How ADHD is Diagnosed at NPS

It takes 4 to 5 appointments to accurately assess and diagnose ADHD. The average cost is approximately $1150, which most insurance companies cover.  

Elsewhere, ADHD assessments widely vary from $1400 to $3000. Or a doctor may only do a brief screening and rating scale to make their diagnosis. Dr. Neal’s comprehensive approach is not to diagnose you or your child after a brief conversation and then recommend a medication and send you on your way. After the diagnosis evaluation, he works with you to explore the various natural alternative approaches and he works in coordination with coaches, medical health professionals, and educational specialists, to make sure you are fully supported in your journey.

To see a breakdown of the assessment process, approximate costs and insurance codes, go to Rates & Policies.

What To Expect During These Appointments

During the assessment Dr. Neal will:

• Ask about your symptoms (current and past), including severity, duration, and how they affect your life, school, relationships, or work performance.
• Ask your spouse/partner or family members how they view your current and past symptoms.
• Review your school records or any past evaluations you have had to find out about symptoms you may have had as a child.
• Examine your family history with ADHD.
• Examine a current or past history of sleep disturbance or mental-health struggles (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.) to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, or to determine if these conditions are in addition to a diagnosis of ADHD.
• Screen for auditory and visual processing disorder, sensory integration disorder, or learning disabilities.
• Schedule you for a 15 to 20 minute computer test which analyzes your attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Diagnosis and Feedback Session

Dr. Neal will review the results of the Qb computer test and collect information from you. Usually a diagnosis for ADHD or other condition can be determined at this point. If additional diagnostic assessment is needed, then a referral will be made to one of our local medical professionals. We maintain a carefully researched referral list of those whom we can entrust our clients to.

Once we are clear on a diagnosis, treatment options will be discussed in this appointment. Click this link for more information about natural methods to treating ADHD.

If medication is decided upon, we have a list of medical doctors who can prescribe the medication, who are willing to collaborate closely with Dr. Neal. He will take the time to communicate with the doctors or other medical professionals you are working with. Our desire is that you experience a seamless, calm treatment plan.

We provide follow up support for school IEP’s, 504 planning and support for the family and marriage.