Sometimes adults seek an ADHD evaluation after years of wondering if they have it. They are trying to understand why certain parts of life seem to require so much energy. Or at least, more than what they think other people experience. What may look fine to others from the outside may actually involve constant overcompensating internally. This may show up as mental exhaustion, self-criticism, or difficulty keeping up behind the scenes.
A comprehensive adult ADHD evaluation can help make sense of those experiences. It can also provide a clearer understanding of whether ADHD may be part of the picture. Our evaluations assess whether ADHD may be present while also looking at the broader picture of your emotional, cognitive, academic, and day-to-day functioning.
At Nashville Psych, we believe a good evaluation should do more than simply provide a diagnosis. It should help you better understand yourself, identify patterns that may have gone unrecognized for years, and offer meaningful recommendations for moving forward
Is an Adult ADHD Evaluation Right for You?
People typically pursue an adult ADHD evaluation when:
- You suspect you may have ADHD but have never been formally evaluated
- As a child, you were told that girls or quiet children don’t have ADHD and you now suspect you were missed.
- Focus, follow-through, time management, or organization are challenging in ways that have real consequences at work, in relationships, or in school.
- You need formal documentation for workplace accommodations, graduate school, or testing accommodations on professional exams.
- A diagnosis has been requested by a prescriber, who requires a diagnosis before prescribing medication.
- You have been treated for anxiety or depression but suspect ADHD may be the underlying or co-occurring issue.
What the Evaluation Includes
A thorough adult ADHD evaluation includes:
- A detailed clinical interview covering current functioning, developmental history, academic and work history, and family history.
- Standardized self-report measures of ADHD symptoms and impairment.
- Cognitive and attention testing using validated assessment instruments.
- Screening for co-occurring conditions that commonly look like or accompany ADHD: anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, trauma, sleep disorders.
- A review of information from a family member, partner, or longtime friend who has observed you over time (with your consent).
- A comprehensive written report integrating all findings.
- A feedback session reviewing the report and discussing recommendations.
Why a Thorough Evaluation Matters
Adult ADHD is often misdiagnosed in both directions. Anxiety, depression, trauma history, sleep deprivation, and certain learning disabilities can all produce symptoms that look like ADHD on a surface-level screener. At the same time, ADHD can be missed entirely, especially in adults who developed strong coping strategies, in women, and in people who present as primarily inattentive rather than hyperactive.
A doctoral-level evaluation that uses multiple measures and gathers information from multiple sources gives you a clearer picture than any quick screening can.
What You Receive
Following the evaluation, you will receive a comprehensive written report that thoughtfully integrates all findings from the interview, testing, and assessment process. The report includes diagnostic clarification regarding whether ADHD is present, including the specific presentation when appropriate (predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation), as well as identification of any co-occurring conditions that may also be contributing to your experience.
You will also receive individualized recommendations for treatment and support, including whether a medication consultation may be helpful. When needed, the evaluation can provide documentation appropriate for workplace accommodations, graduate school accommodations, or standardized testing accommodations. Finally, you will meet with the psychologist conducting the assessment for a feedback session to review the findings together, answer questions, and discuss recommendations and next steps.
Who Conducts Adult ADHD Evaluations
Adult ADHD evaluations are conducted by our doctoral-level psychologists: Dr. Daniel Goldstein, Dr. Neva Murray, Dr. Nisha Bhatt, and Dr. Jenna Lehmann. Some evaluations are conducted by assessment trainees working under direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Process & Timeline
The evaluation process typically begins with a free 15–20 minute consultation call with our Client Care Team to discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether the evaluation feels like a good fit. From there, you will meet with your evaluator for a clinical interview lasting approximately one hour, followed by testing session(s), which typically involve one 2–4 hour appointment but may occasionally be split across two sessions depending on the nature and complexity of the evaluation.
After testing is completed, the psychologist conducting the assessment will carefully integrate all findings into a comprehensive written report, which is typically completed within 6–8 weeks. Finally, you will meet for a one-hour feedback session to review the results together, discuss recommendations, and talk through next steps.
Total elapsed time from intake to feedback is typically around 8-10 weeks.
Fees & Insurance
Adult ADHD evaluations are billed on a fee-for-service basis. We provide superbills for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. See current fees.
FAQ
Do I need an evaluation, or can my primary care doctor diagnose ADHD?
Primary care physicians and psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD, but in adults, especially when the presentation is complex or when other conditions might be involved, a comprehensive psychological evaluation is the gold standard. It is also typically what insurance, employers, schools, and testing agencies request when accommodations are needed.
Will the evaluation tell me if I should be on medication?
The evaluation determines whether ADHD is present and provides recommendations for treatment, which may include a referral for individual therapy and a medication consultation with a psychiatrist or your primary care provider. We do not prescribe medication ourselves, but our report provides the diagnostic clarity that prescribers need.
I have already been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. Could I still have ADHD?
Absolutely. ADHD is highly comorbid with anxiety and depression as well as with adults who have been treated for anxiety or depression for years sometimes find that the underlying issue is ADHD that has been driving the secondary anxiety and mood symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation can sort this out.
Can I do the evaluation virtually?
Most of the clinical interview and feedback components can be conducted via telehealth. Some testing requires in-person administration. We can discuss what is possible during your consultation call.
