Affirming ADHD Evaluations
Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Do I have ADHD?”
Has your TikTok or another social media platform been serving you neurodivergent/ADHD-related content and you feel understood for (maybe) the first time?
Do you feel like you are too much and also not enough? That you are always busy, but never seem to get enough done?
Do you ever try so hard to be productive, but it is so difficult that it leads you to doubt yourself and avoid work until the last possible moment, making it even more stressful?
Do you think that other people have similar struggles but are just better at handling them?
Do you want to learn more about your brain and how it functions?
Why seek an evaluation from an ADHD specialist?
I am an openly Neurodivergent Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical ADHD Specialist. I am knowledgable of current research on how ADHD presents differently than we once believed, and what diagnosis can look like across a variety of populations (Women (or those socialized as female), gifted/2e, trans*, aging, disabled, and BIPOC individuals). I engage in regular training, instruction, supervision, and consultation, which allow me the privilege to provide specialized ADHD diagnostic evaluations and affirming treatment. My approach to diagnosing and care is affirming, empowering, and informed by lived experience.
There are so many barriers to accessing a competent and affirming ADHD evaluation and treatment. Those barriers include long waitlists, stigma, lack of understanding of how neurodivergence can present (in women, adults, older adults, and members of marginalized groups), high costs with limited insurance coverage/reimbursement for neurophysiological testing, fear of seeking care due to previous harmful experiences with non-affirming medical professionals, and difficulty finding a provider who is knowledgable of current research and has received competent training on neurodivergence and ADHD evaluation and treatment.
Due to misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge, often ADHD is misdiagnosed as more well-known mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD and/or schizophrenia. Additionally, it is highly common for adult ADHD to be interpreted simply as anxiety or depression, particularly when ADHD impacts mental health.
You also may wonder "why now?", as you've survived this long without a diagnosis.
Benefits of seeking out an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can include:
Self understanding (and compassion). ADHD diagnosis later in life can help you connect the dots of your inner workings regarding past attempts at therapy, socializing, learning/working, and adulting.
Adequate professional support. Therapy interventions and workplaces that are created for neurotypical individuals may not be helpful for neurodivergent people. An ADHD diagnosis and recommendations can help you to find accurate support and to advocate for accommodations that best meet your needs.
The opportunity to live fully and unmasked!
For all of the reasons mentioned above, it is very important that diagnosis of other mental health conditions are provided (with great care) by adult ADHD experts. Unfortunately, PCPs and mental health providers are often not experts in ADHD, and it can take seeing an ADHD Clinical Specialist to get a reliable diagnosis.
What is included in an Affirming ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation?
20 minute tele-health consultation to prepare for evaluation
2-3 hour clinical interview (over the course of two or more appointments) with an Certified Clinical ADHD specialist
Quantitative Assessment and Screening Tools
Collateral information for other providers and family/friends (if requested and/or necessary for diagnostic purposes)
Recommendations session to review the results of your evaluation. Whether diagnosed with ADHD or not, I will provide recommendations on next steps and referrals as needed.
What can I expect?
Step 1: Schedule a 20 minute consultation to discuss your specific needs. At the end of the consultation we will discuss scheduling options for your evaluation.
Step 2: Prior to your interview meeting, an email will be sent to you with a link to a private client portal in which you will complete initial paperwork and inventories prior to your interview session.
Step 3: Complete Clinical ADHD Assessment Interview sessions.
Step 4: (Optional) I will send along inventories for a close friend, family member or partner to complete about you to send back to us.
Step 5: Attend a session to to discuss findings of assessment, ask questions and review recommendations. (Neurodiverse affirming therapy for improving executive functioning can be explored in additional (optional) appointments based on your results.)
What is the cost?
Comprehensive ADHD Diagnostic Assessment Rate: $200 per hour
No waitlist.
Currently available for adult residents of, or those in, New York, USA.
Please note that diagnostic clinical interviews, are different than neuropsychological testing.
ADHD can be diagnosed via extensive interview procedures, behavior and symptom rating skills, third party observations, and obtaining a comprehensive history. Comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing can have many benefits, though it is not necessary for diagnosis.
Diagnostic clinical interviews, while thorough and an excellent tool for diagnosis, are not as comprehensive as neuropsychological testing.
A full neuropsychological evaluation is encouraged if you have other learning difficulties or disabilities that are co-occurring.