Bay Area Family
Therapy Services
ADHD ASSESSMENT · LEVEL 1
Level 1: Targeted ADHD assessment
Offered remotely to adult clients throughout California. In-person evaluations available upon request.
Our Level 1 Targeted ADHD Assessment is a focused, streamlined assessment primarily for identifying ADHD symptoms and behaviors. This evaluation screens for the presence of other mental disorders for the purposes of differentiating symptoms and identifying possible co-occurring diagnoses; however since the evaluation is targeted primarily at ADHD, other mental health disorders are not diagnosed.
Key Elements of a Level 1 ADHD Assessment
- Clinical Interview
- Meeting with a member of our clinical team to collect a detailed history of symptoms and behaviors, and their impact on day to day functioning in work, school, and relationships.
- Exploring family history of ADHD. ADHD has a strong genetic component.
- Basic screening of psychiatric symptoms.
- Structured Diagnostic ADHD Interview
- A structured diagnostic tool is used to systematically assess ADHD symptoms to ensure consistency in the evaluation and that diagnostic criteria are met.
- Standardized ADHD Measures and Rating Scales
- These assessment tools are completed by the client and others who know the client well (friends, family members, or colleagues).
- Rating scales help the clinician determine symptom severity in multiple environments.
- Standardized tools are measured against norms in the general population.
- Diagnosis and Results
- If supported by the data, an ADHD diagnosis is made
- If an ADHD diagnosis is made, a 1-page statement of diagnosis document will be provided. If requested, longer documentation is available for an additional fee.
Treatment Recommendations Offered
This type of assessment is helpful for adults seeking increased self-understanding, or those wishing to proceed with psychiatric medication and/or therapy specifically targeting their ADHD symptoms. If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, the results of the evaluation can be provided as documentation to a prescribing provider. A Level 1 ADHD assessment is generally adequate in informing a prescriber’s decision to medicate. However, some providers may require more extensive testing (Level 2 or Level 3) before making a decision to proceed with medication. The decision to prescribe medication based on your diagnosis from Bay Area Family Therapy Services is up to your prescriber. Bay Area Family Therapy Services does not provide medication management.
This level may fit if you:
- Have no significant history of psychiatric symptoms or diagnosis other than ADHD, or these symptoms are mild and have improved through current/previous therapy and/or current medication.
- Do not have any suspected learning or cognitive concerns that require evaluation.
- Are not seeking accommodations for school or for entrance or licensing examinations.
- Are interested in receiving work accommodations documentation that may be provided for an additional fee.
Before or at the start of your first appointment, your clinician will work with you to identify the level of assessment that best meets your needs. Because this may not be clear in advance, your clinician may recommend a different level based on information shared during the first session.
Let’s find a place to begin.
Explore the next step for yourself, your family, or your child.