Adult Rural ADHD Service

Accessible, evidence-based ADHD assessment and treatment for adults in rural North Canterbury.

Our Adult Rural ADHD Clinic provides a clear, structured pathway for adults aged 18+ who are seeking assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
We focus on timely access, local care, and a supportive approach that recognises the realities of rural living.

This service is available from 1 February 2026 and provided by our multidisciplinary team of rural General Practitioners (GP), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Mental Health Specialist and community pharmacist, who are supported by Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists.

Who This Service Is For

This service is for adults who:

• Are aged 18 years or over

• Live in rural North Canterbury or surrounding areas

• Suspect they may have ADHD, or

• Have previously been diagnosed and require review or ongoing management

If you are unsure whether this service is right for you, our team is happy to discuss your situation.

Why choose our ADHD Clinic?

• Local, rural access
  Assessment and treatment close to home in person or virtually, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

• Reduced waiting times
  A structured pathway designed to avoid long delays commonly seen in specialist services.

• Comprehensive assessment process
  Screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up care.

• Individualised care
  Treatment plans tailored to your goals, needs, and circumstances.

• Ongoing support and monitoring
  Regular reviews to ensure treatment remains safe, effective, and appropriate over time.

• Delivered within a trusted general practice
  Care provided by a rural health team that understands the local community.

Our ADHD Assessment Pathway

We follow a clear, step-by-step process to ensure safe and appropriate care.

1. Initial Screening

You will complete standardised ADHD screening tools and provide background information about your symptoms, health history and current challenges.

As part of the screening you will have a  pre-assessment consultation with our registered mental health professional and/or GP  to review and discuss this information with you, to determine whether a comprehensive ADHD assessment with one of our ADHD‑trained GPs is necessary.

2. Comprehensive ADHD Assessment

Our full assessment includes:

• A detailed clinical interview

• Review of childhood and adult symptoms

• Consideration of other medical or mental health conditions

• Review of any previous assessments or reports (if available)

3. Diagnosis and Feedback

Following assessment, we will:

• Discuss the findings with you

• Confirm whether diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met

• Explain what this means in practical terms

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss next steps.

4. Individualised Treatment Plan

If ADHD is diagnosed, we work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.
This may include:

• Education about ADHD

• Medication options (where clinically appropriate)

• Non-medication strategies

• Lifestyle and wellbeing considerations

Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

5. Ongoing Monitoring and Review

ADHD management is ongoing. We provide:

• Regular follow-up appointments

• Medication monitoring and adjustments if required

• Review of symptoms, side effects, and goals over time

Referrals

A GP referral is required to access this service.

If you are enrolled with Hanmer Springs Health Centre, your GP can discuss referral directly with you.
If you are enrolled elsewhere, please ask your GP to refer you to the Adult Rural ADHD Clinic.

Fees and Payment

This service operates under a dedicated fee structure, reflecting the time and expertise required for ADHD assessment and ongoing care.

• Fees vary depending on the stage of the assessment and follow-up required

• Payment plans may be available in some circumstances

Our team can discuss fees with you before appointments are booked so you can make an informed decision.

Important Information

• This service is not an emergency service

• ADHD assessment requires time and preparation; appointments will take significantly longer than standard GP visits

• Where appropriate, we may liaise with other health professionals involved in your care

How to Get Started

To begin:

1. Make an appointment with your GP to do discuss whether a referral to our service is right for you, or
2. Contact Hanmer Springs Health Centre on 03 315 7503 or use the Online Enquiry Form below to find out more about the Adult Rural ADHD Clinic.

Our team will guide you through the next steps.