If your teenager is struggling, academically, socially, or emotionally, and you suspect ADHD may be part of the picture, a formal evaluation can help. ADHD evaluations for adolescents can give your family the clarity you need to move forward. Adolescence is hard enough on its own. When ADHD is undiagnosed or untreated, school can become a battle, self-esteem can erode, and the gap between what your teen is capable of and what they are actually doing may feel like it’s widening.
An adolescent ADHD evaluation at Nashville Psych provides a thorough, evidence-based assessment of whether ADHD is present, what is driving the difficulties your teen is having, and what specifically can help, whether at school, at home, or clinically.
Signs That an Evaluation May Be Helpful
- Grades have dropped, especially in middle school or high school as work demands increase.
- Homework takes hours, ends in tears, or simply does not get done despite knowing the material.
- Your teen is bright but underperforming, and you have heard “if only they applied themselves” from teachers for years.
- Time management, organization, or following multi-step instructions is a constant struggle.
- You see emotional reactivity, low frustration tolerance, or significant difficulty regulating emotions.
- Your teen has been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, but you suspect ADHD is also involved.
- You are seeking documentation for accommodations (IEP, 504 Plan, or testing accommodations for the SAT or ACT).
- Your teen wants to understand themselves better and is open to the process.
Why Adolescent ADHD Looks Different from Childhood ADHD
ADHD in teenagers often looks very different from the stereotype of the hyperactive young boy with ADHD. By adolescence, hyperactivity may have faded into internal restlessness. The inattentive presentation, which includes daydreaming, forgetting, losing things, and struggling to start tasks, is often missed.
Teens with ADHD frequently develop anxiety or depression after years of academic frustration and the chronic experience of falling short. Girls and teens who are academically capable in elementary school often slip through the cracks until middle or high school, when the executive function demands of the work increase.
A thorough evaluation accounts for these patterns and identifies ADHD even when the presentation is subtle.
What the Evaluation Includes
- Parent interview covering developmental history, academic history, and current functioning.
- Standardized ADHD rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and the adolescent.
- Cognitive testing and attention testing using validated instruments.
- Academic achievement screening when relevant.
- Screening for co-occurring conditions: anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, autism spectrum.
- A comprehensive written report.
- A feedback session with parents and the adolescent.
What You Receive
You will receive a comprehensive written report integrating all findings, including diagnostic clarification and identification of any co-occurring conditions. The evaluation also includes individualized recommendations for school accommodations (including support for 504 Plans and IEPs), parenting strategies, treatment planning, and whether a medication consultation may be helpful. When appropriate, documentation can also support testing accommodations for exams such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Finally, families will participate in a feedback session designed to help both parents and adolescents understand the results in a developmentally appropriate and supportive way.
Who Conducts Adolescent ADHD Evaluations
Evaluations are conducted by our doctoral-level psychologists: Dr. Daniel Goldstein, Dr. Neva Murray, Dr. Nisha Bhatt, and Dr. Jenna Lehmann. Assessment trainees work on our team under direct supervision.
Process & Timeline
The evaluation process begins with a free consultation call to discuss concerns, answer questions, and determine whether the evaluation feels like a good fit. Parents then participate in a clinical interview lasting approximately 1–1.5 hours, while the adolescent completes a clinical interview and psychological testing, which typically takes 4–6 hours and may occasionally be split across multiple sessions.
The evaluation also includes rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and the adolescent to help provide a fuller understanding of functioning across settings. Following the evaluation, the psychologist integrates all findings into a comprehensive written report, which is typically completed within 6–8 weeks. Families then participate in a feedback session to review the results and recommendations together, with the adolescent included when developmentally appropriate. Recommendations may include individual therapy, medication, accommodations, and more.
Fees & Insurance
Evaluations are billed fee-for-service. We provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. See current fees.
FAQ
Should my teen know they are being evaluated?
Yes. Adolescent buy-in is essential for valid testing. We work with you on how to introduce the evaluation in an honest, non-stigmatizing way.
Will the school accept your report for a 504 Plan or IEP?
Yes. Our reports typically meet documentation requirements for both 504 Plans and IEPs. We write recommendations with specific language schools can implement. If additional forms must be completed, that will incur an additional fee.
Will my teen receive accommodations for the SAT or ACT?
We cannot guarantee whether accommodations will be granted. Typically, testing agencies look for a history of diagnoses, past treatment, a history of accommodations, and functional impairment to grant accommodations. If the data supports the recommendation for accommodations, then we will be sure to include that in your report.
My teen has been diagnosed with anxiety. Is an ADHD evaluation still worthwhile?
Often yes. Particularly when the anxiety has been treated but academic and executive functioning difficulties persist. Comorbid ADHD and anxiety is common in adolescents, and treating only one half of the picture rarely resolves the underlying issue.
Can my teen be evaluated if they are already on ADHD medication?
Yes. We can discuss medication considerations during your consultation call and plan accordingly. In some cases, testing while medicated provides useful information about how medication is supporting attention; in others, we may recommend brief medication holds for specific testing components.
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