For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD is only made in their 20s, 30s, even 50s, when they realize something is amiss and notice that it may have been missed or diagnosed earlier in childhood. You might not have realized that the struggles with focus, organization, impulsivity, or chronic procrastination may have been a neurological issue instead of a personal failing for you and have been going on for years.
The first step to getting to know yourself and receiving an upfront evaluation and assistance is to have an adult get a formal evaluation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in New Jersey. The testing process, however, can be daunting because you don’t know what you’re in for.
It includes information on how to get an ADHD specialist NJ, adult ADHD testing, adult ADHD assessment, adult ADHD cost, assessment after diagnosis and much more to know about ADHD assessment.
What Is Adult ADHD Testing?
Adult ADHD testing, also known as an ADHD evaluation or psychoeducational assessment, is a thorough process that helps identify if symptoms are consistent with ADHD as well as which type of ADHD. A thorough ADHD assessment for adults will be more complex than a short quiz or just a visit to the doctor’s office, as it will take several steps to narrow out other conditions and complete the evaluation of your brain.
ADHD Evaluation in New Jersey is usually done through the following methods:
- Licensed Psychologists and Neuropsychologists
- Physicians who specialize in mental health (MDs)
- Clinical social workers/Licensed counselors (screening only–not full diagnosis)
- Primary care physicians (for primary screening and some diagnoses)
If you are seeking a workplace adjustment or disability certification, a neuropsychological evaluation with a licensed psychologist is the most comprehensive and legally accepted diagnosis for ADHD in New Jersey.
Signs That You Should Seek an Adult ADHD Evaluation in New Jersey
Some adults do not undergo testing, as they believe that their difficulties are not sufficient or severe enough to be considered testing. Some common signs that would prompt an adult ADHD diagnosis in New Jersey are:
- Persistent inability to hold attention on tasks or activities
- Losing important items often (keys, phone, wallet, documents)
- Impulsive decision making, spending or talking
- Poor time management and underestimation of time needed for tasks
- Beginning a lot of projects and never finishing them
- Difficulty following more than one step in instructions
- Moodiness, frustration, restlessness, mood swings
- Academic failure with normal intelligence
- Trouble sleeping and irregular sleep patterns
If both you and your doctor are certain that you have seen some of these symptoms since childhood and the issues are impacting many areas of your life (including the workplace, relationships and finances), an ADHD specialist in NJ can determine if ADHD is at the root of these issues.
The Adult ADHD Testing Process in New Jersey: Step by Step
Step 1: Initial Consultation or Referral
Most of the time, you’ll go through a phone screening or initial consultation. In fact, on this visit the clinician collects background information regarding your symptoms, medical history, and any previous mental health care. Questionnaires or rating scales might be given to complete prior to the appointment.
Pro tip: Speak to your healthcare provider or insurance carrier for a list of in-network providers for ADHD evaluations in NJ.
Step 2: Clinical Interview
This is one of the primary steps in the process of the ADHD evaluation. The trained clinician will meet with the individual for a comprehensive interview that includes a discussion of:
- Present symptoms and impact on functioning
- Childhood history – school performance, behaviour, family life
- A family history of ADHD or mental health disorders
- Professional and relationship background
- Sleep habits, drug and alcohol use, and physical health
Not only is it important for the clinician to have a long history (not just current issues), but also, due to the fact that ADHD symptoms must be present since childhood, the clinician must be interested in seeing the history of the past.
Step 3: Standardized Rating Scales and Questionnaires
You will probably be required to fill out a number of these self-report instruments that are validated:
- Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
- Brown ADD Rating Scales
- Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale
Clinicians will also frequently want someone from your family, partner, or close friend to answer some questions on the collateral questionnaire, to give them another set of eyes on your behaviors.
Step 4: Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing (If Applicable)
You can take cognitive tests that assess the following, and are conducted either on computer or on paper, during a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD in NJ:
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Ability to focus attention and respond to a task
- Acceleration in Executive functioning (planning, organizing, inhibition)
- Reading and academic skills
Some frequently used tests include the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), WAIS-IV (IQ assessment), and other executive function batteries. The time taken for this step will vary from 2-6 hours per evaluation, depending on how in-depth the evaluation will be.
Step 5: Collateral Records Review
Your evaluator may ask for previous records from your school, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), report cards, or previous psychological evaluations. These records will assist in determining if attention problems were previously diagnosed as a child (a criterion for the DSM-5 diagnosis).
Step 6: Feedback Session and Written Report
Once testing has finished, you have a feedback session to discuss the results, the diagnosis (or not) and what to do next. A written psychological report summarizing evaluation results will be provided – a valuable document for employer(s), school, disability accommodations or healthcare provider(s).
