Our pathways
Dual diagnosis — ADHD & ASD
For adults who may be presenting with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we offer a comprehensive dual diagnosis pathway. We begin with the full ADHD assessment and, once a diagnosis is reached, continue into a complete ASD evaluation — giving you clarity on both conditions and a separate written report for each.
Step 1 — Getting started
How your journey begins
Every pathway at Shama Health begins the same way — with a GP referral and a careful triage process.
GP sends referral
We triage
Accepted
Intake forms emailed
You complete & email back
We call to book
Step 2 — The dual diagnosis pathway
Your full assessment journey
The dual diagnosis pathway is structured in two phases. Phase one covers the complete ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Phase two moves into the ASD evaluation — with your psychiatrist deciding at the transition point whether to stabilise your ADHD medication first before proceeding.
Phase 1 — ADHD assessment & diagnosis
NURSE PRACTITIONER — SESSION 1 OF 2
Initial assessment — history & background
A detailed clinical interview exploring your full personal and family history, current symptoms, and any co-occurring conditions. A comprehensive report is prepared for the psychiatrist so your specialist appointment is focused and informed.
NURSE PRACTITIONER — SESSION 2 OF 2
Deep-dive assessment — completing the picture
A second detailed interview to explore any remaining history, gather collateral information, and complete validated ADHD assessment tools. The nurse practitioner finalises a thorough clinical report for the psychiatrist, ensuring no detail is missed before your diagnosis appointment.
PSYCHIATRIST — ADHD DIAGNOSIS
ADHD assessment, diagnosis & management plan
Armed with the nurse practitioner's detailed report, your psychiatrist conducts a focused diagnostic interview and reaches a clinical diagnosis. A personalised management plan is written — shared with both you and your GP.
Transition — psychiatrist decision point
Transition — psychiatrist decision point
Stabilise medication first, or proceed to ASD assessment?
After the ADHD diagnosis, your psychiatrist determines the best next step. For some patients it is clinically important to stabilise ADHD medication before beginning the ASD assessment — as untreated ADHD can affect the accuracy of ASD evaluation. Your psychiatrist will advise which applies to you.
Stabilise medication first
NP-led medication titration reviews begin before the ASD assessment starts. Once stable, you proceed to Phase 2.
Proceed directly to ASD
If clinically appropriate, you move straight into the ASD assessment pathway without waiting for medication stabilisation.
Both paths lead to Phase 2
Phase 2 — ASD assessment & diagnosis
PSYCHIATRIST — ASD SESSION 1 OF 3
Clinical interview — early development & history
The formal ASD assessment begins with an in-depth clinical interview exploring early developmental milestones, childhood experiences, social functioning, and current presentation. Standardised ASD assessment tools are introduced.
PSYCHIATRIST — ASD SESSION 2 OF 3
Deep assessment — social, sensory & behavioural patterns
A continuation of the formal assessment, exploring social communication, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviours, and identity. Further validated diagnostic instruments are completed to build a full clinical picture.
PSYCHIATRIST — ASD SESSION 3 OF 3 — FINAL
ASD diagnosis, feedback & comprehensive report
In the final session, your psychiatrist shares their clinical findings, confirms the ASD diagnosis, and provides thorough feedback discussion. A comprehensive written ASD diagnostic report is provided to you at this appointment — separate from the ADHD report issued earlier. Both reports are suitable for employers, educators, NDIS applications, and other services.
Discharge — back to your GP
PSYCHIATRIST — DISCHARGE (ALL STATES)
Ongoing care returns to your GP
Once both diagnoses are complete and your medication is stable, your psychiatrist formally discharges you back to your GP for ongoing prescriptions and monitoring. Psychiatrist-led discharge applies regardless of which state you are in — ensuring a thorough clinical handover for a complex dual diagnosis.
Fees — Dual diagnosis pathway
What your dual diagnosis assessment costs
The total cost will vary depending on how many NP medication reviews are needed before proceeding to the ASD assessment.
| Consultation type | Fee | Out of pocket |
|---|---|---|
| PHASE 1 — ADHD ASSESSMENT (NURSE PRACTITIONER) | ||
NP assessment — session 1 History, comorbidities, initial clinical report | $250 | No Medicare rebate |
NP assessment — session 2 Deep-dive assessment, validated tools, final report | $250 | No Medicare rebate |
| PHASE 1 — ADHD DIAGNOSIS (PSYCHIATRIST) | ||
ADHD diagnosis & management plan Diagnostic interview, formal diagnosis, ADHD report to GP | $700 | Max $437.90 |
| TRANSITION — MEDICATION TITRATION (IF REQUIRED) | ||
NP medication titration reviews 20 min reviews to stabilise ADHD medication — number varies per patient | $100 each | No Medicare rebate |
| PHASE 2 — ASD ASSESSMENT (PSYCHIATRIST — 3 SESSIONS) | ||
ASD assessment — session 1 Early development, history, standardised assessment tools | $700 | Max $437.90 |
ASD assessment — session 2 Social, sensory & behavioural deep assessment | $700 | Max $437.90 |
ASD assessment — session 3 (final) ASD diagnosis, feedback & comprehensive ASD report | $700 | Max $437.90 |
| DISCHARGE (PSYCHIATRIST — ALL STATES) | ||
Discharge to GP — 45 min review Formal psychiatrist discharge with full clinical handover | $600 | Max $415.10 |
Please note
Payments & Cancellations
• A reminder is sent 5 business days before your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know by 5pm on the day you receive this reminder — that's when our team finishes for the day, so we're only able to action requests received by then.
• Cancellations or reschedules requested after this time, or non-attendance, will incur the full appointment fee.
• Your appointment fee is charged to the card on file 4 days before your session.
• If payment doesn't go through, we'll contact you by email and SMS straight away, and try again that evening. If it's still unresolved, your slot will be released to another patient on the waitlist.
• Your Medicare rebate is claimed after your appointment takes place.
Private practice
We are a private (non-bulk billing) practice. Gap fees apply — the out-of-pocket cost is the difference between our fee and the Medicare rebate.
Individual fee structures
Individual doctors may have different fee structures, particularly for ADHD and ASD assessments. Please contact our admin team for your specific doctor's fee schedule.
Out-of-consultation scripts
Out-of-consultation scripts are not a routine service and will only be issued where clinically appropriate. Please ensure you are booked with your prescribing clinician well in advance — our psychiatrists can be booked weeks ahead.
Medicare Safety Net
Ready to refer?
Send a referral today
We accept GP referrals via email. Include a brief clinical summary and the patient's preferred contact details. Our admin team will follow up within 2 business days.
admin@shamahealth.com.auGet in touch
Contact Us
We're here Monday to Friday. Reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.
Fax
07 2143 6768
For clinical correspondence
Hours
Mon – Fri
9:00am – 5:00pm AEST
About our phone system: Calls go to a triage voicemail. Leave your name and the reason for your call. We'll either action your request and confirm by SMS, or call you back within 60 minutes.
Have a quick question?
Our chat assistant can help with questions about our services, clinicians, and referral process — available right now.
Coming Soon