Rebecca Bourke

With ADHD having been chronically undiagnosed in Ireland for decades, a lot of adults who have been struggling are starting to realize this might be part of the reason why. The most common question I am asked is:

How do I get assessed for ADHD in Ireland?

For most people the first step will be a conversation with your GP. It’s a good idea to fill out and bring the screening form below with you, to help you explain why you feel you may have ADHD.

You might be unlucky and find the first GP you talk to isn’t interested in talking about ADHD, but usually what will happen is your GP will discuss possible referral pathways in your local area with you, and they might want to do some tests to rule out physiological causes for your difficulties.
If your GP does not have any referral pathways available to them, you can ask for a referral letter that isn’t addressed to anyone in specific, which will be helpful for the next step: contacting private professionals or organizations that provide ADHD assessment.
Private assessment in Ireland at the moment generally costs between €1,000 and €2,000, usually paid in stages. There are usually long waiting lists to be assessed privately and people often use this time to save up.

What types of ADHD assessment are there?

You can opt for a psychiatric assessment or a psychological one. The main difference is that psychologists in Ireland can’t currently prescribe medication, so if you would like to try medication this should be taken into account. Many people report they find psychological assessments for ADHD to be more extensive and enlightening, so if your goal is personal development and understanding, this may be important to consider.
Both forms of diagnosis legally entitle you to reasonable accommodations at work and at school.

Can I access ADHD therapy or ADHD coaching without a diagnosis?

Yes. ADHD therapists know that assessment is very difficult to access and that therapy can still be helpful for those with self-identified ADHD.

If you’re interested in neuro-affirming therapy for ADHD in Dublin 2 or North Kildare, feel free to contact me.

ADHD posts

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Give it to me straight:

Navigating the process of an ADHD assessment in Ireland requires understanding the specific clinical pathways, costs, and professional roles involved. This guide provides a technical overview of the steps required to secure a formal diagnosis.

1. The GP Referral Process in Ireland

The initial point of entry for an adult ADHD diagnosis is typically a General Practitioner (GP).

• Clinical Screening: Presenting a completed Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) allows the GP to quantify symptoms.
• Differential Diagnosis: GPs may request blood tests to rule out physiological conditions (e.g., thyroid dysfunction) that mimic ADHD symptoms.
• Referral Letters: If a local HSE pathway is unavailable, request a “to whom it may concern” referral letter. This document is required by some private clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.

2. Private ADHD Assessment Cost Ireland (2026)

Private healthcare is the primary route for many adults due to public sector waiting lists.

Service Component	Estimated Cost (EUR)
Full Clinical Assessment	€1,000 – €2,000
Initial Consultation	€250 – €500
Follow-up / Titration	€150 – €300

Most private clinics in Ireland facilitate phased payments over the duration of the assessment process.

3. Psychiatric vs. Psychological Assessment

There are two distinct clinical pathways for ADHD testing in Ireland. Both provide legal standing for reasonable accommodations under the Employment Equality Acts and Disability Act.

Psychiatric Assessment

• Clinician: Consultant Psychiatrist (Medical Doctor).
• Outcome: Can provide a formal diagnosis and prescribe medication (e.g., stimulants/non-stimulants).
• Focus: Biological and pharmacological management.

Psychological Assessment

• Clinician: Clinical or Counselling Psychologist.
• Outcome: Provides a comprehensive diagnostic report. Cannot prescribe medication.
• Focus: Behavioral analysis, cognitive profiling, and psychoeducation.

4. ADHD Therapy and Support Without Diagnosis

A formal diagnosis is not a prerequisite for accessing therapeutic support. ADHD-informed therapy and ADHD coaching are available to individuals who identify as neurodivergent or are currently on a waiting list. Therapeutic interventions focus on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and neuro-affirming coping strategies.