How to Get an Adult ADHD Assessment Online in Ontario
General Health
Many women get an ADHD diagnosis only as adults. In a CADDAC survey, 46% of Canadian women with ADHD said that they first got a different diagnosis. ADHD symptoms can also look like anxiety or depression.
This guide explains how an online adult ADHD assessment works in Ontario and what to check before you book. To book an assessment with a clinician, see Jill Health ADHD care.
Understand the difference between screeners and clinical assessments
An online quiz or screener is a short list of questions. It can help you decide if you want a full assessment. It cannot diagnose ADHD.
A clinical assessment is different. A qualified clinician reviews your history and your symptoms in detail. CADDAC, a Canadian ADHD charity, says that a thorough adult assessment includes:
A complete medical history, and checks for other physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Your mental health history and your family history.
Your symptoms in childhood. For a diagnosis, symptoms must have started by age 12.
Rating scales that you complete, and rating scales from a person who knows you well.
At Jill Health, the assessment starts with a review of your medical history and a screening for ADHD, anxiety and mood. Then you meet the clinician in a video visit.
Evaluate your options for online ADHD clinics
Check these points before you choose a clinic:
Licence. The clinic and the clinician must be licensed to give care in your province. Jill Health ADHD care is currently available in Ontario only.
Who does the assessment. Ask who will assess you and what experience they have with adult ADHD. At Jill Health, Tyler Hand, a nurse practitioner registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, does and reviews every assessment.
Prescribing. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, so ask how the clinic handles treatment after a diagnosis.
Visit format. Ask how long the assessment takes, how many visits it includes and what you get in writing.
Follow up. Ask how often follow up visits happen and what they cost.
In person care. Virtual care is not suitable for every situation. In Ontario, the doctor must decide that virtual care is appropriate and arrange an in person assessment when an exam is necessary.
Compare costs and waits too. In Ontario, OHIP covers assessments by a family physician or a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist needs a referral, and the wait can be 1 to 12 months. Assessments by a private psychologist are not covered by OHIP and cost about $1,000 to $4,000.
Prepare for the assessment and treatment process
At Jill Health, the process has these steps:
You book online and share your health history.
A clinician reviews your medical history (about 10 minutes) and screens for ADHD, anxiety and mood (about 20 minutes).
You meet the clinician in a video visit (about 45 minutes).
If ADHD is confirmed, you get a written care plan.
You get ongoing follow up visits and messaging with your provider.
A diagnosis or treatment is not guaranteed. The clinician decides what is clinically appropriate. If ADHD is not diagnosed, the clinician explains the findings and the next steps.
To prepare for your visit:
Write down your main difficulties at work, at home and in relationships.
Note the symptoms that you remember from childhood. Old school report cards can help.
Ask a partner, family member or friend what they notice.
List your current medications and supplements, and any past mental health diagnoses.
Your clinician makes a treatment plan for your needs. If a prescription is part of your plan, the Jill Health membership includes fulfillment of your prescribed treatment, and prescriptions ship in plain packaging.
At the time of writing, Jill Health ADHD care costs:
Assessment: $249 one time. This includes the full diagnostic evaluation and a written care plan.
Ongoing care membership: $79 a month, which you can cancel at any time. You need it if you start treatment. It includes unlimited messaging with your provider, plan changes and fulfillment of your prescribed treatment.
Follow up visits: $99 each for members, every 3 months. Without a membership, a follow up visit costs $249.
Many extended health plans and health spending accounts can help pay for the assessment and follow up visits. Jill Health gives you a receipt for your claim.
Jill Health is not for urgent or emergency care. In a crisis, call 911 or call or text 988.
To start, book your assessment with Jill Health ADHD care.
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