How Do You Get Diagnosed With ADHD in California?
Takeaway: If you or your child is struggling with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and more, an ADHD evaluation can help you better understand the causes. But how do you get diagnosed with ADHD in California? In this blog post, we explain the ADHD diagnostic process so you can feel empowered to pursue assessment and treat ADHD.
Dealing with the likelihood of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be an overwhelming prospect for many people living in California. Whether you’re a concerned parent noticing your child’s struggles with focus, attention, concentration, and/or hyperactivity at school, or an adult having difficulty concentrating and focusing at work, the need for a clear diagnosis is crucial. California, being one of the most populous states in the U.S., has a vast network of healthcare services catering to a diverse range of individuals. Yet, with this large and varied system, the path to an ADHD diagnosis can still be unclear and daunting to many people.
This article aims to shed light on the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis in California, offering a comprehensive guide to clarify this essential step in managing ADHD. We will delve into understanding what ADHD is and the range of healthcare professionals capable of diagnosing it and present a detailed guide tailored to people living in California.
Whether you’re navigating the healthcare system for yourself or advocating for your child, by the end of this post, you should feel more empowered to take the steps necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
Understanding ADHD diagnosis
Before we explore the process of diagnosis, it’s essential to understand what ADHD is. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to maintain attention, control impulses, and regulate energy levels.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Though ADHD symptoms can vary widely, common signs include:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, being easily distracted, having trouble paying attention, and making careless mistakes.
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness, constant movement, and an inability to sit still.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and having difficulty waiting your turn.
These ADHD symptoms can manifest differently across the lifespan. In children, it may show more as difficulties at school, while in adults, it can affect work performance and interpersonal relationships, such as with friends or romantic partners.
It’s important to note that a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional is the only way to diagnose ADHD definitively. Self-diagnosis or identifying with some ‘ADHD traits’ is not sufficient or accurate to diagnose an attention deficit disorder. Many disorders and conditions share similar symptoms and features of ADHD so “ruling out” other mental disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.) is as important as “ruling in” ADHD, which is why it is so challenging.
Who can diagnose ADHD?
Several types of healthcare providers can diagnose ADHD in California, and each offers a unique perspective and approach to diagnosis and ADHD treatment.
Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists
Clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists are specialists who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, with neuropsychologists focusing specifically on how illnesses, injuries, and diseases of the brain affect cognitive functions and behaviors. These professionals utilize a variety of tools and tests, including cognitive assessments and behavioral evaluations, to determine whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Their comprehensive approach ensures that any diagnosis is made in the context of a full understanding of the patient’s mental health, making them critical resources for individuals seeking clarity about ADHD and any co-occurring conditions.
A comprehensive assessment can be guided by the RIOT model. This model stands for Review of medical/school records and a patient’s history, Interview with the patient and/or parents/partners, Observation of behavior, and Testing or assessment measures. By using this multifaceted approach, psychologists can accurately diagnose ADHD and develop a personalized ADHD treatment plan for each individual.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists, as medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, hold the unique ability in most states to prescribe ADHD medication (with psychologists having this privilege in select states). When diagnosing ADHD, a psychiatrist conducts an evaluation considering symptoms and medical history. While they can prescribe ADHD medication, they lack the capability to perform psychological testing – a task reserved for psychologists, whom they may refer for such assessments. Collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists is common in the field.
Step-by-step guide to getting diagnosed with ADHD in California
Navigating the path to an ADHD diagnosis in California involves several steps. Here is a guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Understand Your Symptoms
Before seeking a professional diagnosis, it’s important to understand the symptoms that prompted your search. Take note or keep a list of problematic behaviors and situations to discuss during the evaluation. You should also think about how your symptoms are affecting your ability to function at home, school, work, health, or out in the community.
Step 2: Research and Choose a Professional
In California, you can select from clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists. These medical professionals bring unique methods and expertise to the evaluation. Choose the one that best suits your requirements. Since assessing ADHD involves eliminating other conditions that “mimic” ADHD, it’s crucial to ensure the evaluation is thorough, comprehensive, and evidence-based.
Step 3: Schedule an Evaluation
Once you’ve chosen a professional, schedule an evaluation. This process usually requires several visits to conduct the required assessments. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation generally consists of three key appointments: an intake session, a testing session, and a feedback session, spanning about 6-8 weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Evaluation
At the evaluation, be prepared to discuss your symptoms and personal history. The professional may also want to interview family members, teachers, or other people familiar with the individual’s behavior.
Step 5: Receive Your Diagnosis
Once the evaluation is complete, the professional will provide a diagnosis if ADHD is present. This diagnosis may also include distinguishing between the various presentations of ADHD (predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, or combined presentation).
Step 6: Develop a Treatment Plan
After diagnosis, you and your healthcare provider will work together to develop an ADHD treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or accommodations at work or school.
This process may require time, but many discover it to be immensely valuable when gaining clarity about their life and a plan to move forward. Be patient, and remember that an accurate diagnosis opens up the possibilities to effectively treat ADHD and support it.
Get an ADHD evaluation for your child or yourself through Huntington Psychological Services.
Huntington Psychological Services is dedicated to providing evidence-based and strengths-based comprehensive evaluations for ADHD in children and adults.
Our Comprehensive Approach
We take a thorough, evidence-based approach to ADHD evaluations, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, comprehensive testing, and personalized assessments to ensure an accurate diagnosis, personalized recommendations, and a treatment plan for you to move forward. With an extensive collection of the most current and widely used tests available, our clinicians are up-to-date on the latest research and standards of care in ADHD assessments.
What to Expect
When you choose Huntington Psychological Services for an ADHD evaluation, you can expect a compassionate, empathetic, and professional experience. Our goal is to provide you with evaluations with the same quality of care we would want for ourselves or our own children.
How to Reach Us
If you’re in or near Pasadena, California and need an ADHD evaluation or have more questions about our process, please contact us for a FREE consultation call with a licensed psychologist. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
To book a FREE consultation, click here!
