Who can diagnose and treat adult ADHD in New Jersey

Several kinds of licensed clinicians in New Jersey can evaluate an adult for ADHD, but they differ in what happens after the diagnosis. Some can prescribe medication, some can prescribe only under conditions set in 2026, and some cannot prescribe at all. Knowing the difference before you book saves a second appointment later. This page covers each license as New Jersey law stood in October 2026.

The short answer

Physicians, including psychiatrists

A physician licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners can evaluate, diagnose and treat ADHD, including prescribing. The National Institute of Mental Health describes the evaluation as something a primary care provider or a mental health professional may do, using clinical interviews, rating scales or checklists, and a review of medical history to rule out other explanations.

To prescribe stimulants, which are mostly Schedule II controlled substances, a New Jersey prescriber needs a state controlled dangerous substance (CDS) registration, renewed every year under N.J.A.C. 13:45H-1.2, in addition to a federal DEA registration required under 21 CFR 1301.11. Physicians are also bound by the state's Schedule II limits, including the 30-day supply rule in N.J.A.C. 13:35-7.6.

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental health. The practical difference from primary care is usually depth: a psychiatric evaluation spends more time on other conditions that can look like ADHD or sit alongside it. Many primary care clinicians treat uncomplicated adult ADHD, while others refer. Psychiatrist or primary care for adult ADHD compares the two.

Advanced practice nurses: the 2026 change

For years, New Jersey required APNs to prescribe under a joint protocol with a collaborating physician (N.J.S.A. 45:11-49). Pandemic-era waivers suspended that for many APNs and were set to expire on February 16, 2026. The Governor extended them by 45 days through Executive Order No. 13, and on March 30, 2026, signed S2996/A4052 into law as P.L.2026, c.6.

Under that law, an APN may practice and prescribe without a joint protocol if all of these apply:

• The APN's population focus is family or individual across the lifespan, adult gerontology, pediatrics, women's health, or behavioral health.
• The APN has more than 5,000 hours of licensed, active advanced nursing practice in a role with that population focus.
• The APN provides primary health care or behavioral health care.
• For behavioral health care, the APN arranges timely referral, transfer or admission to a higher level of care when clinically indicated.

To prescribe controlled substances without a protocol, the law requires 14 hours of continuing education in controlled substance pharmacology, and 10 hours of pharmacology every two years after that. APNs who do not meet the 5,000-hour threshold have transition periods, after which they must practice under a joint protocol. The independent APN is held to the same standard of care as other independent practitioners. Implementing regulations from the Board of Nursing were still required by the law, so check with the clinician if this matters to you.

For patients, the change mainly means that a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner you see may be practicing independently. Ask about their population focus and, if relevant, whether they practice under a joint protocol.

Physician assistants

New Jersey's physician assistant law (as amended by P.L.2015, c.224) requires a PA to be under the supervision of a physician at all times when working in an official capacity, though the physician need not be physically present. A PA may take a history, perform a physical exam, identify problems and present information to the supervising physician. A PA may order or prescribe Schedule II through V controlled substances only when the supervising physician has authorized it and the PA is registered with the DEA, and starting a new controlled substance prescription (outside terminal illness care) requires prior consultation with the supervising physician. No later change to these supervision rules was found as of October 2026.

Psychologists: diagnosis and testing, no prescribing

Licensed psychologists are regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners. Its rules list psychological assessment, including psychodiagnosis and the use of psychological tests, as part of the practice of psychology. A psychologist can therefore evaluate and diagnose ADHD and can perform neuropsychological or psychological testing when it is needed.

Psychologists in New Jersey cannot prescribe medication. As of a 2025 count, seven states (Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico and Utah) allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe, and New Jersey is not one of them. If a psychologist diagnoses ADHD and medication is a reasonable option, you will need a separate prescriber. ADHD testing or a psychiatric evaluation in New Jersey explains when testing adds something.

Social workers and counselors

New Jersey's rules for licensed clinical social workers describe clinical assessment as the evaluation of psychosocial or behavioral problems and allow the clinical social worker to use currently accepted diagnostic classifications, including the DSM. The rules for licensed professional counselors similarly define counseling to include clinically assessing and evaluating, using DSM classifications, mental, emotional and behavioral distress.

Their scope-of-practice rules describe assessment, counseling and psychotherapy. They do not include prescribing medication. A therapist may be the first person to suggest an ADHD evaluation, and their observations can be useful to the clinician who does it.

How to check a New Jersey license

The Division of Consumer Affairs runs a public License Verification System with a person search, which you can use to look up a clinician's New Jersey license before you book. Step-by-step instructions, including how to check disciplinary history, are in how to verify a doctor's license in New Jersey.

Where you are matters for video visits

New Jersey's telehealth law requires a clinician treating a patient in New Jersey by telehealth to be validly licensed, certified or registered in New Jersey. A clinician licensed only in another state cannot treat you by video while you are physically in New Jersey. If a stimulant is started after a telehealth evaluation, P.L.2026, c.40 requires an in-person visit within 30 days and at least once a year after that.

Dr. John C. Shershow, M.D., is a psychiatrist focused on adult ADHD who is licensed in both New Jersey and New York and sees adults 18 and older. The practice provides the psychiatric evaluation and, when medication is appropriate, prescribing and ongoing follow-up by secure video. It does not provide psychological or neuropsychological testing. For a video visit you must be physically located in New Jersey or New York at the time of the visit, and the office will explain how visits are arranged for patients located in New Jersey. More about the process is on the adult ADHD evaluation page, and the wider system is mapped in how adult ADHD care works in New Jersey.