Getting an ADHD assessment on the Gold Coast does not have to mean a long wait for a psychiatrist or an expensive specialist appointment. At Southport Metro Medical Centre, our GPs are trained to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication under Queensland’s GP prescribing pathway. No psychiatrist referral needed. No months-long wait list. When booking, please select an ADHD Assessment appointment specifically so the right amount of time is allocated.
We work collaboratively as a team. For undiagnosed patients, our process involves an initial GP appointment followed by three psychological assessment sessions with our onsite psychologist Steven Kose, then a final GP appointment to confirm the diagnosis. If you already have a diagnosis and are transferring care, you start directly with a GP consult. Everything happens in the same building, no external referrals or separate wait lists.
Why get your ADHD assessment at Southport Metro?
- No psychiatrist referral needed
- GPs trained to diagnose and prescribe
- Onsite psychologist available
- Open 7 days including Monday and Thursday late nights
- Much lower cost than a psychiatrist pathway
- New patients welcome
- Adults and children both seen
- Central Southport location
Our ADHD Team
Three of our GPs perform ADHD assessments and work alongside our onsite psychologist to provide a thorough, collaborative approach to diagnosis and management.
Dr Sergey Bromberg
MBBS (VIC), FRACGP
General Practitioner | ADHD Assessment
Dr Bromberg is an experienced GP with a broad clinical background. He takes a thorough, methodical approach to ADHD assessment and is experienced in managing both newly diagnosed patients and those transferring care from another provider.
Book with Dr Bromberg
Dr Sarah Morrell
FRACGP, MBBS
General Practitioner | ADHD Assessment
Dr Morrell has a particular interest in ADHD in women and girls, a group that is frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life due to different symptom presentation. She brings a patient-centred approach to assessment and ongoing management.
Book with Dr Morrell
Dr Justin Wong
MBBS, FRACGP
General Practitioner | ADHD Assessment
Dr Wong provides comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults and manages ongoing treatment including medication prescribing and monitoring. He works closely with Steven Kose where psychological input would benefit the assessment or treatment plan.
Book with Dr Wong
Steven Kose
Consultant Psychologist
Psychologist | ADHD Assessment | Mondays & Fridays
Steven is an experienced psychologist available Mondays and Fridays. Where a psychological assessment would provide a clearer picture or where ongoing behavioural support would complement medical treatment, our GPs refer to Steven directly.
Learn more about StevenWhat Is the ADHD Assessment Process?
ADHD assessment at Southport Metro is a structured, multi-step process. It is not a one-appointment tick-box exercise. Here is what to expect:
If you are undiagnosed and seeking assessment
- Book an ADHD Assessment appointment No referral needed. When booking online or calling reception, select or ask for an ADHD Assessment appointment specifically — not a standard consult. This is a longer appointment and needs the right time slot allocated. Your GP will take a comprehensive history covering your symptoms, when they started, how they affect your daily life, work, relationships and sleep, and rule out other conditions that can look like ADHD such as anxiety, depression, thyroid issues and sleep disorders.
- Referral to Steven Kose for psychological assessment For undiagnosed patients, your GP will refer you to our onsite psychologist Steven Kose. You will complete three sessions with Steven, which include validated ADHD rating scales, behavioural questionnaires and a thorough psychological evaluation. This is arranged internally — no need to find an external provider or go on a separate wait list.
- Final GP appointment and diagnosis After your three sessions with Steven, you return to your GP for a final consultation. Your GP reviews the psychological assessment findings alongside the clinical history and makes a formal diagnosis. If ADHD is confirmed, your GP will discuss your treatment options with you at this appointment.
- Treatment and ongoing management Treatment typically includes a combination of medication, behavioural strategies and ongoing psychological support. Your GP manages prescriptions, monitors your response to medication and adjusts your plan as needed.
If you already have an ADHD diagnosis
- Book an ADHD Assessment appointment If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD elsewhere and are transferring care, book an ADHD Assessment appointment rather than a standard consult so enough time is allocated. Bring any previous assessment reports, letters or documentation from your treating doctor.
- Further evidence if required In some cases your GP may decide that additional psychological evidence would be helpful before confirming ongoing treatment, particularly if the original diagnosis lacked documentation or was made some time ago. If so, a referral to Steven Kose can be arranged. This is at your GP’s clinical discretion.
- Ongoing management and prescriptions Once your GP is satisfied with the clinical picture, they take over your ongoing care including prescription management, monitoring and follow-up appointments.
Queensland is one of the few states in Australia where trained GPs can diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for adults. This means you may not need to see a psychiatrist at all, which significantly reduces cost and wait time.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults and Children
ADHD presents differently depending on age, gender and individual makeup. Many adults were never diagnosed as children, particularly women and girls whose symptoms were masked or misattributed to anxiety or personality traits.
