Who Can Diagnose and Treat ADHD?

Ask the ADHD Information Team

Question: I think I might have ADHD. Where can I go to get a diagnosis, and who can provide treatment?

from Curious in Chicago

Answer: It’s great that you are taking care of your health. Over the years that CHADD has offered its helpline, we have had many callers ask us this question.

Various medical and mental health professionals can evaluate you for ADHD, and often the same professional can provide treatment. Some will refer you to a specialist for continuing care.

Start by talking with your current medical professional. If they are unable to diagnose ADHD, you can ask them for a referral to a specialist. Physicians (especially psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists), psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and other licensed counselors or therapists can evaluate a patient for ADHD. You’ll want to ask what the diagnostic process looks like, whether it will be covered by your insurance, and if they can provide treatment for ADHD. If your physician cannot refer you to someone nearby, you can contact your insurance provider for a list of ADHD specialists in their network.

Before you make an appointment, find out how much training and experience the professional has in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Our fact sheet, Finding a Professional to Diagnose and Treat ADHD, has a list of questions to help you start the conversation.

A comprehensive evaluation will screen for other conditions that can look like ADHD, as well as conditions that can occur alongside ADHD. These appointments should run longer than a regular checkup, so make sure to ask how the provider expects the appointment to take. Multiple appointments may be needed before the diagnosis is made, so be sure to have a calendar ready to help you select dates to meet.

If you do receive an ADHD diagnosis, ask the specialist if they can provide treatment. If not, ask them to refer you to another professional who specializes in ADHD treatment. Only medical professionals can prescribe medication and conduct thorough physical evaluations to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. These professionals are physicians (their credentials will be MD or DO), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (PA after their names) working with a physician. To help you find an ADHD specialist near you, you can also check CHADD’s Professional Directory or ADHD Organization Directory.

Do you have a question about ADHD or are you looking to find support from professionals or peers? Call CHADD’s ADHD Helpline, Monday-Friday, 1-5 PM ET, at 866-200-8098.

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