“ADHD and ASD Assessment” Referrals
At ProMind Care, Dr Nguyen provides a comprehensive psychiatric assessment for every referral that is accepted. We do not just do “assessment for ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorder”. That is because there are often multiple factors that contribute to someone’s clinical presentation, the overall impact on the person, and co-morbidity is usually high in psychiatric conditions.
At ProMind Care, Dr Nguyen provides a comprehensive psychiatric assessment for every referral that is accepted. We do not just do “assessment for ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorder”. That is because there are often multiple factors that contribute to someone’s clinical presentation, the overall impact on the person, and co-morbidity is usually high in psychiatric conditions.
In your NEW PATIENT consultation, much time is devoted to collecting history from you and any collateral source – usually a family member, or a childhood friend in some cases who can provide objective observations about you during your childhood – at home, at school, with peers etc.
Information is not limited to these 2 particular conditions but also includes past history of mental health concerns if had, past treatments, medical history, developmental history from their perspective, and social/recreational history.
School reports can be helpful if available and will be reviewed during this session if sent ahead. Physical reports or digital reports are acceptable.
At the end of this session, Dr Nguyen will provide feedback to you on differential diagnoses so far and discuss plan for any subsequent session as appropriate.
There is also psychometric testing that we organise based on the clinical assessment to supplement understanding of your presentation – access to links will be provided after the session.
Subsequent sessions will be dedicated to psychoeducation, post-diagnosis support, initiating and monitoring pharmacological treatments etc as appropriate for each patient. This is more than a brief medication review and issuing of scripts.
You will be strongly encouraged to ask questions during appointments. Patients do find the following helpful:
- Making a list of questions to bring along to session
- Taking notes as we go
- Clarifying information to ensure you understand
- Bringing a support person if you believe that would be beneficial
Please do not hesitate to read on to our ADHD FAQ’s and contact our friendly reception staff on 03 9501 7240/02 8395 8406 or reception@promindcare.com.au
ADHD FAQs
Does Dr Nguyen provide ADHD assessments and treatment?
Yes. Dr Nguyen is experienced in assessing and treating patients with ADHD. We are currently accepting referrals from Victoria, NSW, ACT and SA.
How do I get an assessment and treatment for ADHD with Dr Nguyen?
You should see your GP first to discuss your concerns, then organise a referral. You will need to email your referral to reception@promindcare.com.au or ask your GP to fax or send securely to us to be triaged. If your referral is accepted, you will receive an invite to book online via our website.
Why was my referral not accepted?
Clinicians review referrals and make their own decisions based on various factors, in regards to whether they would accept a referral or not. If your referral is not accepted, your referring doctor will be notified and we encourage you to speak with them to plan your future treatment and care.
I prefer to have ongoing treatment with you and not my GP, is this okay?
Absolutely. Dr Nguyen can provide ongoing treatment to patients.
I have already been assessed by someone else and diagnosed with ADHD. Why do I need to go through another assessment?
At ProMind Care, we take your care very seriously. Dr Nguyen carries out a comprehensive assessment on every new patient as it is imperative to understand your situation, arrive at your diagnosis accurately in order to provide you with the most appropriate treatments. We cannot vouch for the quality of external assessments and may not be able to get all necessary information from external assessments to plan for your treatment and care.
Will I be able to get a prescription at my first appointment?
No. Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment of your mental health that goes beyond just assessing for ADHD so other potentially important areas of your mental health are not missed.
Also, it is important that you understand how medications can help, what doses to use, their potential risks and the laws surrounding their use so this requires a review session to ensure there is adequate time to go through these details.
How long does stimulant script last?
Prescription for stimulant only lasts for six months and unused repeats on a script will expire after this timeframe.
Schedule 8 medicines are subject to strict legislative controls due to their high potential for misuse, abuse and dependence, therefore doctors are required to review patients every six months in order to continue prescribing stimulant to them. If your script is expired and you have not seen Dr Nguyen for 6 months, you will be required to book a 45-minute/6-monthly review before your script can be renewed.
I think I have ADHD, but I do not want medications. Should I get assessed? Are there any other treatment approaches?
If you are concerned that you might suffer from ADHD, you definitely should have a comprehensive assessment with a psychiatrist. Not only can they help you answer the questions of whether you have ADHD, more often than not, they can also inform you on the presence/absence of any other mental health conditions that might need to be addressed, and provide treatments as appropriate.
Medication is only one integral part of the biopsychosocial model of healthcare that we encourage our patients to adopt in their treatment and recovery journey. Knowledge and understanding of a condition, if you do have it, can inform the treatment plan. Knowing that you do have ADHD following a comprehensive assessment helps you appreciate the unique way your mind works, your strengths, differences as well as challenges. That then empowers you to make lifestyle changes, learn life skills, develop strategies that will optimise your functioning, improve your well-being and quality of life whether you choose to take medications or not. Psychology input, and ADHD coaching are some of the non-pharmacological treatments that patients with ADHD find extremely beneficial.
What is ADHD coaching - I have heard so much about it. Are they legit?
ADHD coaching has been defined as a “collaborative, goal-oriented process that integrates life coaching, skills coaching, and education, to assist individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in developing the self-awareness and skills necessary to fulfil their potential while navigating the pragmatic realities of living with ADHD”.
An ADHD coach works with clients to help them develop awareness of how ADHD affects their daily life, then develop practical skills and initiate change in areas that people with ADHD often struggle with e.g. organisation and time management, sustaining focus to achieve goals, building motivation, developing healthier self-esteem, and emotional regulation etc.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) recognises ADHD coaching as a special area of expertise but does not provide specialised ADHD certification.
If you’re looking for an ADHD coach, as a minimum, look out for the following training and credentialing:
- Completion of an ICF-accredited specialised ADHD coaching program. These include ADD Coaching Academy, JST Coaching and Training and International ADHD Coach Training Center.
- Membership or credentialing with ICF.