We offer Comprehensive ADHD/Anxiety Evaluation and Diagnosis for Children and Adults
Serving all of New York in-person or via telehealth!
(Albany, Rochester, Utica, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, Buffalo, New York City)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). ADHD is classified in 3 different subtypes or presentations: Inattentive Presentation, Impulsive/Hyperactive Presentation, or Combined Type (Inattentive and Impulsive/Hyperactive).
Unlike the name suggests, ADHD is not actually an issue with a deficit of attention; rather, it is more accurately explained as a dysregulation of attention. The brain has difficulty paying attention to what it is supposed to pay attention to when it is supposed to pay attention to it, and for how long it is supposed to pay attention. The nervous system is referred to as an "interest-based nervous system". Another big component of ADHD is emotional dysregulation or difficulty handling feelings.
With ADHD brains, scientists have learned that there is a deficiency in the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Norepinephrine comes from a molecule called dopa, which is converted into dopamine, and then into norepinephrine.
Studies have shown that there are differences in certain areas of the brain in individuals with ADHD, namely: The prefrontal cortex, the limbic system, basil ganglia, and the reticular activating system. Not everyone will have problems with all 4 areas of the brain, but since they all work together, differences in just 1 area can result in difficulties for the individual.
While individuals with ADHD can have distinctly different sets of strengths and weaknesses, there are some overarching similarities present.
Inattentive Type: Difficulty with regulating attention, makes careless mistakes, forgetful in daily activities, does not seem to listen, difficulty following through on chores or responsibilities, difficulty with organization, easily distracted.
Impulsive/Hyperactive Type: Fidgety or restless, feels like they are "on the go", talks excessively, interrupts others or blurts out answers, difficulty waiting their turn and staying seated when staying seated is expected
Combined Type: Meets criteria for both of the above types
Individuals with ADHD are NOT:
Dumb, lazy, need to try harder, bad/naughty, only boys, only hyperactive, able to always "outgrow" it, a result of "bad parenting", over-diagnosed, over-medicated, only a disorder of childhood, destined to have substance abuse disorders.
Individuals with ADHD CAN:
Focus on some things (sometimes really well!), succeed, find strengths, get support, be gifted in other areas, feel good about themselves, learn to handle emotions better, have fulfilling relationships, accomplish their dreams, be ok JUST as they are!
For Children and Adolescents:
For Adults:
-Individual Therapy (helpful for those with additional mental health concerns or a history of shame or trauma associated with ADHD)
-Executive Functioning Coaching through our training program: Wisdom & Wellness Connection, LLC
-Parent Education and Training
-Coordination with schools upon request
-Medication Management, if appropriate
The best package to reduce ADHD symptoms is:
-Medication Evaluations with our ADHD-informed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Dorman, NPP
-Not interested in medication management or medications have given you too many side effects? Talk to us about non-medication treatment options for ADHD.
We have set up the evaluation process to be a tiered program, which affords you the opportunity to pay in installments depending on how we proceed in the evaluation process.
The tiered system allows us to stop or pause the evaluation process at different points, if needed. If there are significant concerns that require a referral to another provider or treatment modality, we will alert you as soon as possible. Pricing is then locked in for 3 months following the most recent appointment so you can return to the evaluation process at a later date.
We are Out-Of-Network with all insurance companies. A payment outline will be provided to you prior to beginning the evaluation with information and insurance codes so you can check your benefits.
*Please inquire for more information regarding fees and payment options
We cannot guarantee reimbursement, however, we will work with you as best we can to help you get any reimbursement you can from insurance companies.
1) Why can’t my doctor or my child’s pediatrician diagnose ADHD? Answer: They can! Many doctors are an excellent place to start for concerns around ADHD or Anxiety. Sometimes physicians or nurse practitioners might want a more detailed assessment or might have questions around possible co-occurring diagnoses, so they refer their patient’s to an outside mental health provider or psychologist.
2) We have concerns that our child might have Autism Spectrum Disorder, would your practice still be able to evaluate our child? Answer: If you have concerns regarding ASD, we recommend seeking out a provider with specialized training and experience with this population. Evaluation for ASD includes tests such as the ADOS-2, that our practice is not suited for. You’ll want to look for a licensed Psychologist to perform the appropriate testing.
3) We are concerned that our child has a learning disability, can you help us with that? Answer: While we can screen for some intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities, your child’s school is the best place to discuss possible learning disabilities. If, during the course of our evaluation, we suspect there might be the presence of a learning disability, we will communicate that to you ASAP and guide you in the right direction, however we are not able to diagnose specific learning disabilities.
4) I am an adult and think I might have ADHD, is it too late to seek a diagnosis? Answer: No! It is never too late to get the proper medical care, whether it is for physical or mental health.
5) I am scared that if we receive an ADHD diagnosis, someone will force me or my child to take medication. Answer: A diagnosis is a set of criteria that explains what is happening for you in your or your child’s life and can guide treatment. Treatment for ADHD includes education, awareness, accommodation and modification of the environment and sometimes medication. ADHD medications have been researched for a long time and are highly effective, but some people opt to not take them or some people cannot tolerate the side effects. No one should force ADHD medication upon you or your child. You deserve to know all your treatment options so you can make an informed choice in your care or your child’s care.
Welcome to our ADHD Evaluation Program, we are so glad you’ve found us! Our program is comprehensive and will help you to rule out other concerns you might have for yourself or your child. ADHD is a complicated clinical diagnosis, which cannot always be quickly diagnosed with 1 questionnaire or screening form.
Some issues can mimic ADHD symptoms; learning disabilities, head trauma, PTSD, anxiety, lead poisoning, and many others. Additionally, ADHD is often accompanied by other issues such as anxiety, learning disabilities, dyslexia, sensory issues, autism, etc. Sometimes these issues are diagnosed early on but the ADHD component is missed, which can be a barrier to achieving personal goals.
With our help, we can guide you to make important decisions about your care, including if we believe you might require a higher level of testing, called a “neuropsychological evaluation”, completed by a psychologist or other professional. This is not always necessary for an ADHD diagnosis, but can prove useful in some situations.
If that is the case, we will assist you with these referrals as best we can. We want you to receive comprehensive care, even if it is not with us!
Kelly Dorman, NPP is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has 11+ years of nursing experience and is also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. Kelly is well experienced in medication treatment for ADHD in all populations and specializes in ADHD treatment in girls, women and females-assigned-at-birth. We couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team!
Topic Areas Include:
With Experts: Dr. David Nowell, PhD, Dr. Russell Barkley, PhD, Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M, ADHD-CCSP, Jennifer Wilke-Deaton, MA, LPA, and Margaret Dawson, Ed.D, NCSP