Find a Mental Health Professional for ADHD — Adults

About ADHD — Adults support

ADHD in adults is often underdiagnosed, particularly in people who were high-achieving at school or who found ways to compensate for difficulties. Common experiences include persistent difficulty sustaining attention, acting impulsively, struggles with organisation and time management, emotional dysregulation, and chronic underachievement relative to ability. Many adults receive a diagnosis later in life and find it brings both relief and a need to reframe their personal history. Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves a combination of approaches. Medication, prescribed by a GP with appropriate training or a psychiatrist, can significantly improve focus and functioning for many people. Psychological support, including CBT adapted for ADHD, coaching, and skills-based approaches, helps people develop practical systems, manage emotions, and build on their strengths. Relationships and workplace functioning are common areas to focus on in therapy. In Australia, ADHD assessments are conducted by psychiatrists, paediatricians (for children), and some psychologists. Waitlists can be long, and private assessment varies in cost. Medication for ADHD is a controlled substance and requires ongoing monitoring. ADHD Australia provides resources and peer support, and Medicare can subsidise therapy sessions for related mental health concerns through a GP referral.