Understanding The ADHD/Autism Assessment Options: How to Choose a GP, Psychiatrist or Her Mind Inst?

Understanding the ADHD/Autism assessment pathway can feel confusing, especially when different health professionals play different roles. It is hard to know who to choose. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and some GPs can all diagnose ADHD, but they each play a different role. Understanding when to see whom can help you choose the pathway that's right for you.

If you're wondering whether you'll need to repeat an ADHD or autism assessment with a psychiatrist after having one with us at Her Mind Inst, the answer is: sometimes—but not always.

The right pathway depends on what you're hoping to achieve.

If Your Goal is Understanding Yourself

The assessments at Her Mind Inst are conduced by clinical psychologists and are designed to help you understand whether you meet diagnostic criteria, how ADHD and/or autism presents in you specifically, the impact across your life, your strengths, your challenges, and practical recommendations for work, study and daily life. We not only consider the presence of neurodivergence, but also other impacts such as anxiety, mood, trauma or relational concerns on your experiences and we work hard to help you understand how they all work together in a unique way for you. Many women tell us this understanding is just as valuable as the diagnosis itself.

If You Think You May Want ADHD Medication

Medication for ADHD can only be prescribed by an appropriately authorised medical practitioner (a psychiatrist or specialist GP).

Following your assessment with Her Mind, your comprehensive report can be provided to your GP or psychiatrist to help inform their assessment and ongoing medication management.

Option 1: Your GP Manages Your ADHD

Some GPs have additional training and are comfortable managing ADHD once they have sufficient assessment information. This is often the simplest and most affordable long-term option because your ongoing reviews occur with your GP rather than a psychiatrist. Not every GP offers this service, so it is recommended that you ask your doctor whether they provide ADHD management.

Pros

• Usually less expensive

• Easier ongoing follow-up

• Your GP already knows your medical history

• Convenient long-term care

Things to Know

• Not all GPs manage ADHD.

Some GPs may request additional information before commencing treatment.

Option 2: See a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD, prescribe medication and manage more complex presentations. Depending on the psychiatrist, they may accept an existing comprehensive assessment and use it as part of their decision-making, request additional information, or complete their own ADHD assessment before prescribing medication.

Pros

• Can prescribe and initiate ADHD medication

• Ideal for more medically complex situations

• Helpful if your GP does not manage ADHD

Things to Know

• There may be long waiting lists.

• It is generally the more expensive pathway.

• Some psychiatrists complete aspects of their own assessment regardless of previous reports.

What About Autism?

Most psychiatrists who prescribe ADHD medication do not complete comprehensive autism assessments as part of routine ADHD medication appointments. If autism is also something you would like assessed, it is often more efficient to complete both assessments together with a clinician who routinely assesses both ADHD and autism - which is why assessments at Her Mind are so comprehensive.

Will I Have to Repeat Everything?

Sometimes parts of the assessment process are repeated—but not always. Every psychiatrist has different preferences. Many find the comprehensive assessment report that we offer our clients extremely helpful and use it to inform their own clinical decision-making. Others prefer to complete additional interviews or assessment themselves before prescribing medication. Unfortunately, this is not something we can predict or guarantee.

*Choose an Assessor with Experience in Female Presentations

Regardless of who you choose, it is important that your assessor has experience identifying how ADHD and autism present in women. Female neurodivergence is often highly internalised and masked, making it easy to overlook without a clinician who understands these presentations. Choosing an assessor with this expertise can make a significant difference to the accuracy and depth of your assessment. At Her Mind, our assessments have been specifically developed with a deep understanding of the internalised, high-masking presentations commonly seen in women, helping ensure these more subtle experiences are recognised and understood.

Our Recommendation

If your goal is to gain a thorough understanding of yourself, including ADHD, autism or both, starting with a comprehensive assessment at Her Mind Inst is often the most informative first step.

If medication is something you may wish to explore afterwards, we can help you understand the most appropriate referral pathway based on your individual circumstances.

Our aim is not simply to determine whether you meet diagnostic criteria. It is to help you understand your brain, your experiences, and what support is likely to help you move forward.

Simple Pathway

Wondering if you have ADHD/Autism?

↓

Comprehensive Assessment at Her Mind

↓

Do you want medication?

No → You're finished. Use your report and recommendations.

Yes → Speak with your Specialist ADHD GP who manages ADHD

If GP doesn't manage ADHD → Referral to psychiatrist for medication assessment.