ADHD Evaluations in NYC

What Is an ADHD Evaluation?

An ADHD evaluation, also called ADHD testing or an ADHD assessment, is a structured clinical process used to better understand symptoms related to attention, focus, impulsivity, organization, and executive functioning. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether someone meets criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and to distinguish ADHD from other concerns that can look similar, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, or learning-related challenges. In New York City, evaluations at YCDI are typically completed in a single session of 60 to 90 minutes with a licensed mental health professional, and a written report is delivered within 2 to 3 business days.

You may also hear this referred to as:

• ADHD testing
• ADHD assessment
• ADHD diagnostic evaluation
• adult ADHD evaluation
• ADHD evaluation for children or teens

The terms ADHD testing, ADHD assessment, and ADHD evaluation are often used interchangeably. At YCDI, the process is the same regardless of how you refer to it — a structured, individualized evaluation designed to provide clarity and direction.

Who May Benefit From an ADHD Evaluation?

An ADHD evaluation may be helpful for children, adolescents, or adults who are experiencing ongoing difficulties with:

• attention and concentration
• impulsivity
• time management
• organization
• task completion
• forgetfulness
• emotional regulation
• school, work, or daily functioning

Some individuals seek an evaluation on their own after years of wondering whether ADHD may be part of the picture. Others are referred by a school, therapist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, primary care provider, or another professional. ADHD evaluations may also be helpful for those seeking diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, or documentation for academic or workplace accommodations, including IEPs or 504 plans when appropriate.

An evaluation is not just about giving a label. It can also help explain patterns that may have felt confusing for a long time and provide a clearer path forward.

What We Assess During the Evaluation

During an ADHD evaluation, we look at the broader context of how symptoms show up across different settings and over time.

This may include:

• attention and concentration patterns
• executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and time management
• impulsivity and self-regulation
• academic or work performance
• developmental and functional history
• emotional well-being
• current stressors
• the possibility of co-occurring or overlapping concerns

Because ADHD can sometimes be confused with or occur alongside other conditions, we also consider whether symptoms may be related to factors such as anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, or learning-related challenges. This helps support a more accurate and meaningful understanding of what is going on.

What the ADHD Evaluation Process May Include

ADHD evaluations at YCDI are designed to be thoughtful, structured, and individualized.

Depending on age, presentation, and referral needs, the evaluation may include:

• a structured clinical interview
• review of developmental, academic, and functional history
• discussion of symptoms across home, school, work, and daily life
• evidence-based rating scales and standardized assessment tools
• screening for other factors that may be contributing to symptoms
• review of relevant background information or collateral input, when appropriate

Commonly used evidence-based assessment tools may include:

• Conners rating scales
• Brown Executive Function Scales
• Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

Tools to assess for co-occurring concerns:

• PHQ-9
• GAD-7 

Every evaluation is tailored to the individual, with attention to age, history, and the specific questions that brought them to the evaluation.

The Step-by-Step ADHD Evaluation Process at YCDI

An ADHD evaluation at YCDI follows a structured, sequential process. Here is what to expect from start to finish.

Step 1: The Clinical Interview. You will meet with Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D for a structured conversation covering your current concerns, how symptoms show up across different areas of your life, and your relevant history. If the evaluation is for a child, a parent or caregiver participates in this portion. This is the core of the evaluation — a collaborative, nonjudgmental conversation designed to understand the full picture.

Step 2: Standardized Rating Scales. You will complete a set of evidence-based questionnaires and rating scales selected based on your age and presentation. These take approximately 15 to 30 minutes and are completed digitally. If you are a parent, you may be asked to complete a separate form about your child’s behavior across settings.

Step 3: Diagnostic Integration. After the session, the clinician reviews and integrates all findings — interview observations, rating scale results, and relevant history — to form a complete clinical picture. This step considers whether ADHD criteria are met, whether other conditions may be contributing, and what the findings mean for daily life, treatment, and support.

Step 4: Written Report and Delivery. A comprehensive written report is prepared and delivered within 2 to 3 business days. The report includes diagnostic impressions, a summary of findings, and clinical recommendations that can guide next steps — whether that is treatment, therapy, medication consultation, school accommodations, or workplace supports.

ADHD Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults

ADHD can look different at different stages of life.

For children, concerns may show up through attention difficulties, impulsive behavior, emotional regulation challenges, or school-related struggles.

