The time required for an ADHD assessment can vary. Two key factors that influence how long an assessment takes include:
- Public Health Care versus Private Practice assessments
- Wait times for an initial appointment
I’ve written a full walkthrough on How to Get an ADHD Asessment. Read on for a breakdown of the factors that can contribute to the length of the assessment process.
How Long Does an ADHD Assessment Take?
Whether choosing a public healthcare or a private practice clinician to conduct your ADHD assessment, wait times for an appointment can vary. It’s important to consult your physician, insurance provider, and private practices in your area to determine if their wait times fit with your timelines and goals.
If you are an Alberta resident, Inspire Psychological is currently accepting referrals for ADHD assessments and can generally see you within two weeks of scheduling.
Many physicians provide ADHD assessments, which may involve completion of questionnaires/rating scales, and collecting additional information through an office visit (please speak with your primary care physician for specific information regarding this option).
A private ADHD assessment completed by a psychologist generally require several weeks to complete, and involves collecting information from a variety of sources:
- Initial intake
- Diagnostic clinical interview
- File review (academic records, previous assessments, performance reviews)
- Questionnaires & rating scale
- Interviews with family members, friends, etc.
- Scoring & analysis of results
- Feedback meeting
At Inspire Psychological, a comprehensive ADHD assessment generally requires 2-4 weeks to complete.
Learn what goes into a comprehensive ADHD assessment.
How Long Does the Initial ADHD Intake Take?
At the initial intake appointment, we will review assessment options, as part of informed consent. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and make an informed decision regarding the right option for you.
I combine the initial intake with a diagnostic clinical interview. This appointment takes 1 ½ – 2 hours.
What to expect- The initial intake and clinical interview are an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns, clarify your goals, and determine if a private ADHD assessment is the best fit. During the initial appointment, we discuss assessment options and how we might work together. If we agree to move forward, we set a timeline for the assessment, review all of the required steps, and schedule the feedback meeting. The goal is for clients to leave with a clear plan for their ADHD assessment, so we can move forward in a timely and efficient manner.
If you are a resident in Alberta, I am happy to schedule an initial appointment to answer your questions and walk you through your ADHD assessment options.
IF you’ve decided to pursue a private ADHD assessment, there are a few things you can do to help the process run smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Keep Your Schedule Open
It’s helpful to begin the assessment process when you have time available to dedicate to the assessment process. By ensuring you have the availability to attend appointments and complete required documentation without significant gaps, you can reduce delays and complete the assessment process efficiently.
Find a Private Practice You’re Comfortable Working With
It is important to find a practice that specializes in ADHD, where you feel comfortable. A strong, trusting relationship can lead to a more efficient and accurate assessment process.
Preparing for Your Initial Appointment
To streamline the assessment process, gather any relevant documents that can provide insight into your attention profile, and related challenges. These documents may include:
- School reports and report cards
- Performance reviews from your workplace
- Previous psychological evaluations or medical records
- Any other documentation that highlights patterns of behavior or performance over
time
While you won’t need them for the initial intake, having them ready can save a lot of time. Gather what you can, and your psychologist will let you know if they require additional materials.
If a private assessment feels like the right option for you, or you’re interested in learning more, look into private practice options in your area.
I am a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience working with ADHD. I serve clients across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks, Banff, Canmore and surrounding areas. I offer 15 minute phone consultations, if you have questions you would like to discuss, before scheduling an initial appointment.
