ADHD Treatment & Testing
At Mind Garden, we provide integrative psychiatric care and comprehensive ADHD testing for adults and adolescents with ADHD and executive dysfunction, going beyond a quick checklist to understand how your brain works and build a plan that fits your life.
UNDERSTANDING ADHD
More than distraction. It's a difference in how your brain regulates attention, energy, and emotion.
ADHD is not a lack of effort or a character flaw. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s executive functions, including attention regulation, impulse control, working memory, emotional regulation, and time management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 6 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD, and a significant number carry it into adulthood, often undiagnosed.
Adult ADHD frequently looks very different from the hyperactive child that most people picture. It can look like chronic disorganization, difficulty finishing projects, emotional sensitivity, impulsive decisions, or a persistent feeling of never quite living up to your potential despite being clearly intelligent and capable.
Many adults with ADHD have spent years developing workarounds, masking their struggles, or being told they just need to “try harder.” At Mind Garden, we take a thorough, objective approach to evaluation so you get an accurate picture of what is actually going on, and a plan that works with your brain, not against it.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
You might be living with ADHD if you experience...
Attention and focus
- Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or conversations
- Frequently losing things or forgetting appointments
- Starting many projects but rarely finishing them
- Becoming hyperfocused on interesting tasks while avoiding others
- Easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts
- Struggling to follow multi-step instructions
Behavior and emotion
- Chronic disorganization despite trying to stay on top of things
- Impulsive decisions, spending, or speaking without thinking
- Difficulty managing time or consistently underestimating it
- Emotional sensitivity or intense reactions to criticism
- Restlessness or an internal sense of always being “on”
- Low frustration tolerance or frequent mood shifts
TYPES WE TREAT
ADHD looks different for everyone.
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive
Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and staying organized. Often described as “spacey” or “a daydreamer.” Frequently missed in women and girls.
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Restlessness, difficulty sitting still, talking excessively, and acting without thinking. More commonly identified in childhood, particularly in boys.
ADHD, Combined Presentation
The most common presentation in adults. Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present, often manifesting as internal restlessness, emotional dysregulation, and inconsistent performance.
Undiagnosed Adult ADHD
Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond without ever receiving an accurate diagnosis. High intelligence, strong coping skills, or supportive environments can mask ADHD for decades.
Executive Dysfunction
Difficulty with planning, initiating tasks, managing time, and shifting attention. Executive dysfunction can occur with or without a formal ADHD diagnosis and significantly impacts daily functioning.
ADHD with Anxiety or Depression
ADHD very commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression. Treating only one condition while missing the others leads to incomplete relief. Carolyne treats the full picture.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
Intense emotional pain triggered by perceived criticism or rejection, common in people with ADHD. Often mistaken for mood disorder or borderline personality traits.
ADHD in Adolescents
Academic struggles, social difficulties, and behavioral challenges in teens often have ADHD at their root. Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment can make a transformative difference.
- Our evaluation goes beyond a checklist.
ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely, especially in women, adults, and those with high intelligence. Carolyne combines clinical interviews, standardized assessments, and cognitive testing to build a complete, accurate picture before any diagnosis or treatment is made.
- Comprehensive ADHD Testing available at Mind Garden.
Our multi-session evaluation includes cognitive and attention performance testing, standardized rating scales, and a detailed written report. Learn more about our ADHD Testing & Evaluation service.
HOW WE HELP
What to expect when you work with us.
- Comprehensive Initial Evaluation
Carolyne reviews your full psychiatric, medical, and personal history in depth. For ADHD, this includes a detailed developmental history, current functioning across work and relationships, and any prior diagnoses or treatments.
- Objective ADHD Testing
Standardized rating scales and cognitive performance testing provide objective data to support or rule out an ADHD diagnosis, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and ensuring the most accurate clinical picture.
- Personalized Treatment Plan
Your plan may include medication, lifestyle strategies, and integrative recommendations tailored to your specific presentation. Pharmacogenetic testing is available to guide medication selection and minimize trial and error.
- Ongoing Medication Management
Regular follow-up appointments ensure your treatment is working. Carolyne monitors response, adjusts dosing as needed, and keeps your goals at the center of every decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and many adults are diagnosed for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or later. Adult ADHD often looks very different from childhood ADHD — it tends to present as chronic disorganization, emotional sensitivity, difficulty sustaining effort, and a persistent gap between potential and performance. It is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, especially in women.
Our comprehensive ADHD evaluation combines a clinical interview, standardized rating scales, cognitive and attention performance testing, and a thorough review of your psychiatric and medical history. The process typically spans multiple sessions and results in a detailed written report that outlines findings and guides treatment decisions.
Yes. Mind Garden accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, Allways Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Compsych, Harvard Pilgrim, Health New England, Point32 Health Care, Oscar, Oxford, Tufts, and United Health Group/Optum. Coverage for testing varies by plan, so we recommend contacting us to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
You deserve care that actually works.
Same-week appointments available. Telehealth across AZ, CO, MA, NM, RI, VT, and WA. Most major insurances accepted.