For adolescents, ADHD may begin to affect academic demands, motivation, planning, follow-through, or self-esteem in more noticeable ways.

For adults, symptoms often show up as chronic overwhelm, procrastination, difficulty managing time, forgetfulness, disorganization, work-related stress, or long-standing questions about why certain tasks have always felt harder than they seem to be for others.

Because of these differences, ADHD evaluations are approached in a developmentally informed way, so the process reflects the individual’s age, life context, and day-to-day challenges.

Virtual and In-Person ADHD Evaluations in New York

We offer both virtual and in-person ADHD evaluations across New York.

Virtual evaluations are conducted through a secure telehealth platform and may be a convenient option for many individuals and families throughout New York State.

In-person appointments are available at our New York City offices in Midtown Manhattan and NoMad, for those who prefer to meet face to face or when that format is clinically recommended.

Because needs can vary from one person to another, we are happy to help determine which format is the best fit when scheduling.

You Can Do It, PLLC provides in-person ADHD evaluations and ADHD testing in New York City at two locations: our Midtown Manhattan office near Grand Central Station (18 E 41st Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017) and our NoMad office (245 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016). Virtual ADHD evaluations are available to individuals throughout New York State via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. All evaluations are conducted by Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, who is licensed in both New York and New Jersey and offers services in English and Spanish.

What Happens After the Evaluation?

After the evaluation is complete, findings are reviewed carefully, and a written report is prepared.

This report may include:

• diagnostic impressions, when appropriate
• summary of relevant findings
• clinical recommendations
• treatment planning considerations
• documentation that may support school or workplace accommodations, when applicable

Reports are typically completed within 2–3 business days. The goal is not only to provide diagnostic clarity, but also to give individuals and families something useful and actionable to guide next steps.

Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, some individuals may benefit from ongoing support, therapy, medication consultation with another provider, school-based support, or practical strategies for executive functioning and daily life management.

Who Conducts ADHD Evaluations at YCDI?

ADHD evaluations at You Can Do It, PLLC are conducted by Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privileges and Founder of YCDI.

Berenice is licensed in both New York and New Jersey and offers services in English and Spanish.

Learn more about Berenice

A Clinical Director’s Perspective on ADHD Evaluations

The questions below come up in nearly every ADHD evaluation. Here is how Berenice Rosales-Nadel, LMHC-D, Clinical Director at You Can Do It, PLLC, answers them in her own words.

What do you wish every patient or parent knew before an ADHD evaluation?

The thing I correct most often is fear of the label. Adults worry a diagnosis will count against them at work. Parents worry a label will follow their child through school. I want both to hear the same thing. A diagnosis is not a mark against you. It is information you can finally use. When a teacher raises a concern, that is not an attack on your child, and it does not mean a label is coming. It means someone noticed your child may be struggling with something, and the sooner we understand what, the sooner we can set up steps for success. Most of the adults I evaluate have been quietly managing something for years without knowing what it was. Naming it is usually a relief, not a loss.

A lot of adults are afraid an ADHD diagnosis says something about their intelligence. What do you tell them?

This comes up constantly, and it is simply not true. ADHD does not touch your intelligence. You are not slow and you are not incapable. What happens is that your brain takes in a great deal at once, gets overstimulated, and starts looking for a way out, which can look like losing focus. That is a difference in how you process information, not a limit on what you can do. Some people focus best in a quiet room with no music. For someone with ADHD it might look completely different. Once people understand that the struggle was never about being smart enough, a lot of shame lifts, and we can actually talk about what helps.

What does a good evaluation clarify that people don’t expect?

More than whether you have ADHD. Sometimes the answer is ADHD. Sometimes it is ADHD alongside something else, and sometimes it is something else entirely. I have worked with adults who came in certain they had ADHD, and what we found underneath was untreated childhood trauma that had shaped how they learned long before anyone talked about attention. That changes everything about what comes next. It is also why I do not want anyone relying on an online quiz. A quiz can flag what you already feel. It cannot tell you which one or two things are actually driving it, and it cannot walk you to the next step. Most adults already sense something is off. They just do not know what it is yet, and that is the part we solve together.

What makes the biggest difference in how an evaluation goes?

