Professor Marie Bismark said she was caring for more than 300 patients at the Kāpiti Mental Health Clinic, some of whom were "seriously unwell".
It comes as its $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund is set to open.
One in five Kiwis with ADHD give up trying to get a referral because of wait times.
More than 40 percent of mental health nurses surveyed were assaulted in the same period.
Data suggests it is likely there is a large number of people with ADHD who are not receiving treatment.
A new survey by ADHD NZ shows ballooning wait lists are impacting Kiwis seeking help.
"We acknowledge we did not sufficiently brief the Minister of Mental Health on our change proposals."
The Mental Health Minister's office declined our interview request but Jenna Lynch tracked him down.
"Has been my pride and joy."
