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

You’re doing the right thing by asking. Here’s a clear, practical roadmap for getting an adult ADHD diagnosis and what to expect — plus a few named resources you can use.

1. Do a quick self-check (not a diagnosis)

• Take the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) online to see how your symptoms line up. It’s a screening tool, not a diagnosis, but it helps you prepare.

1. Gather background information to bring to an appointment

• Current symptoms with examples (work, home, relationships).
• Childhood history (school reports, report cards, teacher comments, old IEP/504 plans, parental recollection).
• Medical history, current medications, sleep patterns, substance use.
• Any past mental health diagnoses or treatments.

1. Decide what kind of provider to see

• Primary care (PCP): good first step; they can rule out medical causes and refer to specialists.
• Psychiatrist: can diagnose and prescribe medications.
• Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist: can do comprehensive assessment and cognitive testing (useful if diagnosis is unclear).
• University/medical center ADHD clinics (e.g., Mayo Clinic, local academic medical centers): often offer comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations.

1. How the evaluation usually works

• Clinical interview about current symptoms, childhood symptoms, and functioning.
• Standardized rating scales (ASRS and others).
• Collateral information when possible (partner, parent, or employer statements).
• Rule out other causes (anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, substance use).
• Sometimes neuropsychological testing for attention, memory, executive function.

1. Options for accessing care (in-person and online)

• Psychology Today and Zocdoc — directories for finding local psychologists, psychiatrists, and ADHD specialists.
• Telehealth platforms with psychiatry/therapy: Teladoc, Amwell, and Talkspace (Talkspace is therapy-focused; Teladoc/Amwell can connect you with psychiatrists). These can be convenient but check whether they do full diagnostic evaluations and whether your state requires an in-person visit for stimulant prescriptions.
• Specialized ADHD services and community resources: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) for education, local support groups, and provider listings.
• University clinics and major health systems (e.g., Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, local academic centers) for comprehensive evaluations when tests are needed.

1. Costs, prescriptions, and legal issues

• Insurance: many insurers cover diagnostic visits; ask beforehand about coverage for psychiatry or neuropsych testing.
• Stimulant medications are controlled substances; some telehealth providers will require at least one in-person visit or have state-specific restrictions.
• If you prefer not to start medication, therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adult ADHD and coaching are effective options.

1. What to expect after diagnosis

• A treatment plan may include medication, CBT, skills coaching, workplace/academic accommodations, and follow-up visits to monitor response and side effects.
• Practical strategies (time management, organizing, prioritizing) and sometimes occupational therapy or coaching.

Next step I can help with

• If you want, tell me your city/zip and I can suggest nearby clinics or clinicians (or I can draft a message you can send to your PCP requesting an ADHD evaluation).
• Or I can give you the text of an ASRS questionnaire to take now.

If you want specific provider suggestions, tell me whether you prefer in-person or telehealth, and your general location (city/state or zip).