Adult ADHD Assessment
In person in Toronto's Annex or virtual across Ontario
Many adults spend years wondering whether ADHD explains the difficulties they have had with focus, organization, or follow-through, and many were never assessed as children. A careful assessment can offer a clearer understanding of what is going on and what may help.
- First appointments usually within 2 weeks
- Conducted by a doctoral-level registered psychologist
- Adults 18 and older
People often reach out to us when
- You have struggled for a long time with attention, organization, time management, or restlessness, and effort alone has not made much difference.
- You were not assessed in childhood, or your difficulties were understood at the time as a matter of motivation or behaviour.
- Your family doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist has suggested an assessment.
- Something has recently changed, such as starting university, a new job, or becoming a parent, and strategies that used to work are no longer enough.
- You have been diagnosed in the past and would like an updated adult assessment.
- You simply want an accurate answer, whatever that answer turns out to be.
ADHD in adults can look quite different from the picture many of us hold of a hyperactive child. It is not uncommon, particularly for women and for people who did well academically, to reach adulthood without anyone recognizing it. At the same time, difficulties with attention can arise from several other sources, which is why a thorough assessment matters.
Why we take a comprehensive approach
Difficulties with concentration and organization are common, and they can be related to anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems, substance use, or simply a period of significant stress. In many cases, more than one of these is present at the same time.
Our aim, therefore, is to understand the whole picture rather than to confirm or rule out a single label. We look at your history across the lifespan, how your difficulties show up in different areas of your life, and what else may be contributing. When ADHD is part of the picture, we will tell you so clearly. When it is not, or when something else better explains your experience, we will tell you that as well, along with what we think may help.
A clear process, from first call to written report
Free 20-minute consultation
A brief phone or video call to talk about what brought you here, answer your questions, and decide together whether an assessment is a good fit.
Clinical interview
A detailed conversation about your current difficulties, your developmental and school history, your relationships and work, and your overall mental health.
Standardized questionnaires
Validated questionnaires assessing attention, executive functioning, and related concerns such as mood and anxiety. With your permission, someone who knew you as a child may also complete a questionnaire. Old report cards can help too.
Diagnostic formulation
We review all of the information together and consider ADHD alongside other possible explanations.
Feedback session
We go over the results in plain language, explain any diagnosis, and discuss recommendations, with time for your questions.
Written report
A written report summarizing the findings and recommendations, usually within four weeks of the feedback session.
A full psychometric report is not included in the assessment fee. If you require one, please discuss this in advance during your free consultation.
Most ADHD assessments involve four to six sessions in total. Assessments can be completed in person at our office in the Annex or virtually from anywhere in Ontario.
Answers you can use
- A clear answer to the question of whether you meet criteria for ADHD, and if not, what may better explain your difficulties.
- A written report that you may choose to share with your family doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, or school.
- Recommendations tailored to your situation.
- Documentation that can support accommodations, if needed.
Our psychologists
Dr. Maryam Nemati, C.Psych.
Founder and Registered Psychologist, College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
PhD, Concordia University · In practice since 2013
I have worked as a therapist since 2013, and over that time I have come to believe that a good assessment begins with genuine curiosity about the person in the room. Many of the adults I see have spent years trying to make sense of their difficulties on their own, sometimes after being told that they simply need to try harder. My goal is to offer a careful, unhurried process that takes your history and your questions seriously, and to leave you with an understanding that is both accurate and useful.
Dr. Julian Chiarella, C.Psych.
Registered Psychologist, College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Concordia University · In private practice since 2018
I completed my doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University in 2022. Most of my clinical training took place in hospital-based programs within the McGill University Health Centre, where I gained experience in settings focused on mood and anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My doctoral research examined the neurobiological basis of depression and childhood trauma, which has deepened my understanding of how early experiences shape emotional and brain development. In assessment, this background helps me consider the full range of factors that may be contributing to someone's difficulties.
Common questions
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?
Assessments are billed per session, at $320 for each 50-minute session. Because each assessment is shaped by your questions and the complexity of the overall picture, the number of sessions varies from person to person. As such, the total cost of most adult ADHD assessments falls between $1,800 and $2,600. Before the assessment begins, you will receive a written estimate, so you know what to expect.
Is the assessment covered by OHIP or insurance?
Psychological assessments are not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans cover services provided by a registered psychologist, and we provide receipts that you can submit to your insurer. Assessment fees may also be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return.
Does the assessment include cognitive or neuropsychological testing?
No. Our ADHD assessments are based on clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires, and do not include cognitive, IQ, or neuropsychological testing. If, during your free consultation, it appears that a psychoeducational or neuropsychological assessment would better answer your questions, for example when a learning disability is suspected, we will provide referrals.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. You can contact us directly. Physicians and other professionals are also welcome to refer through our online referral form.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Yes. In Ontario, registered psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD.
Can you prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you are diagnosed with ADHD and are interested in medication, you can share your report with your family doctor or a psychiatrist, who can discuss options with you.
Can the assessment be done virtually?
Yes. Adult ADHD assessments can be completed fully online for anyone living in Ontario. You are also welcome to come to our office at 36 Madison Avenue in the Annex.
What if I am not sure whether it is ADHD, anxiety, or something else?
That is a very common question, and it is one of the main reasons to have a thorough assessment. Part of our work is to tease apart these possibilities and explain how they may be related.
What if I am not diagnosed with ADHD?
An assessment that does not result in an ADHD diagnosis is still valuable. You will leave with a better understanding of what is contributing to your difficulties and recommendations for next steps.
I was diagnosed as a child. Do I need to be reassessed?
Not always. Some people seek an updated assessment because their needs have changed or because a school or physician has asked for recent documentation. We can discuss whether this would be helpful during your consultation.
Can you also assess for autism?
Yes. ADHD and autism sometimes occur together, and the two can be difficult to distinguish. If both questions are relevant, we can discuss a combined assessment.
Have questions before you decide?
A free 20-minute consultation is a chance to ask anything about the process, the cost, or whether an assessment is right for you.
36 Madison Avenue, Toronto (the Annex) · Virtual across Ontario
Physicians: refer through our online form at hushforms.com/nematipsychology
If you are in crisis, please call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency department.