ADHD Testing in NYC: Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
ADHD Testing in NYC: Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
If you’re feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or constantly behind, you might wonder if ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the cause. Many New Yorkers seek a diagnosis hoping for clarity, and sometimes medication or accommodations. Children often get diagnosed for ADHD in their school years due to problems with grades, sitting still, or acting out. But far more often we are working with clients looking for adult ADHD testing, or to determine if what they experience is ADHD, anxiety, OCD, Autism, or something else.
But here’s the truth: not all assessments for attention difficulties, learning disabilities, and executive function challenges are created equal, and where you start matters.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
Who can (and can’t) diagnose ADHD in NYC
Why formal neuropsychological testing is the gold standard
How the right diagnosis impacts treatment and accommodations
Where to start if you’re ready for clarity
Why an Accurate Diagnosis for ADHD Matters
Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, autism spectrum conditions, sensory processing issues, and even giftedness. In the past, ADHD was also referred to as ADD, however now mental health experts use one type of ADHD and specify the subtype: hyperactive, inattentive, or combined type.
If you skip comprehensive testing, you risk:
Misdiagnosis → Wrong treatment plan
Medication when it’s not needed
Missing co-occurring conditions like learning disorders
We suggest seeking comprehensive assessment when you also experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, or you have tried many types of therapy or treatment and have not found success. Many people also experience signs of ADHD and symptoms in the transition from college into the next stage of life, when the external structure, deadlines and feedback are no longer built into your work week.
While there is no single test to accuracy diagnose ADHD, full psychological or neuropsychological evaluation is the most comprehensive and reliable ways.
ADHD Evaluation and Gender: Why It’s Often Missed in Women, LGBTQ+ and Gender-Diverse People
Much of the existing ADHD research and diagnostic criteria has been based on boys and individuals assigned male at birth. As a result, ADHD symptoms that are more common in women and gender-diverse people often go unnoticed.
Women and AFAB individuals are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms (difficulty focusing, internalized discomfort, sensory sensitivities) rather than the external impulsivity often seen in boys. These subtle patterns lead to delayed diagnosis or mislabeling as anxiety or depression. This is why many women and AFAB individuals get an adult ADHD diagnosis far later in life, such as in their 30s and 40s.
For LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals, additional barriers like stigma and provider bias can make the path to an accurate ADHD diagnosis even harder. At Aspire, we provide LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care so every client feels seen and supported during evaluation and treatment
This is why comprehensive ADHD psychological evaluation, not just a quick screening or self report measures, is critical. It helps providers look beyond stereotypes and identify how ADHD shows up for each person, regardless of gender identity.
Can Therapists Diagnose ADHD in NYC?
Only providers rigorously trained in assessment and differential diagnosis like psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists can diagnose, as well a LCSWs with diagnostic privileges. Most therapists cannot provide an official diagnosis of ADHD, even though they technically can put it into your superbill or insurance paperwork. While some ADHD-focused therapists may conduct a structured developmental interview to support a hypothesis, they lack the specialized training and tools for formal evaluation. This makes it hard for people with ADHD to get properly assessed.
What therapists do best:
Look for a therapist with specific training and expertise in attention difficulties. Even without a diagnosis, therapists can provide life changing treatment to navigate the emotional, behavioral, and/or attention symptoms that show up in those with ADHD.
Structured CBT for ADHD (organization, time management, emotional regulation)
Skills for focus and coping
Ongoing support for executive functioning challenges
If you want coping strategies now, therapy is a great start. But if you need a confirmed diagnosis or accommodations, you’ll need more.
Learn more: ADHD Therapy in NYC | LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Do Psychiatrists Diagnose ADHD in NYC?
Yes—psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication.
This route often works if you want medication quickly. But here’s the issue:
Diagnosis is usually based on a clinical interview and self-report questionnaires
Psychiatrists rarely provide objective cognitive testing
No evaluation for co-occurring conditions like dyslexia or autism
That means you could receive medication without knowing the full picture.
If anxiety or trauma is causing ADHD-like symptoms, medication may not help—and could even make things worse.
Why Formal Evaluation for ADHD Is the Gold Standard
The only way to confirm ADHD with certainty is through a comprehensive psychological evaluation with a psychologist or neuropsychologist.
