Question 1

What is adult ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined in the DSM-5. Although it was first observed in children, the symptoms can persist into adulthood at a diagnostic level for many people. 
 
Some people may have always had the disorder, but it may not have been recognised or diagnosed in childhood. There have also been changes over time in the awareness of how ADHD can look different in women or in those with a predominantly "Innattentive" presentation type as adults. 
 
These factors can result in people seeking an assessment of ADHD symptoms as adults, or finding that they continue to struggle as adults.
 
For more information about how ADHD can look in adults, there is now a great deal of infromation available online. Some good sources include:
 
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (on ADHDin adults)(https://mentalhealth.org.nz/conditions/condition/adhd-in-adults)
ADDitude Mag (an American website and magazine resource about ADHD) (https://www.additudemag.com/category/adhd-add/adhd-in-adults/)
ADHD New Zealand(https://www.adhd.org.nz/)

Question 2

Terms of Trade (please read prior to booking)

Accepted Answer

In agreeing to accept this service I also understand and agree to the following conditions:

Assessment invoices are payable on or before the due date. They may be partially paid at any time prior, however they must be paid in full on the due date in order for an assessment to go ahead.

If an assessment invoice has not been paid, the Clinical Interview booking may be cancelled and offered to another client. Rescheduling requests are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

If an assessment has been undertaken and the invoice remains unpaid, the report will not be released to you and/or other health professionals until the invoice is cleared.

Unless outstanding invoices are paid, I am unable to book further appointments (and will cancel these where booked). The remaining balance will still require payment for services already provided

Unpaid fees will be passed on to a debt collection agency. If the overdue balance is referred to a debt collection agency you will be liable for any debt collection costs incurred. You understand that under these conditions, the confidentiality of your name and contact details will need to be waived in order for the debt collection agency to seek payment from you.

Question 3

Payment Options

Accepted Answer

Therapy appointments can be paid on booking using online payment via PayPal.

Invoices for multiple appointments, or larger amounts (such as assessments), can be partially paid at any point prior to the due date, provided the invoice is paid in full by the due date. This is especially important regarding assessments, which require a significant time and resource investment prior to the Clinical Interview appointment.

Note: I do not offer buy-now-pay-later arrangements such as "Afterpay" and equivalent services. Ethically, these can be perceived as schemes that could be inducing individuals to enter into arrangements that may place them into indebtitude and can result in additional fees and penalties. For this reason, I choose not to offer this option in the context of my client group.

Question 4

Late Cancellation Policy

Accepted Answer

Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel an appointment. Appointments that are unattended or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged at 50% of the normal rate.

You can select to receive a reminder text 24 hours prior to your appointment when you book. If you have not done this and would like to receive a reminder, please let me know and I will endeavor to send a text or email reminder the day before your appointment.

Question 5

Help! I’m having a tough time and I need some support urgently!

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately,  I do not provide an emergency help service.

For those in Canterbury there is the Crisis Resolution (https://www.cdhb.health.nz/about-us/structure-divisions-and-departments/specialist-mental-health-services/)service through the Canterbury District Health Board. There is also the government sponsored Need to Talk (https://www.1737.org.nz/)service accessed by free call or text 1737 or 0800 1737 1737.

If you are struggling, please feel free to also reach out to other supports such as:
 • If you need urgent mental health support, please call the Urgent Adult Mental Health Service on 0800 920 092. 
 • There is also the government sponsored Need to Talk service accessed by free call or text 1737 or 0800 1737 1737

Additionally, your GP can often refer you to a brief counselling service which might help with feeling heard and supported in the interim.

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