Are you an adult in Minnesota struggling with symptoms of ADHD and looking to get a diagnosis? This guide provides an overview of the steps involved in finding ADHD testing services as an adult in Minnesota.
Get Familiar with Adult ADHD Symptoms.
Probably the first step to getting tested for adult ADHD is learning for yourself about all of the potential signs and symptoms. Research and consult with your primary care doctor and/or therapist about what might be causing your poor concentration, restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulty completing tasks. you also want to think about how you were as a child. Here are some of the ways you might see evidence of ADHD in your life:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting their turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
If you suspect that you have ADHD, you will need to speak to an experienced mental health professional can help you determine the correct diagnosis for your concerns.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Adults?
Anyone who is a licensed mental health provider can technically diagnose ADHD, but most won’t do it. Instead, they will refer you to an ADHD specialist for a formal assessment. Usually psychologists (like us here at Northfield Dynamic Therapy) are those that conduct psychological testing. Sometimes psychiatrists, primary care doctors, psychiatric nurse providers, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or professional counselors will provide an ADHD diagnosis, but usually only if they have received specialized training in ADHD diagnosis.
How can I Find a Qualified Mental Health Professional that will Diagnose ADHD
A simple google search for “adult ADHD testing near me” might be the easiest first step for finding a professional who can diagnose ADHD. It is important to look for a professional that states they understand ADHD and have experience conducting assessments for adult patients.
Another great resource is the organization CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder). On their website, CHADD has a wonderful professional directory organized by zip code. The professionals listed on their website all specialize in ADHD. You can also find your local CHADD affiliate on their website and then ask community members about local professionals that provide ADHD testing and diagnostic services. You can also learn a great deal from these affiliate communities about which clinics and professionals are good ADHD medication prescribers, therapists, and coaches. Unfortunately, many people with ADHD initially connect with providers that don’t understand
Additionally, you can ask your physician for a referral for ADHD testing. Most physicians will probably have a list of who they trust to perform formal ADHD evaluations.
Finally, you can ask your health insurance. Usually, the best approach is to call up your health insurance and ask for a list of professionals that provide ADHD testing. You can also ask if, and how much, of the ADHD assessment will be covered by your insurance (and if you have any steps you need to take to make sure the costs are covered). Here are some other helpful questions to ask your health insurance:
(1) Is ADHD assessment covered in my plan?
(2) If so, are there any steps I need to take in order for it to be covered (pre-authorization, referral from primary care physician, etc.)?
(3) Do I need to meet my yearly deductible before an ADHD assessment is covered? (If so, can you please explain to me how my deductible works?)
(4) How much would be covered if I do the assessment with Dr. _____ and the _____ clinic?
(5) If ADHD assessment is not covered, will it still count toward my deductible if I submit a documentation of payment?
If cost is an issue, you can sometimes find local university psychology departments and clinics with training programs. These places often offer evaluation services at competitive prices as part of training.
Schedule an Assessment or Evaluation
After finding a qualified professional, the next step is to ACTUALLY SCHEDULE THE ASSESSMENT! If you struggle with ADHD, there’s a chance you will procrastinate this decision, and it will fall off your radar. We have worked with so many college students that need an ADHD assessment, but they wait a year or two before finally getting around to schedule an assessment. Sometimes that is half of their college career that they let pass before getting the help they needed.
You may want to contact several places to learn which place has the soonest opening, and what the price differences are. Many clinics that do ADHD testing have wait lists of 6+ months! That is a long time to wait. That’s why it usually is a good idea to just start reaching out to several clinics to see when you could get in. The last time I helped someone find ADHD testing near them, I contacted 5 places. I left voice messages at 4 places, and the 5th place answered the phone. They ended up having the best prices, and the front desk was super helpful in explaining everything and getting an appointment scheduled within a month.
What Happens During the ADHD Assessment?
During your appointment, the clinician will ask you a TON of questions about your behavior and background. They will probably want to speak with people that know you well (parents, teachers/bosses, spouses). You will fill out lots of questionnaires and possibly take some other psychological tests. The clinician is trying to understand what your symptoms are as well as what is the cause of those symptoms. These tests and clinical interviews are important tools used to assess whether someone has ADHD.
Learn About Available Treatment Options & Alternatives
After being diagnosed, many people with ADHD decide to pursue treatment. This means medications, a combination of medication and therapy (or alternative therapies like physical activity and dietary modifications), ADHD coaching, support groups, and other ways to learn skills and receive support.. Learning about the available treatments and their benefits and risks can help you better understand your options and make an informed decision about the best course of action for you.
If you would like to schedule an ADHD assessment with our clinic, please contact us! We serve adults in Minnesota. The process takes 4-6 hours and clients usually end up enjoying their time with us. You end up learning a lot about yourself through the evaluation process!
