Alex Mortlock - Clinical Psychologist
· Christchurch, New Zealand ·
More Information
ADHD Assessment
Recognising ADHD in Adults
I provide thorough adult ADHD assessments that clarify whether ADHD is present, highlight your unique strengths and difficulties, and form the basis of a personalised treatment plan.
Adults with ADHD may struggle to sustain attention, stay organised, manage time, or curb impulsive actions. Many feel restless, interrupt conversations, or battle to finish tasks. The pattern and intensity of symptoms, however, vary markedly from person to person.
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If you’d like to explore an assessment or ask anything at all, simply e‑mail info@alexmortlock.co.nz. I’ll reply within two working days and, if you’re ready, book the next available slot for a screening appointment.
Assessment Process
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Step 1 - Screening Appointment (50 min / $220)
This is a focused conversation to clarify your concerns, review your history, and ensure that a full ADHD assessment is appropriate. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about the process.
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Step 2 - Full Assessment (2½–3 hours / $1800)
If the screening suggests assessment is suitable, we’ll schedule the full assessment session, in which we explore your present functioning, developmental history, and relevant domains in depth.
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Step 3 - Additional Input & Document Review
I also conduct a phone interview with someone who knew you well during childhood (before age 12) and review documents, such as school reports or earlier assessments, to seek collateral information regarding childhood symptoms.
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Fees & Payment
Payment for the screening is due on the day of the appointment and is typically paid on the day of the appointment and is typically made via online banking after the session. Payment for the full assessment is due 7 days before the assessment; credit‑card payment is available (2.7 % surcharge applies).
Frequently Asked Questions​
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Q. Why do you now require a screening appointment?
​A. The screening appointment allows me to confirm that ADHD is a plausible hypothesis before committing to a long assessment. It helps reduce unnecessary full assessments, ensures our time is used effectively, and allows you to decide whether you want to proceed.
Q. Is the screening fee deducted from the full assessment cost?
​A. No.
Q. What if after screening we think I don’t need a full assessment?
​A. That’s okay: we can discuss referral options or next steps. The screening gives clarity, and you are under no obligation to go ahead with the full assessment.
Q. What happens during the full assessment?
​A. The assessment involves an in-depth conversation about your experiences, focusing on attention, impulse control, organisation, and related areas. We will also discuss your educational and work history, mental health, and other relevant aspects of your background.
Q. Are assessments stressful?
​A. It's natural to feel apprehensive before an assessment. I strive to create a respectful and relaxed environment, and most clients find the process to be pleasant, often appreciating the opportunity to share their experiences.
Q. Is it necessary to provide documents from my childhood?
​A. Childhood documents like school reports may be helpful in understanding early developmental patterns. Some evidence of childhood symptoms (before age 12) from documents or from witness reports from family members is likely to be required for a psychiatrist to authorise prescribing of stimulant medication.
Q. Does a family member have to be involved in the assessment?
A. Involving a family member or close friend can provide valuable insights. Parental input is typically required for medication authorisation if there is no written corroborating evidence of childhood symptoms (before age 12).
Q. How long does the report take to produce?
​A. Reports typically take two weeks to prepare. I will send you a draft before the feedback session, so you can review it for any factual errors or concerns about the content.
Q. Can you prescribe medication?
​A. No. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Currently, ony psychiatrists and paediatricians can prescribe first-line ADHD medications. A psychologist's diagnositic assessment report can facilitate access to ADHD treatment via a GP initiatete referral to the dedicated ADHD team within the Adult Community Mental Health Service in Canterbury.
Q. How should I prepare for the assessment?
A: No specific preparation is needed. However, you might find it helpful to look through old photos or writings to refresh your memory about your childhood and adolescence. If you'd like to jot down any notes, I’m happy to review them.
Q. Is the assessment confidential?
​A. All information gathered during the assessment is held in strict confidence, adhering to professional ethical standards and legal requirements. The final report belongs to you, giving you the choice to share it with others as you see fit.
Q. Do you assess children or adolescents under the age of 18 years?
​A. No, I don't assess individuals under 18.
Q. Can I pay via credit card?
​A. Credit card payment can be arranged in advance (at least two weeks prior to your assessment). A 2.7% surcharge applies.
Q. Do you require a GP referral?
​A. I do not require a GP referral.
How I Use Digital Tools
To stay fully present during our conversation and ensure nothing important is missed, I record an encrypted transcript with Turboscribe. Afterwards, I use Claude to help organise key details and Grammarly to ensure your assessment report is clear and easy to understand. I review and interpret all the information. These tools help streamline the administrative aspects, allowing me to spend more of my attention on you.