As awareness of ADHD and how it impacts daily lives have increased, many have wondered, is that something I have?
The primary goal of an ADHD assessment is to help our clients gain a more accurate picture of what’s happening in our brain. By knowing what’s going on, we can take steps towards doing something about it.
Elevated Therapeutic Services offers comprehensive assessments, reports and educational advocacy to help you or your loved one know where to start and provide guidance in navigating the complex world of living with ADHD.
ADHD Assessments in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota
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ADHD Assessment for Adults
Being diagnosed is the first step in helping yourself with ADHD and may unravel complex emotions. It's important to think about what you are hoping a diagnosis will do for you. Are you looking for answers to why your brain works the way it does? Maybe better guided treatment options, such as specialized therapy or medication? Are you feeling like you may need accommodations in academic or occupational settings?
This along with many other personal and unique reasons could indicate that a formal ADHD diagnosis could be beneficial. However, it's important to recognize that a diagnosis does not fix or cure what you are experiencing. What you will gain is a deeper understanding of your brain, your symptoms, and a guideline for next steps.
It's important to recognize that formal diagnosis do come with stigma, and it can be bring forth emotions you weren't expecting with formally being diagnosed with a mental health clinician. Take the time to reflect on the why behind your desire to complete an ADHD assessment. If this feels like the right step for you, reach out to take the next steps today.
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ADHD Assessments for Teens
Early diagnosis and intervention with children living with ADHD has indicated an improved quality of life. It makes sense doesn't it? Your child will gain access to more targeted interventions to assist them in a variety of settings including school, home, and help the adults in their lives understand them more.
When diagnosing children under the age of 12, our clinicians require that these assessments be completed in person. This can be at a location agreed upon by the clinician and family such as a library conference room, school setting, or other location with limited distractions and privacy. Children 13 and up, can complete these assessments virtually.
Our clinicians lean on the observations of the adults in their lives, from teachers to parents, and others if appropriate on a case by case basis. As the parent, you are the expert in their behavior and your insight is crucial. Your role doesn't end after the assessment, you are also the person who will be overseeing their treatment, monitoring behavior and driving ongoing treatment decisions.
Our practice believe in advocacy and support after diagnosis. You will be given a comprehensive support of the assessment results, recommendations to help your child be successful at home and in academic settings. For additional fee, the assessing clinician can provide virtual education advocacy for IEP development, and consultation with your child's school.
It is important to note that our clinicians cannot prescribe medications, but can provide recommendations for licensed psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners that will be able to assist.
Assessment Process: What can I expect?
The assessment process is lengthy and thorough. Not only is this assessment a financial investment, it also requires a time commitment to ensure that your assessing clinician is able to give you the best results possible. Due to the extensive and comprehensive nature of our assessment process, there are multiple steps for before the assessment, during the assessment, as well as after.
Pre-session Paperwork:
Prior to the assessment, you will be asked to fill out paperwork consenting to the examination
Provide any relevant paperwork such as performance reviews, report cards, past psychological testing, or others.
Mental health screeners for other conditions such as Anxiety, Depression and PTSD.
If applicable, people that observe your behavior often such as a spouse, or teacher may be asked to provide information on their observations as well.
Assessment:
Each assessment will take between 2.5-4 hours. Please be prepared to spend 4 hours uninterrupted for the completion of this assessment.
Behavior Rating Scales, Checklists and Computer Testing:
ADHD Rating Scale
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
Conners’ Scale
QbCheck: Objective FDA approved computer based assessment
Exclusion of Other Conditions:
The evaluation will also seek to rule out other conditions that might mimic or coexist with ADHD, such as learning disabilities, mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders.
Feedback Session:
After the assessment, a feedback session is typically scheduled to discuss the findings, whether an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate, and what treatment recommendations are suggested. This session will last anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour and a half to ensure there is time to review your results and answer any questions. If diagnosis is appropriate, the clinician will provide ideas for treatment for areas that demonstrate the most impact on you or your child’s daily life.
Comprehensive Report: What’s included:
Summary of presenting concerns
Results of testing administered
Considerations of other explanations for presenting behavior
If co-existing conditions are present and any evidence found to support this
Recommendations for treatment for academic, occupational as well as at home.
If applicable, a recommendation for a 504 plan, a template letter for the parent to provide to the school and accommodation recommendations.
Our Services
Adult ADHD Assessment:
Without Comprehensive Report: $400
With Comprehensive Report: $600
Additional Services Offered:
Letter of Accommodation: $50 per letter
School-Aged Child ADHD Assessment: $650
All school-aged child assessments includes a comprehensive report and if appropriate, a template letter to request a 504 or IEP plan from your child’s school.
Mileage Fee:
Any in person assessments or educational advocacy that is outside of 25 miles of the clinicians primary practice location will be charged per mile at the federal rate.