ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation

This evaluation is designed for adults who want a careful, evidence-based assessment to better understand whether ADHD is contributing to long-standing challenges with attention, organization, follow-through, or regulation.

It focuses on focuses on diagnostic clarity and clinical understanding. It is often the first step for clients who want reliable information to guide treatment decisions, counseling, or conversations with medical providers.

  • This evaluation is often a good fit if you:

    • Are wondering whether ADHD explains lifelong or persistent patterns

    • Have been in counseling or therapy and want clearer diagnostic direction

    • Are considering meeting with a psychiatrist or primary care provider about medication

    • Want a thorough evaluation without unnecessary or excessive testing

    • Are seeking clarity before deciding on next steps

    You do not need to be certain that ADHD is the answer before scheduling. Part of the purpose of this evaluation is to help determine whether ADHD is part of the picture—or whether something else may better explain your experiences.

  • ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, meaning it is based on patterns over time, functional impact, and careful consideration of alternative explanations—not a single test score.

    This evaluation is designed to answer questions such as:

    • Do my experiences meet criteria for ADHD?

    • How have attention or executive functioning challenges shown up across my life?

    • What factors may be contributing to my current difficulties?

    • What kind of support or treatment is most likely to be helpful?

    The emphasis is on understanding - not just labeling.

  • This evaluation includes:

    • A comprehensive diagnostic interview using the DIVA-5, a structured, evidence-based interview for adult ADHD

    • Standardized ADHD questionnaires assessing both current symptoms and childhood history

    • Measures that explore how symptoms impact daily functioning (work, school, relationships, and responsibilities)

    • Careful screening for other concerns that can overlap with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep issues, or burnout

    • Clinical integration of all information gathered

    • A written diagnostic report

    • A feedback session to review findings and recommendations

    This process is thorough, collaborative, and paced with care.

  • At the end of the process, you will receive:

    • A clear explanation of findings you can understand and apply

    • Diagnostic conclusions, when applicable

    • Thoughtful, individualized recommendations

    • A written report you can share with other providers, as appropriate

    Full payment must be completed before the written summary is released.

  • Supporting Academic or Educational Needs

    Many clients use this evaluation when navigating college, graduate, or professional programs:

    • Seeking documentation to support academic accommodations

    • Better understanding how attention and executive functioning impact performance

    • Clarifying what supports may improve consistency and follow-through

    • Preparing for conversations with disability or accessibility offices

    While accommodation decisions are made by each institution, this evaluation provides clear, clinically grounded information that can support those requests.

    Informing Psychiatric or Medical Care

    Clients often bring their evaluation report to a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or primary care provider when:

    • Exploring whether medication may be appropriate

    • Wanting a structured, documented evaluation to inform clinical decision-making

    • Seeking a clearer picture before starting or adjusting medication

    While medication decisions are always made by medical providers, having a thorough ADHD evaluation can help those conversations feel more grounded and informed.

    Supporting Counseling or Therapy

    Many clients share their evaluation results with a therapist or counselor to:

    • Clarify treatment focus

    • Understand patterns that may have been misunderstood or misattributed

    • Shift therapy goals toward skills, regulation, or executive functioning support

    • Reduce self-blame by understanding longstanding challenges in context

    A clear diagnostic framework can help therapy feel more targeted and effective.

    Gaining Personal Clarity

    For some clients, the most meaningful outcome is understanding themselves better:

    • Why certain strategies have never quite worked

    • Why effort hasn’t always led to consistency

    • Why challenges persist even with motivation and intelligence

    Clarity can be validating, regardless of whether ADHD is ultimately diagnosed.

  • It’s important to be transparent about scope.

    This evaluation does not include:

    • A full executive functioning profile

    • Extensive cognitive or psychoeducational testing

    • Guaranteed accommodations, medication, or specific outcomes

    If more in-depth assessment is needed, additional testing can be discussed and added based on your specific situation.

  • It’s okay not to know where to start. Many clients begin with the ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation and decide on next steps once they have more clarity.

    If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out with questions or schedule a free 15-minute consultation.