How to Prepare for Your ADHD Evaluation in New Jersey
However, your preparation will greatly enhance the quality of your evaluation:
Before the appointment:
- Collect some old school records, report cards, and IEPs (if available)
- Seek feedback from a family member about your behavior as a child
- Record specific examples of situations where your symptoms impact work, family, and activities
- Describe all current medications, supplements, and any past mental illnesses or treatments diagnosed
- Record your sleep habits, level of fatigue, and any anxious or mood-related symptoms
- Please refrain from caffeine the day of your cognitive performance testing
During the evaluation:
- Be truthful (there are no right or wrong answers)
- Do not under-do to look more competent – the point is to get it right to diagnose
- Do not be afraid to ask questions when you’re in doubt about something
ADHD Testing Costs in New Jersey: What to Expect Financially
The expenses of ADHD testing is extremely variable in the state of New Jersey:
| Type of Evaluation | Estimated Cost (Out of Pocket) |
| Psychiatrist/physician screening | $200-$500 |
| Psychologist full evaluation | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Neuropsychological battery | $3,000-$6,000+ |
| Telehealth screening (basic) | $150-$400 |
Insurance coverage: ADHD evaluations are covered under many NJ insurance plans, including NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, if it is determined as medically necessary. Please check in network providers and pre-authorization requirements before booking.
Sliding scale options: NJ has several nonprofit clinics & University training programs that provide evaluations at reduced costs.
What Happens After Your ADHD Diagnosis in New Jersey?
If an individual has received an adult ADHD diagnosis in NJ, they can use a number of treatment and support options:
- Medication management – Psychiatrists or doctors with primary care often prescribe medication – either stimulant ortho-medicine (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse), or non-stimulant ortho-medication (Wellbutrin, Strattera)
- ADHD coaching – There are many certified ADHD coaches in NJ and here to help with structure, goal setting and accountability
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Modified for ADHD to assist with cognitive improvement and negative thinking – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Workplace accommodations – If you are in need of an ADA accommodation in the workplace, your written evaluation report may help you ask for it from your employer
- Academic accommodations – Should you be enrolled in a college or graduate program in NJ, your report might be included in the consideration for extended testing time, note takers, and other academic accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions: Adult ADHD Testing in New Jersey
Q: Can a primary care doctor diagnose ADHD in adults in NJ?
Yes, ADHD can be diagnosed by a primary care physician in NJ and treated with medication, however, more complicated cases should be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist to be evaluated in more detail.
Q: How long does an adult ADHD evaluation take in New Jersey?
A brief and easy psychiatric evaluation may take 1-2 hours. The entire neuropsychological evaluation may take 4-8 hours of testing, and in some cases, several appointments.
Q: Do I need a referral for ADHD testing in New Jersey?
It will rely on what insurance policy you have. HMO plan will typically need a referral from a primary care physician, while PPO plan will generally offer the possibility of a self-referral to a specialist.
Q: Is telehealth ADHD testing valid in New Jersey?
A clinical interview and/or symptom rating scales can be done over telehealth, and can result in a diagnosis. The usual tests, however, are formal neuropsychological tests, of which these are usually performed face-to-face.
Q: Will an ADHD diagnosis affect my job or insurance?
If a diagnosis is made it is considered health information that is protected. Your health records will not be available for your employer to see. Indeed, you may be eligible for accommodations at your job under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you’ve received a formal diagnosis.
Q: What if I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child – do I need to be re-evaluated as an adult?
Not necessarily. Providers will be more receptive to a diagnosis given at a young age. If there is a need for documentation for workplace accommodations or for eligibility of disability benefits, however, an updated adult evaluation may need to be done.
Q: Can anxiety or depression be mistaken for ADHD?
Yes – one part of the consideration goes like this, it is a good reason to have a full assessment to consider. Very common co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety, depression, sleep disorder and thyroid dysfunction. To find out the cause of your symptoms, or to exclude other conditions in your body, your doctor will make a differential diagnosis.
Q: Are there free or low-cost ADHD testing options in New Jersey?
At a few community mental health centers, FQHC clinical services and university training programs in NJ, reduced-cost evaluations are provided. Evaluation fees may be covered for eligible adults under NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), as well.
Final Thoughts: Taking the First Step
Testing for ADHD at an adult age in New Jersey may seem a daunting challenge but also a really empowering step you can take for yourself. Regardless of whether your assessment reveals you have ADHD or not, you will leave with clarity, a professional assessment and a plan for securing the support you deserve.
Right diagnosis – doesn’t change who you are. It’s like getting to know your brain, and it will provide you with the instruments to work with your brain, rather than against it.
Ready to start? Please reach out to your primary care provider or look up an ADHD provider in NJ on Psychology Today or contact your insurance company to identify local providers. You’ve got one appointment to start your next chapter.