Frequently Asked Questions – Please Read Carefully
What is the final cost? What is the duration? The current fee is $375. This is a one-time fee that includes a written report outlining diagnoses and recommendations for further steps as appropriate. The process consists of a 60-minute (approximately) online clinical interview and online psychometric questionnaires. Other collateral such as report cards will also be reviewed. This is a streamlined service designed to provide a lower-cost, accessible way for adults to clarify attentional and related mood/anxiety concerns. It is generally sufficient for straightforward cases. If the picture is unclear or more complex, I may recommend referral to another professional for a more comprehensive assessment, which may involve higher cost or longer timelines. Note: This is not a comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation and is not a medico-legal assessment.
What is the process for getting an ADHD assessment? First, you would sign up for an available assessment date. After booking you will receive a link to your package of assessments. These must be filled out within two days – the appointment will be cancelled if they are incomplete. 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 60 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.
What about disability accommodations? The main point is that this is a brief assessment allowing people to be diagnosed and begin treatment at low cost. It is not a psycho-educational assessment. The focus is on diagnosis, not the identification of disability.
Note: StudentAid BC revised its Disability Verification Form in August 2026. The revised form requires substantially more than confirmation of a diagnosis. The assessor must identify specific functional limitations and certify that those limitations restrict the student’s ability to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in post-secondary studies or the labour force. A diagnosis of ADHD, by itself, does not establish that this disability criterion is met. I therefore have to review the evidence from the original assessment before completing the form. In a few cases, the assessment provides sufficient evidence of the required functional limitations; in most, the available evidence is insufficient or may actually indicate that academic functioning was not significantly impaired. Where the original assessment does not support the statements I am being asked to certify, I cannot complete the form on the basis of the ADHD diagnosis alone.
Do I have to provide my school reports or observer reports? Yes. At this time I am unable to see clients for brief ADHD assessments unless they can provide either 1) a childhood observer report or 2) a school report, learning plan, psychological report or some similar document from childhood. Unfortunately this will rule out some clients who probably do have ADHD. However, this is a brief assessment process and unfortunately it is not possible to cover every case. For more complex cases, or cases where the childhood evidence is a bit unclear, I recommend going for a more comprehensive psychological assessment that includes ADHD.
Do you provide a written diagnosis? Yes, if criteria are met, the report may include a psychological diagnosis of ADHD or a related mood/anxiety condition. In some cases, no diagnosis (sometimes called a “null diagnosis”) may be made. In more complex cases, I may recommend referral to another professional for further evaluation.
Do you diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? ASD is a complex disorder that requires a more extensive assessment process than I can provide in this brief format. However, I can provide a basic screen for autistic traits (as well as for various other conditions) and if it is positive I will provide some overall guidance with regard to autism spectrum status. Note that this is not a clinical diagnosis – it is just some basic guidance and possibly a referral. 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.
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 ADHD and commonly presenting mood/anxiety concerns in adults according to their definitions in the DSM-5-TR. More complex or less common conditions (e.g. bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, learning disorders) are outside the scope of this brief service and may require referral.
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 your diagnosis to register for post-secondary accommodations? The standards for post-secondary accommodations have recently changed. The new Disability Verification Form asks the psychologist to confirm that “impairment(s) or functional limitation(s) restrict(s) their ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary level”. The service I offer does not usually meet this standard so I am usually unable to sign this and similar forms.
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+
Abbreviations
ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
DSM-5-TR: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2022.