We have heard your feedback and requests and are happy to share that we now offer ADHD only evaluations for adults!
What is ADHD?
Many adults have gone through much of their lives feeling that something was different about how they managed life but not knowing how to name it. From making plans, working toward goals, and keeping track of life to processing senses and managing emotions and relationships, things have felt harder than they needed to be. Without a name and explanation for why, self-criticism and lack of support are common. Diagnosis can be a powerful tool to name your experience, build a life that works for you, and see yourself in a kinder light.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but that name does not fully describe ADHD brains. People with ADHD have an interest-based nervous system that does not filter attention and motivation like a neurotypical person’s does. This means that blocking out distractions or choosing what to focus on and how is not guided by obligation or social rules, but instead by novelty, urgency, challenge, and interest. As a result, people with ADHD can be thought of as having too much attention (not a deficit) that is harder to filter to only what you want to focus on.
How do I decide where to go for an ADHD evaluation?
Many types of mental health professionals can diagnose ADHD. Each has their own pros and cons.
- A psychiatrist or medical doctor with experience with ADHD may evaluate their patients for ADHD, especially as a way to determine what medications might make life easier and improve mental health. Since psychiatrists might have a policy of evaluating ADHD symptoms themselves before prescribing medication, even for those already diagnosed, this may be the best option if medication support is what you are looking for.
- Psychologists may provide ADHD evaluations as a part of larger psychological evaluations. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but often have training in evaluating a wide range of learning disorders and psychological experiences. If you have questions beyond an evaluation for ADHD or Autism, a psychologist may be a good fit for you.
- Master’s level clinicians with training in ADHD and use of assessment tools, such as at Capital Crescent Collective, are also well-equipped to provide you with evaluation and support. While we are unable to provide assistance in getting insurance reimbursement for evaluations, private evaluations with a Master’s level clinician can be a helpful resource for those who want to only assess for ADHD, would like to keep their evaluation and results private, or cannot sit on a long waitlist for answers.
What is included in an ADHD evaluation at Capital Crescent Collective?
Our ADHD only evaluations include two meetings with your clinician, both qualitative and quantitative assessment tools, a detailed report summarizing your results with recommendations for resources, and support with advocating for accommodations at your school or workplace. All appointments take place virtually, so you can complete this process from the comfort of your own home. This looks like:
- An in-depth meeting with your clinician to talk about your observations of your life, gather a history of your social, sensory, and executive functioning experiences, and complete a clinical interview about ADHD traits,
- Two self-report surveys for you to take online outside of your appointment about how you get things done and process your senses,
- A follow-up meeting with your clinician to look over your report together, ask any questions on your mind, and learn about resources and recommendations,
- And optional collaboration on completing any paperwork needed to apply for accommodations at school or work.
How do I get started?
When you are ready, we are here for you!
Simply contact us here or email anna@capitalcrescentcollective.com to share any questions you have and begin scheduling your ADHD evaluation!
This post was written by Anna White, an experienced, neurodiversity-affirming independent individual and family therapist at Capital Crescent Collective in Bethesda, MD. Anna offers both ADHD only and Adult Autism Evaluations.