ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It typically emerges in childhood and can affect academic performance, workplace functioning, and relationships across the lifespan.
ADHD looks different in every person. For some, it shows up as difficulty sustaining focus or completing tasks. For others, it’s restlessness, impulsivity, or challenges with organization and time management. Many adults live with ADHD for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
With the right support, people with ADHD can develop strategies that work for them and lead fully productive lives.
Your first appointment is a comprehensive clinical interview with one of our licensed clinicians. We’ll gather detailed information about your history, current challenges, symptoms, and daily functioning — at home, at work or school, and in relationships. For children and adolescents, parents or caregivers are an integral part of this conversation. This session gives us the full picture we need to design your individualized evaluation.
The testing session is where the formal evaluation takes place. Depending on your age and referral concerns, testing typically includes standardized cognitive and attention measures, behavioral rating scales, and symptom checklists completed by you and, where relevant, a parent or teacher. Sessions typically last two to four hours. You are encouraged to come rested and, if applicable, to take any regularly prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise directed by your clinician.
Testing is not a pass or fail — it is a structured way of understanding how your brain works. Here is what to expect:
Cognitive & Attention Tasks — You will complete a series of structured tasks on a computer or with paper materials that measure attention, processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning. These tasks are designed to be straightforward, though some are intentionally repetitive to assess sustained attention over time.
Behavioral Rating Scales — You and others who know you well (parents, teachers, or partners) will complete questionnaires about your behavior, attention, and emotional regulation across different settings. These provide critical context beyond what is captured in a single testing session.
Clinical Observations — Your clinician will observe how you approach tasks, manage frustration, and sustain effort throughout the session. These observations are an important part of the overall picture.
Once testing is complete and scored, your clinician will prepare a comprehensive written report. You will then meet to review the findings together — including your diagnosis, a clear explanation of your results, and specific, actionable recommendations for treatment, accommodations, and next steps. For school-age children, recommendations will address academic supports and any documentation needed for school accommodations. You will leave this appointment with a full copy of your report and a clear path forward.
MindWell conducts ADHD evaluations for individuals ages 4 and up. While some children begin showing signs of ADHD around the time they start school, many families seek an evaluation later when symptoms are more clearly affecting academic or home functioning. For adults, ADHD often goes unrecognized until the demands of independent living make it harder to compensate — a diagnosis at any age can lead to meaningful improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.
People pursue ADHD evaluations when they or their child have experienced inconsistent performance at school or work, difficulty managing time and daily responsibilities, struggles with focus, follow-through, or impulse control, or have been told they are underperforming relative to their ability. ADHD can affect relationships, careers, and self-esteem — understanding what is driving those challenges is the first step toward addressing them.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation typically includes a clinical intake interview, standardized behavioral rating scales completed by the individual, caregivers, and teachers where applicable, in-person cognitive and attention testing, direct clinical observation, and review of relevant school or medical records. Screening for co-occurring learning disabilities or academic difficulties is included as needed.
A school-based evaluation focuses on academic eligibility for services and accommodations within that setting. A clinical evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist provides a full diagnostic picture, is not limited to academic functioning, and produces documentation that can be used across settings — including college, workplace accommodations, and treatment planning.
All in-person testing is conducted at MindWell’s Albany, New York office. Intake sessions and feedback appointments can be completed virtually for clients who are not local or prefer the convenience of a remote visit. In-person attendance at our Albany office is required for the testing session itself.
The full evaluation process — from intake through feedback — typically spans four weeks. Testing sessions generally range from two to five hours depending on the type of evaluation and the age of the individual being assessed. Some evaluations may be completed across two sessions.
Following the completion of testing, clinicians typically require two to three weeks to score, interpret, and write a comprehensive report. Your feedback appointment will be scheduled once the report is complete.
At this time, MindWell is unable to bill insurance directly for psychological evaluation services. We provide superbills upon request, which clients can submit to their insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to understand your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing.
Evaluation fees vary depending on the type and scope of the assessment. For current fee information, please visit our Evaluation Fees page. We are happy to discuss your specific concerns and help determine which evaluation is the right fit before any financial commitment is made.
No referral is required to schedule an evaluation at MindWell. You are welcome to contact us directly to get started. For families with young children, we do recommend consulting with your pediatrician first, as they may have completed initial screenings that provide useful context for the evaluation.
Book your intake appointment here. Our care coordination team will gather basic information about your concerns, walk you through the evaluation process, and determine which assessment is the best fit for your needs.
Our evaluations are open-ended and guided by the data gathered — the outcome may not always align with a diagnosis you anticipated or currently self-identify with. Regardless of the findings, your clinician will provide clear, honest feedback and recommendations that reflect your or your child’s unique strengths, needs, and ways of engaging with the world.
Yes. MindWell is committed to providing comprehensive, strengths-based, and neurodivergent-affirming evaluations. We use a combination of standardized tools and in-depth clinical interviews to understand both objective data and each individual’s lived experience. Our goal is always to give you an accurate and useful picture of how a person thinks and experiences the world — not reduce them to a set of deficits.
My experience with MindWell has been wonderful. The client coordinating team worked to ensure I met a therapist best suited for my needs, and the clinicians I have seen are caring individuals whose scientific based approach to mental health have helped me tremendously. MindWell has changed therapy for me, and I feel so fortunate to have them here in Ithaca.
- shoshana c.
The pandemic among other things put a strain on our marriage and finding out about MindWell was at the perfect time. After filling out online, we talked to an intake specialist and were matched with a therapist which we are both extremely happy with. It has been a positive experience and we are working everyday to better our relationship and it's because of MindWell that we now know we can make it.
- clara s.
My therapist at MindWell Psychology is an exceptionally skilled counselor. I have faith in her abilities and am convinced that she is able to put customers at ease and give them the impression that they are supported no matter what they are going through.
- robin s.
When our daughter started having some drastic behavior changes, we reached out to MindWell and after the initial intake; she was matched with someone and we are finally seeing some differences in her. She talks openly about how she enjoys going to therapy. So happy with her progress.
- addison b.
I am a psychologist in MA and worked with/know personally several of the Psychologists at MindWell including, Christina Colgary, Lizzie O'Rourke, and Emilee Valler. They are remarkable clinicians and I have referred several people in NY to their practice. Highly recommend considering Mindwell for your or your child's therapy needs!
- Rachel M.
This is an overall fantastic and conscientious organization. My family's experience has been nothing but positive. Intake was smooth and scheduling is simple and organized. They were taking new patients which was already an uncommon feature! Our therapist was a perfect match and they were clearly well supported by Mindwell admins and management which allowed them to focus on giving their best.
- A M.
Mindwell has provided excellent in-person and on-line therapy services for members of my family for the last year. We cannot speak highly enough about the professionalism and care provided by the therapist, the patient care coordination team and the Mindwell management team. They have helped turned a difficult situation into something manageable and ultimately positive.
- sarah g.
Therapy at Mindwell has been professional and helpful. Their friendly office staff is a nice bonus!
- K M.
