I think I have ADHD as an adult. How do I get diagnosed?

You’re not alone — many adults suspect ADHD but aren’t sure how to get a proper diagnosis. Here’s a clear, practical plan you can follow, what to expect, and some named resources to help.

Step-by-step: how to get diagnosed

1. Do a quick self-screen

• Try the WHO Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) as an initial screener. It’s not a diagnosis but helps you know whether to pursue a full evaluation.

1. Gather background information

• Make notes about current symptoms (examples, how long, how they affect work/relationships), childhood behavior or school reports (ADHD requires symptoms beginning in childhood), medical history, current medications, sleep, substance use, and any family history of ADHD or psychiatric conditions. Ask a partner or close friend for observations if possible.

1. Start with a clinician who can coordinate care

• Primary care provider (PCP) can do initial screening, rule out medical causes (thyroid problems, anemia, medication effects), order labs, and refer you.
• For a specialist assessment, see a psychiatrist (can diagnose and prescribe), a psychologist (can diagnose and do testing), or a neuropsychologist (more extensive cognitive testing if the picture is unclear).

1. Get a comprehensive ADHD assessment

• A thorough evaluation typically includes: clinical interview about current and childhood symptoms, standardized rating scales (e.g., ASRS and others), collateral information if possible (partner, parent, school records), and sometimes cognitive or neuropsychological testing to rule out other causes or co‑existing issues (anxiety, depression, learning disorders). Expect 1–3 visits for a full diagnostic evaluation.

1. Discuss treatment options

• If diagnosed, treatment options include medication, psychotherapy (CBT for ADHD), coaching, behavioral strategies, and workplace/school accommodations.

What to expect (time & cost)

• Initial psychiatric/psychological evaluation: often 45–90 minutes. Neuropsychological batteries may take several hours across sessions.
• Insurance: many insurers cover diagnostic evaluation with a psychiatrist or psychologist, but coverage for full neuropsych testing varies. Check your plan ahead of time.

Named resources and services (why they can help)

• CHADD (chadd.org): A leading nonprofit for people with ADHD. Good for reliable information, webinars, local support groups, and provider directories.
• ADDA — Attention Deficit Disorder Association (add.org): Focuses on adult ADHD resources and support groups.
• Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com): Large directory to find local psychologists, clinical neuropsychologists, and therapists; you can filter by specialties, read bios, and see whether they do ADHD assessments.
• Zocdoc (zocdoc.com): Search for psychiatrists and psychologists near you, read reviews, and book appointments quickly — useful if you want a faster, local appointment.
• Telehealth psychiatry platforms (convenient options)
  • Teladoc or Amwell: Large telemedicine platforms that include psychiatry; good for initial evaluations and ongoing psychiatric care if in-network with your insurance.
  • Done (joinDone.com): Telemedicine clinic specializing in adult ADHD care in many U.S. states — offers evaluations and ongoing medication management and coaching; convenient if you prefer a specialty telehealth service.
  • Note: Online-only providers can be very convenient, but be cautious if a service promises quick prescriptions without a thorough evaluation.

Finding neuropsychological testing or specialist clinics

• University hospitals or medical centers often have neuropsychology departments that perform comprehensive testing.
• Use the American Psychological Association (apa.org) or hospital/medical center referral pages to find licensed neuropsychologists.

Red flags / precautions

• Avoid services that guarantee stimulant prescriptions after a single very short visit or that skip a thorough history and childhood symptom review.
• Make sure any provider prescribing controlled medications follows appropriate evaluation and monitoring.

If you’re in crisis

• If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, contact emergency services or a crisis line (in the U.S., call 988).

If you want, I can:

• Help you find local clinicians (tell me your city/state or whether you prefer telehealth), or
• Walk you through the ASRS screener now and help interpret results.

Would you like me to help locate providers in your area or run the ASRS screener with you?