Questions to Ask Before You Book an ADHD Evaluation

First, questions for whoever asked for the evaluation

Sometimes you are the one asking, because you simply want to understand yourself better. Often, though, a prescriber, college, testing agency or employer has suggested an evaluation. If so, talk to them before you contact any provider. An evaluation that does not answer their question can mean paying twice.

The ADA guidance on testing accommodations notes that appropriate documentation varies with the nature of the disability and the accommodation requested. Requirements really do differ, so get them in writing if you can.

• What exactly do you need to see: a full report, a summary letter or a completed form?
• Does the person who carries out the evaluation, or the person who signs the report, need a particular license or credential?
• Does the report need to be recent, and is there a deadline?
• Are there questions you want the report to answer, such as how symptoms affect work or test-taking?

Questions about who carries out the evaluation

The CDC says an ADHD diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider. Evaluations can therefore look quite different depending on who does them.

The ADA guidance describes qualified professionals as licensed or otherwise properly credentialed, with expertise in the disability in question. NIMH's advice for choosing a telehealth provider is also to look for someone with experience treating your symptoms. Reasonable questions include:

• Who will I meet with, and what is their training in ADHD evaluation?
• Is the work carried out under clinical supervision, and if so, who signs or co-signs the report?
• Do you evaluate adults, children or both? If you are a parent, ask how a child or teen evaluation differs.

Questions about what the evaluation includes

The CDC states that there is no single test to diagnose ADHD and that sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and certain learning disabilities can have similar symptoms. For adults, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes a process that can include clinical interviews, rating scales or symptom checklists, talking with people who know you well, looking at school records, sometimes testing thinking skills such as memory and planning, and asking about mood and medical history to rule out other diagnoses.

You do not need to know the names of any tests. What you want to know is whether the process is thorough enough for your question.

• Will you ask about my childhood, since symptoms need to have started early?
• Can someone who knows me well give information, and what if no one is available?
• How do you consider other explanations, such as mood, sleep or learning differences?
• Will the evaluation look at anything besides ADHD, and does that change the cost?

Questions about results, cost and video

How you hear your results matters as much as the report itself. Ask whether someone will explain the findings in plain language, whether there is time for questions and when you will receive a written report. Ask what happens if the findings point to something other than ADHD.

Ask for the cost in writing before you schedule anything. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) explains that if you are not using health insurance to pay for care, a provider usually must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges if you request one or schedule at least three business days ahead. Ask what the estimate covers and what it leaves out.

For a video evaluation, ask which platform is used and how it protects your privacy, since NIMH advises looking for a secure platform that verifies your identity. Ask where you must be located during appointments, and whether the provider is licensed to work with people in your state.

How we can help

We welcome every one of these questions. Locascio Wellness offers an adult ADHD evaluation and a child ADHD evaluation, with a parent or guardian arranging and taking part for anyone under 18. Evaluations are carried out by secure video for people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments. Reports are co-signed by a supervising licensed psychologist, and findings are explained in plain language with time for questions.

Evaluations are private-pay, with a sliding scale available, and the cost is given in writing before anything is scheduled. See what evaluations cost. To ask your questions directly, send the short evaluation request form or choose a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page.

Therapy is a separate service, and therapists on our team offer ADHD therapy by video for ongoing support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.