Online ADHD Evaluation for Adults in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Arizona

Why adults look into ADHD testing

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not only a childhood condition. The National Institute of Mental Health describes it as a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or some mix of these, that makes it hard to function in at least two areas of life, such as at home, school or work.

That source gives several reasons a person may reach adulthood without a diagnosis. Teachers and parents may not have recognized it. A supportive environment may have helped you do well in spite of it. Or a milder form may have been manageable until the demands of adult life grew. It adds that symptoms in girls and women are especially likely to have been missed in childhood.

What an ADHD evaluation looks at

The CDC states that there is no single test to diagnose ADHD and that diagnosis is a process with several steps. For adults, the National Institute of Mental Health describes what a provider looks for and how:

• Symptoms that began in childhood. Adults must have shown symptoms before age 12, so an evaluation relies heavily on reports of past behavior
• Symptoms across more than one part of life, such as home and work, that get in the way of daily functioning
• Interviews, rating scales or symptom checklists
• Sometimes, with your permission, a conversation with a partner, family member or friend who knows you well, or a look at old school reports
• Your mood and your current and past medical conditions, to rule out other explanations

What an evaluation can and cannot tell you

We cannot tell you ahead of time what an evaluation will find. It may conclude that you have ADHD, that something else better explains what you have noticed, or that more than one thing is going on.

An evaluation does not come with a prescription. Locascio Wellness does not prescribe medication, and decisions about medication belong to a prescriber. We cannot say whether your prescriber will accept a report, so if that is why you want one, ask your prescriber exactly what they need before you book.

The same goes for a school, employer or testing agency. Requirements differ, and we cannot promise that any organization will accept a report. Ask whoever requested the evaluation what it must cover and who must sign it, and share that with us. If your questions are more about social communication or sensory experiences, see our autism evaluation page. This page is for adults; we also evaluate children and teens, as our child ADHD evaluation page explains.

How an online ADHD evaluation works

The evaluation is carried out entirely by secure video, and there is no office to visit. You need a phone, tablet or computer, an internet connection and a private place where you can talk freely. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during your appointments.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists a mental health assessment and diagnosis among the services that can be provided virtually. ADHD is one of several psychological evaluations we offer this way.

An evaluation usually involves an intake appointment, then one or two sessions, then time for the written report. At the moment, the report is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment, so tell us about any deadline.

An evaluation is not emergency care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency or crisis services.

Cost and getting started

Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. The cost depends on what your evaluation involves, and a sliding scale is available, so please tell us if cost is a barrier. Our page on what evaluations cost explains more.

1. 1Send a short requestThe quickest way to ask is our short evaluation request form. It asks for the type of evaluation, age group, state and timing, and no health details. We reply to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
2. 2Talk it throughYou can also choose a consultation time yourself on our booking page, or call 267-573-9817. We talk about what you need, who is asking for it and any deadline.
3. 3Get the cost in writingBefore anything is scheduled, you receive the cost in writing. You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate. See insurance and fees for how payment works.
4. 4Meet by video and review your findingsWhen the evaluation is complete, the findings are explained in plain language, with time for your questions, and you receive a written report.

After your evaluation

Whatever the evaluation finds, you leave with a clearer picture of how your attention works and what may help.

The National Institute of Mental Health lists psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, among the common treatments for ADHD in adults. Therapists on our team work with adults on focus, organization and follow-through, as our ADHD therapy page explains. Therapy is a separate service from an evaluation, and it is always your choice.