A woman in her thirties sitting calmly and looking into the distance with a soft smile, in a warm, softly lit room
Adult ADHD assessment

ADHD Assessments for Adults in Canberra

A clear, professional pathway to understanding yourself better, with support at every step.

Book an assessment(02) 6198 3423
Why it matters

Clarity can be life-changing

For many adults, an ADHD diagnosis is not a label so much as an explanation. It makes sense of years of struggle with focus, organisation, restlessness or self-doubt, and it opens the door to the right support. Whether you have wondered about ADHD for a long time or the question is new, a proper assessment gives you real answers.

Our assessment process is thorough, respectful and clear. You are guided through it from start to finish, so you always know what is happening and why.

A diagnosis is not the end of the story. For most people, it is the beginning of finally working with themselves rather than against themselves.
Does this sound familiar?

Common signs in adults

ADHD looks different in adults than in children. Some of the experiences people come to us with include:

  • Trouble focusing, or intense focus on the wrong things
  • Difficulty getting started and following through
  • Feeling restless, or mentally always on
  • Chronic disorganisation and lost time
  • Impulsivity in decisions, spending or speech
  • Overwhelm from everyday tasks and admin
  • A long history of self-doubt or feeling different
  • Emotional ups and downs that are hard to manage
The pathway

How the assessment works

A clear four-step process, combining a warm initial conversation with a formal clinical assessment by a psychologist.

1

Initial consultation

With Darleen

We start with a relaxed, in-depth conversation about what has brought you in, your history, and the experiences that made you wonder about ADHD. This helps us understand your situation fully and make sure a formal assessment is the right next step for you.

2

Clinical assessment

With the psychologist

You then complete a formal assessment with a registered psychologist, using standardised, validated tools. This looks carefully at attention, executive function and related areas, and considers other factors that can look similar to ADHD, so the conclusion is accurate and complete.

3

Feedback and diagnosis

With the psychologist

The psychologist talks you through the findings in plain language and provides a formal written report. If ADHD is diagnosed, you will understand exactly what that means for you. If it is not, you will still leave with a clearer picture and useful direction.

4

Ongoing support

With Darleen

A diagnosis is only useful if it leads somewhere. We continue working with you on practical strategies, coaching and counselling support, tailored to how you want to move forward, and coordinate with other professionals where medication or further care is involved.

You are not alone

Many adults come to this later in life

If you are only asking these questions now, you are in good company. Many adults reach midlife or beyond before the pieces finally fit together. It is never too late for clarity, and never too late for the right support to make a real difference.

Darleen Barton, founder of DIPAC and Associates, Canberra
Who you will work with

Meet Darleen

I am the founder and director of DIPAC, which I established in 2009. I guide you through the assessment journey, from our first conversation to the practical support that follows a diagnosis, working alongside a registered psychologist who conducts the formal clinical assessment. My role is to make sure you feel understood and supported the whole way through.

  • Australian Counselling Association
  • AIFLAM
  • Mediation Institute of Australia
  • IICT
  • ICF
  • NDIS Provider
  • Accredited Private Health Provider
More about Darleen
Ready when you are

Take the first step to clarity

Booking your initial consultation is simple, and it is the start of getting real answers. In person in Canberra, or securely online across Australia.

Book an assessmentContact us
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a formal diagnosis and report?
Yes. The clinical assessment is carried out by a registered psychologist, who provides a formal written report and diagnosis where ADHD is identified. The report is suitable for sharing with your GP or other professionals.
How long does the process take?
It varies depending on scheduling and the depth of assessment needed, but it typically unfolds across a few appointments, from the initial consultation through to the feedback session. We will give you a clearer timeline at your first appointment.
Can you prescribe medication?
We do not prescribe medication ourselves. If medication is something to consider, we coordinate with your GP or a psychiatrist, and the assessment report supports those conversations. Many people find that strategies, coaching and counselling are a valuable part of managing ADHD alongside or instead of medication.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to book an initial consultation with us. If you would like to explore Medicare or private health rebates, we can talk through what may apply to your situation.
Is the assessment recognised?
Yes. Because the formal assessment and report are completed by a registered psychologist using standardised, validated tools, the outcome is a recognised clinical assessment that can be shared with employers, universities, GPs and other providers as needed.
What if I do not have ADHD?
That is a genuinely useful outcome too. If the assessment does not point to ADHD, you will still gain a clearer understanding of what is going on and practical direction on where to go next. Either way, you leave with answers.
Can the assessment be done online?
Parts of the process can often be completed via secure video for clients outside Canberra. We will let you know what can be done online and what, if anything, is best done in person.