ADHD Evaluation
& Treatment

A structured, clinically thorough evaluation process — for children, adolescents, and adults — that goes beyond a checklist to understand how your symptoms actually show up in your life.

Care now, not months from now.

Many families are told they need a full neuropsychological evaluation before anything can be done, and then find out the waitlist is six months to a year long or more. In the meantime, the struggles at home, school, or work don’t stop.

At Rooted Minds Psychiatry, I offer a different path. I can evaluate ADHD and related concerns now, start treatment when it’s appropriate, and support you while you wait for (or decide whether you need) full neuropsych testing.

A young girl with a black bob haircut and bangs, wearing a yellow coat with a shearling collar, is playing with a dollhouse. The scene depicts her focused on the dollhouse in a brightly lit room with large windows.

In Children

  • Difficulty staying on task or sitting still

  • Impulsive behavior or frequent emotional outbursts

  • Struggling to follow multi-step instructions

  • Falling behind academically despite effort

It may look like:
A young person with short brown hair wearing a white fleece jacket and blue jeans, standing against a wooden wall with diagonal panels, looking down with a relaxed posture.

In Teens

  • Chronic disorganization and missed deadlines

  • Difficulty managing emotions or relationships

  • Starting projects but rarely finishing them

  • Underperforming despite obvious capability

It may look like:
A woman with curly hair and glasses kneels on a cobblestone street, holding a young girl with curly hair in her arms, both smiling. The street is lined with parked cars and urban buildings.

  • Years of feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or behind

  • Difficulty sustaining attention in meetings or conversations

  • Impulsivity in decisions, spending, or relationships

  • A long history of anxiety that may be rooted in unmanaged attention difficulties

It may look like:

In Adults

How It Works

  • Your ADHD evaluation happens over two appointments, usually 2 weeks apart. We do it this way so we get the answer right.

    Trouble focusing, restlessness and forgetfulness are real, but they can come from many places. Depression, anxiety, poor sleep, stress, thyroid problems and some medications can all look like ADHD. The first appointment helps us understand the whole picture. The second is where we bring everything together and talk about a diagnosis and next steps.

    It's normal to hope for answers right away. Taking two visits means any diagnosis and treatment plan will truly fit you.

  • Your first appointment lasts about 60 minutes. It's a conversation about you as a whole person, not only your attention.

    We'll talk about:

    • What's bringing you in and how it affects work, school, relationships and daily life

    • Your mood, stress, anxiety and sleep

    • Your childhood and school experience

    • Your physical health, medications and family history

    • Alcohol, cannabis, caffeine and other substances (asked of everyone; honest answers help us keep you safe)

    We usually won't give an ADHD diagnosis or start ADHD medication at this visit. You'll leave knowing what we still need and when your second appointment is.

  • At your second appointment, about 45 to 60 minutes, we review your questionnaires, observer feedback, records and any lab results. We'll also go through a structured set of questions about ADHD symptoms in childhood and adulthood.

    Then we'll talk through what we found. Possible outcomes include:

    • ADHD fits. We'll discuss treatment options, which may include medication, skills strategies or therapy.

    • Something else explains your symptoms better. For example, depression, anxiety or a sleep problem. Treating it often improves focus too.

    • ADHD and another condition. This is common. We'll plan which to address first.

    • More information is needed. We may refer you for formal psychological testing, especially if a learning difference is possible or you need documentation for school or work accommodations.

    Whatever the outcome, you'll leave with a clear plan.

  • Usually not. Stimulant medications can worsen some conditions, like anxiety, bipolar disorder or sleep problems. We want to be sure they're the right choice before prescribing.

  • Most people don't. A careful clinical evaluation is the standard way ADHD is diagnosed. Testing is recommended only in certain situations, and we'll explain why if it applies to you.

  • Most plans cover both visits as separate appointments. Copays or deductibles may apply to each. Please check with your insurance or ask Renee if you have questions.

  • Please bring any previous records or reports. They help, and may shorten parts of the process.

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