This process includes:
Developmental and clinical interview
Objective testing for attention and executive function
Screening for learning disorders, autism, anxiety, depression
A full written report with recommendations
And here’s why this matters:
It’s required for accommodations at school, work, and on exams like the SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or Bar exam
It ensures you get the right treatment for what you are experiencing, whether that’s structured Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, executive skills coaching, medication from a psychiatrist, or both
It rules out other conditions that mimic ADHD
Learn more: Comprehensive ADHD Testing in NYC
Which ADHD Testing and Treatment is Right For You?
Therapy: If you are diagnosed with ADHD, or know this to be your lived experience, and want coping skills and structured CBT for ADHD
Psychiatry: If you’re seeking medication but understand it’s a limited evaluation, and are open to trial and error.
Full Testing: If you want certainty, accommodations, and a tailored plan, including if medication would be helpful.
What to Expect During ADHD Testing at Aspire Psychotherapy
Getting an ADHD assessment in NYC can feel overwhelming, but at Aspire, we make the process clear, structured, and client-centered from start to finish. Our evaluations go beyond quick screenings or symptom checklists, providing the comprehensive clarity you need for treatment planning, school or work accommodations, and peace of mind.
Step 1 – Initial Intake (30 Minutes – Virtual) with Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D.
Your journey starts with a virtual intake with Dr. Anya Scolaro, a licensed psychologist with advanced training in neuropsychological testing for ADHD, Autism, and related conditions. During this session, we will:
Review your personal, academic, and developmental history
Explore current symptoms and daily challenges in depth
Explain the full evaluation process, timelines, and next steps
Why this matters: The intake helps us tailor your evaluation to your unique needs, ensuring no important detail is missed.
Step 2 – Comprehensive In-Person Testing Session
Next, you’ll come to our Upper East Side or Hudson Valley (Stone Ridge) office for 2-3 focused, structured testing sessions in a calm, private environment. Each session is approximately 3-5 hours. This session typically includes:
Standardized cognitive and attention assessments to measure focus, working memory, and processing speed
Executive function tasks to assess organization, planning, and flexibility
Emotional and behavioral questionnaires to screen for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning differences
Additional specialized measures if there are questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorders, or giftedness
Our approach: We don’t just check boxes—we gather objective data that paints a full picture of how your brain works.
Step 3 – Feedback and Full Report
After testing, you’ll receive:
A comprehensive written report detailing findings, diagnostic conclusions, and clear next steps
Personalized recommendations for therapy, coaching, medication management and/or relevant occupational & speech therapies.
Guidance for accommodations at school or work (including IEP, 504 plans, and high-stakes exams like the SAT, GRE, MCAT, and Bar Exam)
An optional 30-minute feedback session to walk through your results and answer all your questions
Why this matters: Our reports are designed to be practical and actionable—not just clinical jargon. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next.
Why Choose Aspire Over Large Hospital Systems
Unlike major hospital systems such as NYU Langone Health and Mount Sinai, which often have long wait times and limited flexibility, Aspire offers:
Faster scheduling and quicker turnaround on results
Direct access to your psychologist (not a rotating team of providers)
A personalized experience in a private, supportive setting
Expertise in ADHD, Autism, and complex neuropsychological profiles
When your goals include clarity, accommodations, and a tailored treatment plan as quickly as possible, Aspire Psychotherapy’s approach delivers both speed and depth—without the months-long waitlist.
Comprehensive testing is the only way to secure accommodations for school, work, or exams. It also ensures the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Want to learn more about ADHD symptoms and diagnostic criteria? Visit the CDC’s ADHD overview for additional information
Have questions first? Contact Us here
FAQ: ADHD Diagnosis in NYC
Q: What’s the difference between an ADHD specialist and a psychologist?
An ADHD specialist may be a therapist or psychiatrist focusing on ADHD, but only a psychologist or neuropsychologist with testing training can perform full evaluations for accommodations and accuracy.
Q: Can I get assessed for ADHD online?
Virtual screenings exist, but full testing is only available in person for validity.
Q: Can I get ADHD evaluation near me?
We offer ADHD evaluation at our Upper East Side, NY location and at our Hudson Valley (Stone Ridge) location. You can also get ADHD testing at hospitals and some universities with psychology (Psy.D. programs).
Q: How much does ADHD testing cost in NYC?
Costs vary. Aspire is out-of-network but provides superbills for possible reimbursement.
Q: Can I get accommodations without full testing?
Most workplaces, schools and boards for the MCAT, LSAT and other exams require a full report, which includes comprehensive psychological evaluation. We recommend looking for updated requirements specific to your application on your company or school’s website.
Q: Do you offer ADHD treatment after testing?
Yes: We offer both structured, goal-oriented and process oriented therapies after testing. Explore ADHD therapy here.