Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Resources
What if I think I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Diagnosing ADHD requires careful evaluation. A diagnostic evaluation for ADHD includes the following:
- A diagnostic interview with a qualified mental health professional (cannot be a CMHS clinician)
- Relevant medical, mental health, and medication history
- History of presenting symptoms related to ADHD
- Description of current functional limitations resulting from ADHD
- Information from collateral sources (such as school records)
- Neuropsychological testing report supporting the ADHD diagnosis
- A specific diagnosis of ADHD based on the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria
The mental health professional conducting the evaluation will gather this information through testing, interviewing, and contacting outside sources.
Referrals for Evaluation and Neuropsychological Testing for ADHD
The following practices and resources offer evaluations for ADHD:
- Life Changes Group
- LifeStance Health
- Clinical Alliance Services
- In addition, students may also want to explore this filtered list from ThrivingCampus (Tufts' referral database) for individual psychologists who provide neuropsychological testing and evaluation.
Requirements for ADHD Treatment at CMHS
- Documentation must be reviewed by a psychiatry provider before scheduling an appointment. A determination will be made after records have been received and reviewed
- If appropriate, you will be offered an initial evaluation appointment.
- If the records are insufficient or don’t support an ADHD diagnosis, you will be directed to resources for further evaluation.
- Your CMHS clinician might recommend different options for treatment. Being treated by a CMHS clinician doesn’t guarantee a prescription for ADHD medication. You will be expected to keep regular appointments.
- You’ll be expected to comply with any prescribed medical assessments.This may include occasional blood pressure and pulse measurements, EKGs, or other medical evaluations.
- You will be expected to concurrently attend counseling with a therapist (may be a CMHS clinician or an off-campus clinician).