Get Answers About Yourself and Your Brain

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Adults come in for an ADHD evaluation for all kinds of reasons. A partner finally said something. A post on social media hit a little too close to home. Work is falling apart or a relationship is strained and you cannot figure out why. For some people it is a practical need, like accommodations at school or work. For others it is something quieter, a lifelong feeling that things have always been harder than they should be and a growing curiosity about why.

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The hardest part for many people is actually making the call. And there is something a little ironic about that. The very thing that brings you here, the overwhelm, the difficulty following through, is often what gets in the way of reaching out in the first place.

 

If you have made it to this page, that is already a step. I am genuinely glad when someone calls because I know what this process can do. It is not painful. It is actually the opposite. Most people leave with a sense of relief and a curiosity about themselves they did not expect. You will be glad you called.

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The evaluation usually takes place over three one-hour sessions. But it is more than a clinical process. I try to make sure you feel understood throughout. It can be a powerful thing to have someone pay close attention to you, and many people find that the time spent reviewing and understanding themselves is something they did not expect to enjoy as much as they do.

 

What to Expect in an ADHD Evaluation

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Step 1: Comprehensive History and Conversation

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The first session tends to bring up a mix of feelings. Anxiety about what you might find out, and excitement too. We talk about how you are functioning right now, where things feel hard, and where you have found ways to manage. We also look back. Your history, your family, whether others in your family may have had similar experiences. This part of the process often surprises people. Seeing your patterns in context, across your whole life and sometimes across generations, can be its own kind of revelation.

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Step 2: Targeted ADHD Assessments

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This part is not as intimidating as it might sound. I use evidence based tools that look at ADHD alongside other factors like anxiety, depression, and mood. I send them to you online so you can complete them in your own time between sessions, at your own pace, in your own space. People often tell me it feels a little like taking one of those magazine quizzes about yourself, except the results actually mean something. We then review them together and talk through what they show.

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Step 3: Personalized Feedback and Recommendations

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Throughout our time together I am transparent about what I am noticing. By the time we reach our final session my conclusions are rarely a surprise. That is intentional. I want the process to feel gentle, not like a verdict handed down at the end.

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Once testing is complete I prepare a written report tailored to your situation. As a licensed psychologist my reports are accepted by healthcare providers, employers, and educational institutions including the University of Washington for accommodation purposes.

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Whatever we find I provide resources to support next steps. And if I feel another provider would serve you better for a particular diagnosis I will tell you that too and help point you in the right direction. More than anything I want you to walk away feeling hopeful.

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It is worth knowing that not all ADHD evaluations are equal. As a licensed psychologist I have specialized training in assessment that many masters level clinicians do not. This is especially important if you need documentation for accommodations. Reports from psychologists are held to a higher standard and are more widely recognized by institutions including the University of Washington.

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Understanding the Bigger Picture

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An ADHD evaluation is not only about identifying symptoms. It is about understanding how your brain works and why certain things have always felt harder than they should. Most people leave feeling grateful and relieved. Some experience a mix of both relief and grief. Relief because things finally make sense. Grief because they wish they had known sooner. Both are completely normal responses. Many people describe a moment where parts of their life that felt confusing or shameful suddenly fall into place. What once felt like personal failings start to look like misunderstood differences. That shift alone can be profound.

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Moving Forward

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A diagnosis is helpful but it does not define you. When you leave my office after our final session you are not at the end of something. You are at the beginning. Some people take that information and sit with it for a while. Others dive straight in. Most keep going, curious about themselves in a way they were not before. My goal is for you to leave with greater clarity and a sense that the path ahead makes a little more sense than it did before.

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​Common Questions About ADHD Testing and Evaluations

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How long does the evaluation take and what does it cost?

 

The evaluation takes about three hours total, spread across two to three weeks in one hour sessions. Between sessions there is time to complete questionnaires at your own pace. I also typically include input from a partner, spouse, or close friend. This collateral information gives us a fuller and more accurate picture. The cost is between $700 and $1,100 on a sliding scale fee.

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What happens if I am diagnosed with something other than ADHD?

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Sometimes what looks like ADHD turns out to be something else, or something additional. Remember those traveling companions. Whatever we find I will make sure you leave with resources and referrals that fit your situation. You will not walk out with a diagnosis and no direction.​

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

 

No. You do not need a referral to schedule an evaluation. You can reach out to me directly and we will take it from there.

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Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Brain

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You have been wondering long enough. Whether you are newly curious or have spent years suspecting ADHD might be part of your story, you deserve clear answers. I invite you to reach out for a free 20-minute phone consultation. Let's talk about whether an ADHD evaluation is the right next step for you.​

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