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

Short answer: see a clinician who can evaluate you for adult ADHD — either your primary care provider, a psychiatrist, or a clinical psychologist — and bring a clear history of symptoms and impairment. Below is a practical step‑by‑step guide with tools and specific services you can use.

1. Do a quick self‑screen

• Take the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) — it’s a widely used screening checklist. If several items are positive, that’s a reason to seek a formal evaluation (screeners are not a diagnosis).

1. Choose who will evaluate you

• Primary care physician (PCP): good first step if you want to rule out medical causes and get a referral.
• Psychiatrist: best if you suspect you’ll need medication or have complex psychiatric history.
• Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist: best for comprehensive testing (cognitive testing, learning disabilities, differential diagnosis).

Where to find a provider:

• PsychologyToday.com — searchable directory for psychiatrists and psychologists with filters for adult ADHD.
• Zocdoc.com — find and book local psychiatrists/PCPs quickly (shows insurance).
• CHADD (chadd.org) — nonprofit with resources and local support groups; they have provider listings.
• University neuropsychology clinics — good for full neuropsychological testing if needed.

Telehealth services that evaluate adult ADHD (convenient options):

• ADHD Online — offers standardized online evaluations and reports; useful if you want a relatively quick evaluation from home.
• Done (getdone.co) — telehealth ADHD service that provides evaluation and ongoing care (medication management) if appropriate.
• Cerebral — broader mental health telehealth that also evaluates and treats ADHD. Brief note on telehealth: they’re convenient but make sure the evaluation is thorough (history, childhood symptoms, collateral) — complex cases may still need an in‑person specialist.

1. What the evaluation involves

• Clinical interview about current symptoms, childhood history (DSM‑5 requires several symptoms present before age 12), and how symptoms affect work/home/social life.
• Standardized rating scales (ASRS, Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales, etc.).
• Collateral information — comments from a partner, parent or old school reports are very helpful.
• Medical review to rule out other causes (thyroid problems, sleep apnea, substance use, medication side effects); sometimes basic labs are ordered.
• In complex cases, full neuropsychological testing (3–6 hours) assesses attention, memory, processing speed and can clarify co‑occurring learning disabilities or other cognitive issues.

1. What counts as a diagnosis

• Clinician will use DSM‑5 criteria: multiple symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity‑impulsivity present before age 12, present in two or more settings, and causing significant impairment not better explained by another condition.

1. Practical preparation before the appointment

• Fill out the ASRS and bring it.
• Make a timeline: when you first noticed symptoms, major life/academic/work impacts.
• Bring school records, old report cards, prior evaluations, medication history (if any).
• Ask someone who knows you well to provide examples of behaviors across settings.

1. After diagnosis — typical next steps

• Treatment options include stimulant medications (methylphenidate or amphetamines), non‑stimulants (atomoxetine, bupropion), and evidence‑based psychotherapy (CBT for ADHD). Coaching and organizational skills training can help too.
• Follow‑up visits for medication monitoring and functional progress.

1. Insurance, cost, and safety notes

• Check your insurance for mental health coverage and out‑of‑network benefits.
• Be cautious of any service that pushes medication without a thorough history or collateral information.
• If you have a history of substance use, tell your clinician so they can choose a safe treatment plan.

If you’d like, I can:

• Help you interpret your ASRS answers,
• Suggest exact search terms to use on Psychology Today or Zocdoc for your area,
• Or point you to resources from CHADD and reputable telehealth options depending on your state/insurance.

You’re taking a good first step — I can help you find the next one.