4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you have trouble focusing, often make careless mistakes, and forget things? You could have ADHD, inattentive type. Start finding answers with Lavendla's help.
How do I start an assessment?
Seeking an understanding and possible diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can feel like an overwhelming process. But it doesn’t have to be. With us, you can get help quickly through a first conversation.
How long does an assessment take?
An ADHD assessment usually takes several hours and is completed within 4-6 weeks. A formal assessment is not necessary for a diagnosis if there is documentation that symptoms occur in two or more settings (at home and work, for example).
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counselors
Click here to view all counselors and therapists.
Step 1: Contact a professional
When you recognize signs of ADD in yourself, such as difficulties with attention and concentration, the first step is to contact a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. At Lavendla, we will help you with an initial consultation and together we will make a plan for your assessment.
Step 2: Prepare for the assessment
Before the actual assessment process, we start with an assessment interview where we review your background, your symptoms and other factors that may explain your problem. You will also be asked to complete assessment forms related to your behavior and difficulties.
Step 3: Complete the assessment
An assessment usually involves meeting with a licensed psychologist, who conducts interviews and testing. Sometimes a psychiatrist will conducts a neurological assessment and order testing. The different elements of ADHD assessment for adults in private practice include:
- Interviews: These gather information to see how your symptoms have affected you in childhood and adulthood, in areas such as work, leisure and relationships.
- Psychological tests: These measure attention, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
- Doctor’s visit: As part of the assessment, you may see a doctor for a neurological assessment.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counselor and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Evaluation and diagnosis
After the assessment, the doctor and psychologist will summarize the results and make a diagnosis together. You will then receive a thorough review of the results with a written report and recommendations for further action. It is important to remember that a diagnosis is a tool for understanding your challenges and strengths, not a label that defines who you are.
Step 5: After the assessment
If we make a diagnosis, we will discuss different treatment options with you. This may include:
- Medication if necessary
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD with mainly inattention
- Support and adaptations in working life or studies
It is common to combine medication and therapy for ADHD. Both can help you focus better and give you tools to develop skills to improve your planning, organization and stress management. It is also important to work on your self-confidence and self-image.
Can you have ADHD as an adult?
Absolutely. For many people, symptoms of inattentive ADHD become more apparent and problematic as they get older as demands and responsibilities increase. Supportive teachers and caregivers may have been willing and able to accommodate the needs of ADHD children, but when they become adults the world feels less understanding. Stress, exhaustion, anxiety, and depression are common in adults with ADHD before they are able to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counselor
Browse and select a counselor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Why is an assessment important?
An assessment can give you answers and an understanding of yourself and how you function. You can learn more about your difficulties, which in turn can lead to better support and help. It can also be a relief to get an explanation of why certain things have always been a challenge.
We at Lavendla want to make the difficult easier. If you are considering an ADHD assessment, contact us. We are here to guide and support you on the journey to better understanding and managing the symptoms of ADHD, whenever you feel ready to take the first step.
12 common questions and answers about ADHD with primary inattention
What is an inattentive ADHD assessment for adults?
An ADHD assessment is a process in which psychologists and doctors conduct various tests and interviews to determine whether an adult has ADHD with primary inattention, a condition often characterized by attentional problems and distractions.
How does an ADHD assessment work?
The assessment usually includes cognitive tests, interviews and a thorough medical and psychological history to understand your history and current situation, which helps identify how the symptoms affect different areas of your life.
How long does an assessment for ADHD take?
An ADHD assessment usually takes several hours and is completed within 4-6 weeks. There are ADHD assessments for adults and ADHD assessments for children. A formal assessment is not necessary for a diagnosis if there is documentation that symptoms occur in two or more settings (at home and school or work, for example).
What are the symptoms to look out for that could indicate ADHD?
Symptoms can include problems with organizing and completing tasks, a tendency to procrastinate, problems with sustaining attention, and memory problems involving forgetting and losing things.
Can you have ADHD without having had it as a child?
The symptoms should have been present since childhood but it is possible to have unnoticed symptoms that only become apparent or problematic in adulthood. They may become more apparent as demands or responsibilities increase.
What are the different types of ADHD?
ADHD can be classified into three types: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Inattentive ADHD is a form of ADHD without hyperactivity; hyperactive ADHD excludes symptoms of distractibility and daydreaming; and combined ADHD includes both. Most individuals with ADHD are diagnosed with combined type.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
Not usually. If you are using private health insurance, preauthorization may be required (but not always).
What treatment options are available if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
Treatment may include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for ADHD, and support from an occupational therapist to manage everyday life, as well as aids to organize work and studies.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?
It is difficult to estimate the cost of an ADHD assessment, as it is highly dependent on each person’s needs and presentation. Contact one of our psychologists to get a more specific idea of how much an assessment would cost.
What can I do to prepare for an ADHD assessment?
You don’t need to prepare before the assessment begins, but if you have started previous evaluations or want a second opinion, it may be helpful to bring that material to your psychologist.
Do I have any rights once I have been diagnosed?
A neuropsychiatric diagnosis entails certain rights in society, such as extra support for studies, even in adulthood. You also have rights based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a law that protects people with many different types of disabilities.
Can I get help for other problems such as anxiety, depression or stress?
If you have symptoms of ADHD as well as anxiety and depression, you can find professional help to support you. It is extremely common for people with ADHD to have another diagnosis as well.
What kind of treatment can I get for ADD?
Seeking help and treatment for ADHD with mainly inattention is an important process that can significantly improve your quality of life. If you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD-related symptoms, you can follow these steps:
Pay attention to your symptoms
Note when and how your symptoms affect your daily life. This may include forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, or trouble staying focused.
Consult a healthcare provider
Schedule a consultative appointment with Lavendla to see how we can help you. We can make an initial appointment to discuss whether an assessment would be helpful.
Evaluation and diagnosis
A doctor and psychologist will conduct a series of evaluations, including interviews and cognitive testing, to determine if your symptoms are consistent with ADHD.
Treatment plan
After diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed. This may include medication, therapy, occupational therapy, and strategies for managing everyday life.
Medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications may be prescribed to help control symptoms. The drugs’ effects and side effects will be closely monitored.
Therapy and support
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD may be recommended to help manage symptoms and improve organizational skills.
Training and job adaptation
Educate yourself about ADHD to better understand your condition. Talk to your employer about any adaptations that may be needed in the workplace. If you are a student, you are entitled to support measures such as mentoring and extra time during exams.
Follow-up and adjustments
Schedule regular follow-up meetings with your doctor to adjust the treatment plan as needed and to address any side effects or questions.
Taking care of yourself
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep are important in managing ADHD. It is also important to manage stress and work on improving or maintaining your self-esteem.
As starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. That’s why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists with no obligation to commit to treatment. We know it’s tough to seek support – our goal is to make the hard things easier.
