Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Please Read Carefully
What is the final cost? What is the duration? $330 for 60 mins of billable time, which includes a written report outlining diagnoses and recommendations as appropriate. The 60 mins is divided between a clinical interview (approximately 30 mins) and psychometric testing and report writing (which is billed as 30 mins). This is a streamlined process which is designed to provide a low-cost and accessible means for adults to get tested and begin treatment for this common condition. It is sufficient for most straightforward cases of ADHD. However, if the diagnosis is unclear or more complex, I may refer you to another mental health professional which may mean a higher cost or a longer wait.
What is the process for getting an ADHD assessment? First, you would sign up for an available assessment date, which involves completing a basic intake questionnaire. Then, a few days before your session (usually the Friday before) you will receive a package of assessments via email from the sender ADHD Treat. These must be filled out prior to the assessment meeting. Then, when it is time for your assessment meeting you will log on to the virtual assessment tool and meet with me. We will chat, go over your assessment data and come to a diagnostic decision. This will take around 30 mins. Then, a few days later you will receive your psychological report which will include details of the diagnoses (if any apply). You will also be billed and receive a receipt at this point.
Do you provide a written diagnosis? Yes, the fee includes a written psychological report with a diagnosis of ADHD and/or mood disorder if the various criteria are met. This document is confidential but may be shared by you (e.g. with your doctor, employer or school). If the situation is more complex, I may provide more than one diagnosis, or refer you to another mental health professional for further assessment.
Do you diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? ASD is a complex disorder that generally requires a more extensive assessment process than I can provide in this brief format. However, I can provide a screen for ASD (as well as various other conditions) and some overall guidance with regard to autism spectrum status. Note that this is not a clinical diagnosis – it is just some basic guidance. Ask me about this during the assessment if you have concerns.
Do you provide ADHD or mood disorder medication? No, all medication must be provided by a licensed physician, such as a general practitioner (GP) or a psychiatrist. Note that family doctors are in short supply, so many people are relying on Telus Health or walk-in clinics. I can provide some tips, but unfortunately there is no absolute solution to these shortages. It’s also important to note that I can’t guarantee that a given doctor will treat your ADHD. Adult ADHD is a relatively new condition and physicians do have different opinions on how or if it should be treated.
I don’t want to take medication. Can my disorder be treated without it? Evidence-based treatments for ADHD and mood disorder include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy and in some cases neurofeedback. I do not offer these therapies myself but I can you a good idea of what to look for from treatment based on the diagnosis and severity.
What about respect for neurodiversity, gender identity? I myself am a neurodiverse person (Diagnoses: Inattentive ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder). I work from a position of respect for neurodiversity, however I’m not perfect and as a matter of professional necessity I still use medicalizing terms like “disorder”, “treatment”, “diagnosis”, etc. Hopefully the field will soon evolve to the point where these terms can be replaced with something better. In the meantime, I suggest not taking them too personally as they are purely a means to an end. With regard to gender identity, my processes and documents are designed to be respectfully gender neutral as far as possible.
Is ADHD a “real” disorder? Are the meds safe? Do they work? There is an overwhelming evidence-based professional consensus that ADHD is a real and important disorder. Some professionals disagree, but this is not out of line with similar topics – almost everything in mental health is controversial to some degree. With regard to meds, all medications have a range of potential risks and benefits, including ADHD meds. In the particular case of stimulant medications, the main concern is emerging evidence suggesting that long-term treatment may increase cardiovascular risks in certain populations. It should be noted that there can also be risks associated with having untreated ADHD, and in some cases these may outweigh the cardiovascular considerations. With regard to evaluating these risks in your own case, there are multiple factors so the best approach is to ask a doctor.
What exactly will or will not be diagnosed? I diagnose attentional and mood disorders in adults, and related concerns. These include ADHD, depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, bipolar disorder and others. I do not assess neuropsychological conditions, such as the effects of a brain injury. I do not perform psycho-educational assessments to demonstrate the existence of learning disabilities. I usually do not diagnose more complex mental health concerns such as personality disorders.
Do I have to bring my school reports from childhood? No. Generally, I find that school reports are a fairly poor source of information with regard to ADHD diagnosis. However, you are welcome to raise them for discussion during the consultation.
What about insurance and benefits? Please note that I do not direct bill to insurers under any circumstances due to administrational overheads. If your insurance covers psychological services then they should reimburse. It’s hard to guarantee as they are all different, so please check with them if necessary.
Can I use the diagnosis to register for post-secondary accommodations? Yes it is generally sufficient for school accommodations, however this cannot be absolutely guaranteed because each school/college is different. Additional paperwork may be required, and usually I can help with that.
What about permanent disability or the disabled tax credit? Following a positive diagnosis of ADHD, some people would like to apply for the disability tax credit and there is some information online that encourages them to do this. However, based on my own investigation it seems that this credit is quite difficult to apply for successfully with ADHD, and in particular it requires much more than a simple diagnosis of ADHD. Essentially, you would have to demonstrate a significant restriction in the basic activities of daily living, similar to other disabilities such as severe visual impairment. This is quite difficult to do in the case of ADHD. It would certainly require a further level of functional assessment that would also account for the possible effects of any medication or therapy. This is not something that my assessment process is oriented towards. I would not discourage anybody from applying for this but I suggest that it may require quite a bit of time and money to be successful, and it’s not something I can help with at this time.
Do I have to live in BC or be 18 to use your services? Yes to both. Psychological services are provincially licensed. However, you will generally be able to use the diagnostic report in other provinces. I am not trained as a child psychologist so generally I will assess people who are 18+
