Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation
Understanding ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, executive functioning, impulse control, organization, and emotional regulation.
While ADHD often begins in childhood, many individuals are not formally diagnosed until adulthood. In adults, symptoms can overlap with anxiety, trauma-related conditions, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, substance use, and medical conditions — making accurate diagnosis more complex.
At A New Hope Psychiatric Services, we use a structured and evidence-informed approach to ensure diagnostic clarity and responsible treatment planning.
ADHD Evaluation for Children (Under 18)
For pediatric patients, our evaluation process includes:
- Comprehensive psychiatric assessment
- Developmental and academic history
- Parent and/or teacher collateral input
- Vanderbilt or age-appropriate screening tools
- DSM-5 diagnostic review
- Differential diagnosis assessment
Additional testing is ordered only when clinically indicated.
Comprehensive Adult ADHD Evaluation (18+)
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood requires a higher level of structure and documentation. For adults 18 and older seeking an ADHD diagnosis, our practice utilizes a Comprehensive Adult ADHD Diagnostic Model.
A single visit is not sufficient for adult ADHD diagnosis in our practice.
Step 1: Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
All adult patients begin with a full psychiatric evaluation that includes:
- Psychiatric and medical history
- Developmental and academic history
- Detailed symptom review
- Differential diagnosis analysis
- Mental Status Examination
- Laboratory testing (when clinically indicated)
- Urine Drug Screening (if stimulant consideration is possible)
- Baseline risk assessment
Psychiatric visits are billed separately (insurance or standard self-pay rate).
No ADHD diagnosis is assigned during the initial visit.
Step 2: Comprehensive ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation
For adults (18+), completion of structured diagnostic testing is required as part of our ADHD diagnostic model.
This evaluation includes:
- Official Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS-IV) administration and scoring
- Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)
- Structured DSM-5 symptom review
- Objective cognitive performance testing (Creyos platform)
- Executive functioning analysis
- Integrated diagnostic summary
- Structured diagnostic feedback session
Comprehensive Testing Package
The structured testing component is provided under a $300 Comprehensive ADHD Testing Package.
This fee covers:
- Psychometric instrument administration
- Cognitive testing platform access
- Scoring and interpretation
- Diagnostic documentation integration
- Feedback session
This fee:
- Is separate from psychiatric visit billing
- Is not typically covered by insurance
- Does not guarantee diagnosis
- Does not guarantee stimulant treatment
It reflects the structured diagnostic model required for adult ADHD evaluation in our practice.
Already Taking Stimulant Medication?
If you are currently prescribed stimulant medication but lack formal documentation of diagnosis, we will:
- Review prescription monitoring data (PDMP)
- Request prior diagnostic documentation
- Temporary continuation may be considered at provider discretion while diagnostic documentation is reviewed.
- Require completion of the Comprehensive ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation for ongoing management
Why We Use a Comprehensive Model for Adults
Adult ADHD symptoms often overlap with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- Mood disorders
- Personality patterns
- Sleep disturbances
- Substance use conditions
- Medical causes of cognitive difficulty
Our structured model improves diagnostic clarity, protects patient safety, and ensures responsible treatment decisions. National guidelines emphasize the importance of structured assessment and differential diagnosis when evaluating adult ADHD.
What This Evaluation Is Not
This evaluation:
- Is not a same-day stimulant evaluation
- Does not guarantee medication
- Is not a shortcut screening process
It is a structured, evidence-informed diagnostic pathway designed for accuracy and long-term care.
How to Schedule
When scheduling, please indicate whether you are seeking evaluation for ADHD.
- Patients under 18 follow the pediatric pathway.
- Patients 18 and older will be scheduled for the Comprehensive Adult ADHD Evaluation pathway.
If you have questions about the process or associated fees, our administrative team will be happy to assist you before your appointment.