Post #1: Where Do I Get a Diagnosis?

The first step to knowing if you have ADHD is getting a diagnosis, but who can do that for you? There are a few options, each dependent on what you are looking to get out of your diagnosis. 

People get diagnosed with ADHD mainly for Three Reasons:

Who can diagnose ADHD?

#1: Therapist

The first type of clinician who can diagnose is a therapist. Depending on your state the licensing for a therapist might look different, but for Washington State this would look like a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Associate level clinicians also can provide diagnoses (LMHCA, LSWAIC, and LMFTA). They are able to give a diagnosis and provide therapeutic services for treatment of symptoms, which would align with someone looking for a diagnosis for Reason #1. But they can not prescribe medication or sign paperwork for accommodations per Washington State law.

#2: Primary Care Physician (PCP)

The second type of clinician who can diagnose is your Primary Care Physician (PCP) also known as a Family Doctor. They will have little training in mental health, but are allowed to diagnose ADHD as a medical professional. PCPs can diagnose, prescribe, and sign off on paperwork for accommodations. PCPs can be a good option for people looking for a diagnosis for Reasons #2 or #3, but if a person is looking based on Reason #1 then they may not be the right fit as they don’t have the training that another clinician would have. 

#3: Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner

The third type of clinician who can diagnose is a Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry (or Psych NPs). They have a background in medicine but are trained in mental health as well. They are allowed to diagnose, prescribe, sign off on paperwork for accommodations, and may have training in ADHD education. Oftentimes Psychiatrists or Psych NPs focus only on medication management in their sessions and might not offer non-medication treatments, like therapy. Not all psychiatrists are built the same, so if you are interested in working with a psychiatrist ask them if they work with ADHD in order to ensure that they can meet your needs. 

#4: Psychologist

The fourth type of clinician who can diagnose is a Psychologist. They are a mental health clinician that has a PHD or PsyD in Psychology and has a mix between a clinical and research background. They are able to diagnose, sign off on paperwork for accommodations, and often offer therapeutic techniques to manage symptoms, but they can not prescribe medication. Psychologists are also given specific training for giving assessments for specific diagnoses and signing off on paperwork based off these assessments. Some psychologists only schedule appointments for assessments while others offer assessments and therapy. A psychologist might be a good fit for someone who is looking for a diagnosis based on Reason #1 or Reason #3.

How to find a provider?

For PCPs, Psychiatrists, and Psych NPs try signing into your insurance portal and see if they have a “find a doctor” page. Or you could contact your PCP and see if they have referrals for Psychiatrists or Psych Nps. 

For Psychologists or Therapists you can try out the following websites or you can ask your PCP if they have a referral.

Clinician Note: I offer my clients a diagnosis of ADHD in session in which we go over the criteria together and what it means to have this diagnosis. If they want options for medication management or accommodations, we then work together to find a provider that can meet these needs.