and at school.
Questions parents often ask
Do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral to book an ADHD assessment with us. If you already have reports from a GP, paediatrician or other health professional, please send them before the appointment.
Can I book online?
Yes. Child and adult ADHD assessments can be booked online, or you can call us on 08 8133 5711.
Is the fee the same for adults?
Yes. An adult ADHD assessment is also $1,395, with a $450 deposit. The combined adult ADHD and educational assessment is $1,900. Many of the adults we see are in their early 20s and at uni.
How long is the wait?
The current wait is about 4 weeks.
Do you offer ADHD therapy or coaching?
No. Waterman Psychology Services only does assessments. The report includes recommendations you can take to your GP, school or other health professionals for ongoing support.
Booking an assessment at Waterman Psychology
We’re at 188 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Assessments are with Michael Waterman or Jonathan Dubiel, both Registered Psychologists. You can book online or call 08 8133 5711. Read more about our ADHD assessments or see all current fees.
If you or your child need urgent support, call 000, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Reviewed by Michael Waterman, Registered Psychologist (MAPS), with over 17 years’ experience as a psychologist. AHPRA registration PSY0001318442. Last reviewed: 28/10/26
Sources
- Australian ADHD Professionals Association (2022). Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Melbourne: AADPA. adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au
Related reading: Which assessment does my child need? · How do you test for dyslexia?
Read more about child ADHD assessments and adult ADHD assessments.
