The Lunea ADHD Pathway: What to Expect, Step by Step

Who this pathway is for

This pathway is for adults seeking an ADHD assessment and, where appropriate, treatment planning. It is designed to be structured, thorough, and clinically safe, while keeping the practical steps clear.

Step 1: Triage before booking

If you have not had an ADHD diagnosis before

We complete an initial screen of your referral and presenting concerns. If the referral is not suitable for our service, we will decline early so you can redirect your time and resources elsewhere. If it is suitable, we accept you into the assessment pathway.

If you have a previous ADHD diagnosis

We usually ask for the prior diagnostic report before considering your referral. This matters because it tells us what was assessed, which tools were used, what else was considered, and what the clinician concluded. If accepted, your diagnostic documentation will be reviewed in session with you, and additional information collected as needed. Please note that a previous assessment does not automatically mean your diagnosis will be confirmed, as our psychiatrists must be satisfied that ADHD is present from their psychiatric assessment.

Step 2: Pre-assessment paperwork and booking

Once accepted, you will receive:

• An invitation to proceed

• Our assessment agreement and key terms

• Required questionnaires to complete before Appointment 1

• A physical health form for your GP

When your appointments are booked, we send the questionnaire pack and any additional instructions you need to prepare.

Step 3: The three-appointment assessment structure

Appointment 1: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment + DIVA

This session focuses on:

• A full psychiatric assessment (your history, symptoms, functioning, and context)

• A structured ADHD interview

Towards the end of Appointment 1, we usually organise the next safety and evidence steps, which may include:

• A request for baseline blood tests and an ECG if not already provided

• Clear instructions for collateral information (for example: school reports, and/or input from a family member who knew you in childhood)

Why we do this: ADHD is a developmental condition and symptoms should trace back to childhood, even if they were missed, masked, or mislabelled. Collateral is key and helps us avoid misdiagnosis.

Appointment 2: Review results, collateral, and questionnaires + GP coordination

This appointment brings together what we have collected:

• Review of results (bloods and ECG if requested)

• Review of questionnaires and structured rating scales

• Review of collateral information and developmental history

If an ADHD diagnosis is confirmed and treatment is being considered, we require a physical health form to be then filled by your General Practitioner. You need to book in with your GP to fill this together and have it returned to us by either you or your GP.

Appointment 3: Prescribing and treatment plan (when appropriate)

If medication is clinically appropriate, safe, and consistent with regulations, we use this appointment to:

• Confirm readiness to start treatment

• Discuss options, expected benefits, common side effects, and monitoring

• Start prescribing where permitted

• At the end of this appointment we will send a letter to your General Practitioner outlining the diagnoses, treatment started, future plan and follow-up expectations

If medication is not appropriate, we use this appointment to finalise a non-pharmacological plan and recommendations.

What you can do to make the process smoother

Before Appointment 1

• Complete questionnaires as early as possible

• Start looking for school reports (if you have them)

• Identify someone who can provide collateral, if needed (parent, older sibling, long-term caregiver)

Between Appointment 1 and 2

• Arrange blood tests and ECG promptly if not already completed, or send existing results to us by email to be uploaded to your file

• Return any remaining questionnaires or forms

• Confirm collateral arrangements and/or continue to source school reports

Between Appointment 2 and 3

• Book your General Practitioner appointment if required

• Return any General Practitioner-completed forms without delay

Frequently asked questions

Why do you need questionnaires and collateral?

They help us assess ADHD symptoms across time, settings, and impairment domains. They also help distinguish ADHD from conditions that can look similar, such as anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, sleep disorders, depression, or hormonal transitions.

Do I always need blood tests and an ECG?

Almost always. It depends on your medical history, symptoms, risk factors, and the treatment options being considered. Many physical conditions can mimic psychiatric conditions and so it is important to exclude those as contributions to what is happening. An ECG is always required if considering starting stimulants.

Do you always prescribe stimulants?

No. Medication choice is individual and based on diagnosis, safety, personal preference, and your clinical context. Some people benefit from non-stimulant options or non-medication strategies, and some do not require medication at all.

Can you prescribe in every situation?

Prescribing rules and permit requirements vary by state and clinical circumstances. We will tell you clearly what is possible in your situation and what steps are needed.

How much does it cost?

You can view our full schedule of fees here. Medicare rebates are processed automatically after each session. Please note that in line with clinic policy, a deposit is required at the time of booking to secure each appointment.