How Much Does It Cost To Test For ADHD In Adults Without Insurance?

The cost of getting tested for ADHD in adults can range from $195 to $500. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis for millions of children in the U.S. However, adults between the ages of 18 to 44 years may also be diagnosed with ADHD. In fact, close to 5 percent of U.S. adults are found to have ADHD, though many of them fail to get an accurate diagnosis or the appropriate treatment. 

The Cost of ADHD Testing at Different Clinics & Locations without Insurance

Based on the data below, the average out-of-pocket cost for ADHD testing in adults is $328 for one consultation visit, including a comprehensive evaluation done by a licensed practitioner. Of the five states researched, the highest cost was observed in New York, while the lowest was in Florida. 

Testing for ADHD in adults is a complex process that involves a detailed evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health care professional. No single medical or clinical test can determine whether an individual has ADHD. Often, this comprehensive evaluation requires your provider to gather information from multiple sources. 

In addition to being asked to take certain psychological tests and a physical examination, the patient will also be asked a series of questions to assess the condition's impact on their lives. Following that, the practitioner may also interview the patient’s family members and primary care physician for a better understanding of their behavior. 

The Cost Of ADHD Testing In Adults In 5 Major U.S. Cities Without Insurance

Cost of Treating ADHD in Adults Without Insurance 

A common way of treating ADHD in adults often involves a combination of techniques which can include medication, behavioral therapy, life skills training, and psychological counseling. This method of treatment is part of a multimodal approach to ADHD. This approach allows your healthcare provider to use a variety of interventions to help you manage your symptoms most effectively.

Medication

It is important to know that medication does not treat ADHD, nor does it provide a comprehensive way to manage the symptoms. ADHD medication is just one part of the treatment plan for most patients. At best, medication helps temporarily ease a patient’s behavior symptoms. 

Two types of medication options can be prescribed to those with ADHD: stimulant and non-stimulant. A patient may be asked to take either one or a combination of both types of medication. Stimulant ADHD medication includes Adderall, Focalin, and Ritalin. Non-stimulant ADHD medication includes Strattera and Guanfacine. 

Psychological Counseling (Therapy)

Going to therapy has repeatedly proven to be an effective method of treating and managing ADHD in adults. Both therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and medication are more effective than just using medication alone to treat ADHD. Different patients may benefit from different types of therapy, based on the nature and intensity of their symptoms. 

Some prefer talk therapy when a therapist uses communication to help the patient identify and change certain troubling behaviors resulting from their condition. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that has been a more recent form of treatment offered to adults with ADHD. Since many adults who have ADHD often experience other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, CBT offers them a way to manage their overall mental health. 

Cost of Treating ADHD in Adults Without Insurance 

ADHD Testing and Treatment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Consider the following frequently asked questions to get more information about adult ADHD testing and treatment. 

What are the signs of undiagnosed ADHD in adults?

ADHD is a condition that, for most people, starts early on during childhood. However, for many adults, their symptoms may go unnoticed or ignored, preventing them from getting an accurate diagnosis. The complex nature of this condition often allows it to go untreated in many patients. In the U.S., while close to 5 percent of the adult population has ADHD, only 20 percent of them get treatment. Some signs for spotting undiagnosed ADHD in adults include the following: 

• Restlessness or hyperactivity, inability to relax, feeling tense or anxious
• Disorganization, always losing items, cluttered environments, messiness
• Issues with motivation, inability to initiate or plan tasks, frequent loss of interest
• Lack of focus, having short periods of hyper focus while neglecting other important tasks
• Forgetfulness, starting a task and forgetting what they were doing, losing things
• Issues with time management, chronic lateness, problems sticking to schedules
• Shifting emotions, overreactions, sudden shifts in mood or outbursts of anger
• Indecisiveness, inability to commit to a task, feeling overwhelmed when making a choice

Where can I get tested for ADHD?

To get tested for ADHD, you can visit a licensed mental health professional, including clinical psychologists, physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist, family doctor), or clinical social workers. Once you find a practitioner or a mental health clinic, you may reach out to ask if they offer a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. Some clinics may only require one consultation visit to offer a diagnosis, while others might require you to come in for multiple visits. You may also seek a referral from your primary care provider for a mental health practitioner that may be best suited for you. 

Can ADHD be cured or treated?

There is no absolute cure for ADHD. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder for which the best treatment often includes managing the patient’s symptoms. As mentioned above, with methods such as medication, therapy, and behavior training, most patients can improve their behavior, memory, motor skills, and learning ability. There is a chance that a person’s ADHD symptoms may decrease as they age; however, they most likely will not go away completely. It is suggested that ADHD is approached as an ongoing condition to be managed instead of a disease that needs to be cured. 

Bottom Line

Seeking mental health support can be a big step for most people. If you or someone you care about might show symptoms of ADHD, it can be helpful to reach out to your preferred mental health care provider to get more insight. It might also help to first speak to your primary care physician about your symptoms or get a referral to a licensed mental health professional.