Many adults go years without realizing they have ADHD.
Trouble focusing, forgetting tasks, constantly overwhelmed. It can feel like a personal failing when it’s really something deeper.
Therapists can help identify ADHD, but not all can provide a formal diagnosis.
Some assess symptoms, while others refer out to specialists who can officially diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Understanding the differences can save time and frustration. If your hunch is that ADHD is affecting your daily life, the right professional can provide clarity and a path forward.
Signs You May Need a Formal ADHD Diagnosis
Suspecting you have ADHD is one thing, but how do you know if getting a formal diagnosis is worth it?
If daily life feels harder than it should, an evaluation can help.
Struggling with organization, time management, and follow-through are common ADHD challenges.
You might forget deadlines, misplace important items, or feel overwhelmed by tasks that others seem to handle easily.
Chronic procrastination, difficulty starting or completing projects, and a tendency to jump from one task to another without finishing can also be signs.
Emotional regulation is another key factor. Many adults with ADHD experience mood swings, frustration, or rejection sensitivity—intense emotional reactions to criticism or perceived failure.
Impulsivity may also show up in spending habits, relationship conflicts, or difficulty thinking through consequences before acting.
Some people with ADHD have spent years feeling like they’re “lazy” or “not living up to their potential.”
If you’ve consistently struggled despite your best efforts, ADHD could be the root challenge.
A diagnosis is a step toward strategies that work.
Can a Therapist Diagnose ADHD?
A therapist’s ability to diagnose ADHD depends on their credentials and training. In the states of California, Colorado, and Michigan, for example, I am licensed to diagnose ADHD. But in Wisconsin, I can only treat it, not diagnose it.
Licensed psychologists in all states can conduct full ADHD assessments and provide a formal diagnosis.
However, other types of therapists, such as licensed professional counselors (LPCs), clinical social workers (LCSWs), and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), are limited by state-specific regulation.
While they can assess symptoms, offer guidance, and even treat ADHD-related challenges, depending on the state they often refer clients to psychologists or medical professionals for a formal diagnosis.
This distinction matters when you take into account the use of the diagnosis.
If someone needs workplace accommodations or would just like to know for their own understanding and self-validation, an assessment from a therapist will often suffice.
However, an official ADHD diagnosis is often required for certain types of treatment, including prescription medication.
If a child needs academic support, official documentation from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician is usually necessary. Academic support for adults at a university can often be established with an assessment from a therapist, however, acceptance will vary by institution.
That said, therapists play a key role in the diagnostic process. They:
- help clients recognize patterns of behavior,
- explore how symptoms impact daily life, and
- determine whether a full evaluation is warranted.
Many therapists collaborate with other professionals to ensure clients get the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
For those who suspect they have ADHD, working with a therapist can be a great first step. They can provide practical coping strategies and, if needed, guide clients toward a professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
How ADHD is Diagnosed and Who’s Involved
ADHD is not diagnosed through a simple checklist or a quick conversation.
The process involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, behavior patterns, and medical history to rule out other conditions with overlapping signs, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression.
The goal is to ensure an accurate diagnosis so that treatment can be tailored to individual needs.
Several professionals can be involved in diagnosing ADHD:
- Psychologists specialize in comprehensive assessments. They conduct structured interviews, gather behavioral histories, and administer standardized ADHD rating scales. Some also perform neuropsychological testing to evaluate cognitive functioning.
- Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication, but they typically do not conduct in-depth psychological testing. Instead, they rely on clinical interviews, symptom histories, and external reports from therapists, family members, or teachers.
- Primary Care Doctors sometimes diagnose ADHD, particularly in children. However, for adults or complex cases, they usually refer patients to a specialist for further evaluation.
- Therapists (LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs) can assess ADHD symptoms and provide therapy to manage challenges. Depending on the state they can also conduct structured interviews, gather behavioral histories, and administer standardized ADHD rating scales.
A proper diagnosis is crucial because ADHD often coexists with other mental health conditions.
A thorough assessment ensures that the right treatment approach is taken, whether that includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
How to Prepare for an ADHD Assessment
If you’re considering an ADHD evaluation, knowing what to expect can make the process smoother.
A thorough assessment typically includes a clinical interview, symptom questionnaires, and possibly input from people who know you well, such as a partner or family member.
Before the appointment, reflect on how ADHD-like symptoms have affected different areas of your life. This includes work, relationships, school, or daily tasks.
Note patterns of forgetfulness, difficulty following through, or emotional struggles. Think about how long these issues have been present and whether they’ve improved or worsened over time.
It can be helpful to bring relevant documents, such as past school records, performance reviews, or previous mental health evaluations. These can provide additional context for your therapist.
Expect questions about childhood symptoms, as ADHD is a lifelong condition. If possible, gathering input from a parent or sibling about early behaviors can add valuable insight.
A formal diagnosis isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about understanding how ADHD affects you specifically.
The more information you provide, the better your therapist can tailor recommendations and next steps.
How ADHD is Different in Adults vs. Children
ADHD symptoms don’t disappear with age, but they do change.
Many adults go undiagnosed because they don’t fit the stereotype of a hyperactive child. People forget there are other types of ADHD, such as inattentive.
While children with ADHD often struggle with sitting still or following rules in school, adults are more likely to experience internal restlessness, disorganization, and executive dysfunction.
Hyperactivity in adults often looks like:
- feeling constantly “on,”
- jumping from task to task, or
- struggling to relax.
Instead of running around, adults may overcommit, talk excessively, or feel mentally overloaded.
Impulsivity might show up as:
- making quick decisions,
- interrupting conversations, or
- struggling with impulse control in spending, eating, or social interactions.
Many adults with ADHD have unknowingly developed coping mechanisms to mask their struggles—relying on last-minute adrenaline to meet deadlines, avoiding tasks that require sustained attention, or using caffeine and exercise to boost focus.
Some overcompensate with perfectionism or workaholism, leading to burnout.
Because ADHD symptoms evolve, many adults don’t realize they’ve been navigating life with an undiagnosed condition.
Recognizing these patterns can be the first step toward getting support and strategies that make life easier.
When to See a Therapist for ADHD
Even without a formal diagnosis, a therapist can be a valuable resource for anyone struggling with ADHD-like symptoms.
Many people experience chronic disorganization, difficulty managing time, and impulsive decision-making without realizing that ADHD could be the underlying cause.
A therapist can help assess these patterns and determine whether seeking a full evaluation is the next step.
Therapists are also beneficial for managing ADHD symptoms, whether or not medication is part of the treatment plan.
Therapy can provide tools for improving focus, developing routines, and regulating emotions—challenges that often accompany ADHD.
Beyond symptom management, therapists can address the emotional toll of undiagnosed or untreated ADHD.
Many adults with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, frustration, or feelings of underachievement.
Therapy can help turn these feelings around or assuage them, often effectively.
If ADHD is affecting your relationships, work, or overall well-being, talking to a therapist is a productive first step.
How Atelier Therapy Can Help You
Deciding to get tested for ADHD can feel overwhelming. But the right support makes all the difference.
I specialize in ADHD assessment and treatment, and help clients every single week to understand their symptoms and create a plan that works for them.
Whether you need a full evaluation, therapy, or guidance on next steps, you’ll find my approach both structured and empathetic. Did I mention I also have ADHD?
ADHD doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward a clearer, more manageable life. Ready for answers? Schedule an ADHD assessment today and take control of your path forward.