Knowing your early history. It surprises people, but the first five years tell us a great deal. Developmental milestones, when you started speaking, whether you were born prematurely, your mother’s health during the pregnancy. Physicians note these things from the very beginning, and those early records are some of the strongest evidence we have, whether they confirm a diagnosis or rule it out. For an adult, that can mean a conversation with a parent or a request for old medical records. For a parent bringing in a child, it means coming ready to talk about how those early years went. When people arrive with that information, the picture comes together faster and the answer is clearer.

Insurance and Payment Options

We currently accept Cigna for ADHD evaluations. Coverage and benefits may vary depending on your plan and the type of documentation being requested.

Self-pay options are also available.

If you have questions about insurance, cost, or whether this evaluation is the right fit for your needs, we are happy to help clarify next steps before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Evaluations in New York

What is an ADHD assessment in NYC?

An ADHD assessment in NYC is a structured clinical evaluation used to determine whether someone meets criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. At YCDI, the assessment includes a clinical interview, review of developmental and functional history, and evidence-based rating scales such as the Conners, Brown Executive Function Scales, and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The process is individualized by age and presentation, and a written report is completed within 2 to 3 business days. ADHD assessments are available in person in New York City and virtually across New York State.

Where can I get an ADHD evaluation or ADHD testing in New York City?

YCDI offers ADHD evaluations and ADHD testing in New York City at our offices in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central and in NoMad. Virtual ADHD evaluations are also available for individuals throughout New York State via a secure telehealth platform. Appointments are typically available within days, and reports are completed within 2–3 business days of the evaluation.

What is the difference between ADHD testing and an ADHD evaluation?

People often use these terms interchangeably, and the distinction is not always consistent across providers. In general, an ADHD evaluation refers to the full clinical process used to determine whether ADHD may be present — including a structured clinical interview, review of developmental and functional history, rating scales, and standardized assessment tools. ADHD testing may refer more narrowly to the formal assessment tools used within that process, such as behavior rating scales or computerized attention measures. At YCDI, the process is the same regardless of how you refer to it — a comprehensive, individualized evaluation designed to provide clarity and meaningful next steps.

How do I know if I or my child needs an ADHD evaluation?

An ADHD evaluation may be worth pursuing if you or your child experiences persistent difficulties that haven’t been fully explained or that are affecting daily functioning at school, work, or home. For children, common signs include difficulty staying on task, impulsive behavior, trouble following instructions, disorganization, or challenges in the classroom that don’t seem to resolve with standard support. For adults, the picture often looks different — chronic procrastination, difficulty managing time, forgetfulness, emotional dysregulation, or a long-standing sense that focus and follow-through take more effort than they seem to for others. A referral is not required to schedule at YCDI — individuals and families can reach out directly.

Do I need a referral to schedule an ADHD evaluation?

No referral is required to schedule an ADHD evaluation at YCDI. Individuals, parents, and caregivers can contact YCDI directly to schedule. Some people come through referrals from pediatricians, therapists, psychiatrists, schools, or other providers, but a referral is not a requirement. If you have questions about whether an ADHD evaluation is the right fit before scheduling, YCDI offers a free 15-minute consultation to help determine the most appropriate next step.

What happens during an ADHD evaluation at YCDI?

An ADHD evaluation at YCDI begins with a structured clinical interview covering current concerns, symptoms across different settings, developmental and academic history, and relevant background information. Depending on age and presentation, the evaluation may also include evidence-based rating scales such as the Conners, Brown Executive Function Scales, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale, or the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Additional screening tools for co-occurring concerns such as anxiety or depression may also be used. The process is individualized — tailored to the person’s age, history, and the specific questions that brought them to the evaluation. Following the appointment, a written report is prepared and typically completed within 2–3 business days.

How do I prepare for an ADHD evaluation?

To prepare for an ADHD evaluation, it helps to think through how attention, focus, and executive functioning challenges show up in your daily life — or your child’s — across different settings such as school, work, and home. Be ready to discuss when these challenges first appeared, how they’ve changed over time, and what has or hasn’t helped. For children’s evaluations, having input from teachers or other caregivers can be useful. There is no need to study or prepare specific answers — the evaluation is a collaborative conversation designed to understand the full picture, not a test with right or wrong responses.

Do you evaluate adults for ADHD?