Inattentive symptoms
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks
- Frequently losing things
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty following through on tasks
- Poor organisation and time management
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained effort
- Missing details or making careless mistakes
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
- Fidgeting or difficulty sitting still
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting conversations
- Acting before thinking
- Difficulty waiting for a turn
- Restlessness or sense of being driven
- Emotional dysregulation
- Impulsive decision-making
ADHD in women and girls is frequently missed. The inattentive type of ADHD, which is more common in females, does not present with obvious hyperactivity. It often looks like anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, or chronic underachievement despite high intelligence. Dr Morrell has a particular interest in this presentation and in patients who suspect they may have been overlooked earlier in life.
GP vs Psychiatrist for ADHD on the Gold Coast
| Pathway | Southport Metro GP | Psychiatrist |
|---|---|---|
| Referral needed | No | GP referral required |
| Typical wait time | Days to weeks | Months to a year or more |
| Cost of initial assessment | $500 with Medicare rebate | $800 to $1,500 or more |
| Can diagnose ADHD | Yes (Queensland GP pathway) | Yes |
| Can prescribe stimulants | Yes | Yes |
| Onsite psychology | Yes — Steven Kose | External referral required |
| Open 7 days | Yes, with late nights Monday and Thursday | Business hours only |
Fees
| Service | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial ADHD Assessment (GP) | $500 | $87.10 | $412.90 |
| Follow-up GP Consult (Standard) | From $90 | $45.05 | From $44.95 |
| Follow-up GP Consult (Long) | From $140 | $87.10 | From $52.90 |
| Psychology Assessment (Steven Kose) | $250 | $101.55 with MHTP | $148.45 |
| Psychology Consult (Ongoing) | $200 | $101.55 with MHTP | $98.45 |
Fees vary slightly by doctor. The initial assessment fee covers a comprehensive history, symptom rating scales, investigation of differential diagnoses and a treatment plan discussion. It is a longer appointment than a standard consult. See our full fees page for a complete breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment on the Gold Coast?
No referral is needed. When booking, please select or ask for an ADHD Assessment appointment specifically rather than a standard consult. ADHD assessments require a longer time slot and booking the right appointment type makes sure your GP has enough time with you.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland is one of the few states in Australia where trained GPs can diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for adults. This means you do not need to see a psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis at Southport Metro. Our GPs have completed the required training under the Queensland prescribing pathway.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The process for undiagnosed patients involves an initial GP appointment, three sessions with our onsite psychologist Steven Kose, and then a final GP appointment where the diagnosis is made. For patients who already have a diagnosis and are transferring care, it starts with a GP consultation and is more straightforward from there.
Can adults get an ADHD assessment on the Gold Coast?
Yes. Our GPs assess and diagnose ADHD in both adults and children. Adult ADHD is frequently undiagnosed, particularly in women. If you have been wondering about ADHD for years, or were recently told you might have it, booking an assessment is the right place to start.
What happens if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
Your GP will discuss your treatment options with you. For most adults, this involves a combination of medication to help with focus and impulsivity, and behavioural or psychological strategies to support day-to-day functioning. Where psychological support would help, your GP can refer you directly to Steven Kose, our onsite psychologist.
Can you prescribe ADHD medication?
Yes. Our ADHD GPs can prescribe stimulant medication including dexamphetamine and methylphenidate under the Queensland GP prescribing pathway. Prescriptions are reviewed and monitored at follow-up appointments. Some medications may require an authority prescription or approval from Queensland Health.
Do I need to see the psychologist as part of my assessment?
For undiagnosed patients, yes. Our standard pathway involves three sessions with Steven Kose as part of the assessment process before your GP makes a formal diagnosis. If you already have an existing diagnosis and are transferring care, a psychological assessment may not be required, though your GP may request one if they feel additional evidence would be helpful.
I was diagnosed with ADHD elsewhere. Can I transfer my care?
Yes. If you have an existing ADHD diagnosis and are looking for a GP closer to home or with better availability, our GPs can review your documentation and take over ongoing management including prescriptions. Bring any previous assessment reports or letters from your treating doctor.
Can you assess children for ADHD?
Yes. Our GPs see children for ADHD assessment. For younger children or more complex presentations, we may involve Steven Kose or recommend a paediatric referral. Call us on (07) 5612 7830 to discuss your child’s situation before booking.
Related Services
Ready to get an ADHD assessment on the Gold Coast?
No referral needed. Book an ADHD Assessment appointment specifically — not a standard consult. Open 7 days at Australia Fair Metro, ground floor, 58 Scarborough St, Southport.