Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Adults?

The short answer

More than one kind of professional can diagnose ADHD in an adult. The CDC says the diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider. Its page on ADHD in adults adds that a healthcare provider may diagnose ADHD themselves or refer you to a mental health provider.

So the title on the door matters less than you might think. What matters more is whether the person has the training to diagnose ADHD in adults, and whether they gather enough information to do it well. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes that information: your history going back to childhood, how symptoms affect daily life, and a check on other explanations.

The professionals adults usually see

Here is how the main options fit together, in general terms. Which professionals may diagnose which conditions is set by training and by state licensing rules, so it is always fair to ask a provider directly whether diagnosing adult ADHD is part of what they do.

• Primary care provider. MedlinePlus explains that this can be a doctor in family practice or internal medicine, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. NIMH notes that a primary care provider can do an initial mental health screening and refer you to a mental health professional.
• Psychiatrist. Psychiatry is the medical specialty that focuses on emotional and mental disorders, and your primary care provider may refer you to one.
• Psychologist. The CDC lists psychologists among the mental health professionals who can diagnose ADHD.
• Other licensed mental health professionals. NIMH includes social workers among the professionals a primary care provider may refer you to. Whether a particular counselor or social worker diagnoses ADHD depends on their training and their state's rules.

Three kinds of visits, three different focuses

A medical visit tends to start with your body. The CDC says a medical and psychological exam may be needed to rule out other health problems that can cause symptoms like ADHD. MedlinePlus describes a physical exam that may include vision and hearing tests, thyroid tests and other checks.

A psychiatric visit is a medical assessment with a physician who specializes in mental health. If medication is something you want to discuss, a prescriber is the right person to talk with, because medication decisions belong to a prescriber.

A psychological evaluation looks closely at how you think, focus and function. NIMH describes clinical interviews, rating scales or symptom checklists, and psychological tests of processes such as memory, planning, reasoning and decision-making, which can point to strengths, challenges and possible learning disabilities. It usually ends with a written report.

How to choose a starting point

Start from the reason you want an answer. The same question, whether this is ADHD, can lead to different first steps depending on what happens next.

1. 1You want to talk about medicationBegin with a prescriber, such as your primary care provider. Ask whether they diagnose adult ADHD themselves or want an outside evaluation first, and what that evaluation would need to include.
2. 2Someone has asked you for documentationAsk the employer, school or testing agency exactly what they need and who must sign it. Requirements differ, and knowing them first can save you a second appointment.
3. 3You want a fuller pictureA psychological evaluation can look at attention alongside memory, planning and mood, and explain the results in writing. This suits people who want to understand their strengths as well as their struggles.
4. 4You are not sure yetNIMH suggests raising mental health concerns with a primary care provider if you do not know where to start. Write down examples and questions before the visit, and consider bringing someone you trust.

What a careful diagnosis includes, whoever makes it

Any professional you choose should be looking for the same core things. NIMH explains that adults must have shown symptoms starting before age 12, so a diagnosis relies heavily on past reports of behavior. A provider may ask, with your permission, to speak with a partner, family member or friend, or to look at old school reports.

The CDC also points out that ADHD often appears alongside anxiety, depression, sleep problems or learning disabilities, and that some of these can cause similar symptoms. A provider who asks about your mood, sleep and health is doing the job well, not doubting you.

How we can help

Locascio Wellness offers an ADHD evaluation for adults carried out entirely by secure video, for people who are physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona. Our reports are co-signed by a supervising licensed psychologist. The evaluation ends with the findings explained in plain language, time for questions, and a written report.

We do not prescribe medication, and an evaluation does not come with a prescription. If medication is part of your plan, please ask your prescriber what they need before you book. Other evaluation types are listed on our psychological evaluations page.

Evaluations are private-pay, with a sliding scale available, and you can read about what evaluations cost. To start, send the short evaluation request form or set up a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page.

Therapy is a separate service. Therapists on our team offer ADHD therapy by video for practical, ongoing support. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services. Asking who can help is a strong first step, and there are good options to choose from.