Yes. ADHD evaluations at YCDI are available for children, adolescents, and adults. Many adults seek an evaluation after years of wondering whether ADHD may explain long-standing patterns — chronic overwhelm, difficulty managing time, procrastination, forgetfulness, or the feeling that certain tasks have always been harder than they seem to be for others. An adult ADHD evaluation focuses on how symptoms show up in the context of work, relationships, and daily life, and is approached differently from a childhood evaluation to reflect the adult’s specific experience and history.

Can ADHD be diagnosed later in life?

Yes. ADHD is frequently identified in adulthood, and a later diagnosis is more common than many people realize. While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from early in life, many adults were never evaluated as children — particularly those who developed coping strategies that masked their symptoms, those whose challenges were attributed to other causes, or those who were high-achieving enough that difficulties weren’t flagged early on. Women and girls are also historically underdiagnosed, often because ADHD can present differently than the more recognized hyperactive profile. For many adults, a diagnosis later in life brings significant clarity — helping explain long-standing patterns around focus, organization, relationships, and emotional regulation that may never have been fully understood. At YCDI, adult ADHD evaluations are available for individuals at any stage of life who are seeking that clarity.

Can ADHD be confused with anxiety or depression?

Yes, and this is one of the most important reasons a thorough evaluation matters. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD can all produce symptoms that look similar on the surface — difficulty concentrating, restlessness, emotional dysregulation, and low motivation can appear across all of them. ADHD can also co-occur with anxiety or depression, meaning both may be present at the same time. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation at YCDI looks at the full picture — considering whether attention-related difficulties are driven by ADHD, another condition, or a combination — so that recommendations are accurate and genuinely useful rather than based on an incomplete picture.

Can ADHD occur alongside autism or other conditions?

Yes. ADHD and autism can co-occur, and a thorough evaluation considers whether both may be present rather than assuming the picture is explained by one diagnosis alone. ADHD can also co-occur with anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and other conditions. At YCDI, evaluations are designed to look at the full picture — considering overlapping or co-occurring concerns so that recommendations are accurate and address the complete range of what the individual is experiencing.

Do you offer virtual ADHD evaluations?

Yes. YCDI offers both virtual and in-person ADHD evaluations. Virtual evaluations are available to individuals throughout New York State via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. In-person appointments are available at our New York City offices in Midtown Manhattan and NoMad. Both formats follow the same structured clinical process, with reports completed within 2–3 business days. If you are unsure which format is the best fit for your situation, we are happy to help clarify when you reach out.

How long does an ADHD evaluation take?

An ADHD evaluation at YCDI typically takes 60–90 minutes, though timing can vary depending on age, presentation, and the specific components involved. The evaluation includes a structured clinical interview and, where appropriate, standardized assessment tools. Following the appointment, the written report is completed within 2–3 business days and shared with the individual and family.

How long does it take to get the report?

ADHD evaluation reports at YCDI are typically completed within 2–3 business days following the appointment. The report includes diagnostic impressions when appropriate, a summary of relevant findings, clinical recommendations, and documentation that may support treatment planning or academic and workplace accommodations. Once completed, the report is shared with the individual and family, and can be provided to schools, referring providers, or other professionals as needed.

Does insurance cover an ADHD evaluation?

You Can Do It, PLLC currently accepts Cigna for ADHD evaluations. Coverage and benefits vary depending on your specific plan and the type of documentation being requested. Self-pay options are also available for individuals whose insurance does not cover the evaluation or who prefer not to use insurance. If you have questions about your coverage or payment options before scheduling, YCDI is happy to help clarify what to expect.

How much does an ADHD evaluation cost?

An ADHD evaluation at You Can Do It, PLLC is $595, with your written report completed within 2 to 3 business days. We accept Cigna, and many clients use out-of-network benefits with a superbill on request. A free 15-minute consultation is available first.

Can this evaluation help with school or workplace accommodations?

In many cases, yes. An ADHD evaluation at YCDI may produce documentation that supports access to academic accommodations such as extended time, reduced-distraction testing environments, IEPs, and 504 plans, as well as workplace accommodations when appropriate. The written report includes diagnostic impressions, a summary of findings, and specific recommendations that can be shared with schools, employers, or outside providers. Whether a specific school, district, or employer accepts the evaluation as sufficient documentation depends on their individual requirements — we recommend checking with the relevant institution before scheduling if accommodations documentation is the primary purpose of the evaluation.