Adult ADHD Testing in Los Angeles

Living as an adult with undiagnosed ADHD can feel exhausting and disorienting. You may find yourself chronically behind, feeling overwhelmed by tasks, or even frustrated by difficulties in relationships or at work. You may also find yourself caught in cycles of loneliness and self-doubt. 

The most challenging part? You may not be sure where these “symptoms” are coming from. Do you experience a brain difference that leads to the challenges with inattention? Or is this a result of your environment? Your history? 


These are very challenging questions to answer, and we have the tools to get to the bottom of what is going on. At Thrive and Feel Psychology in Los Angeles, we specialize in adult ADHD testing. We can help you find clarity and direction through our compassionate, evidence-based psychological assessment process.

Let’s Understand Adult ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is frequently abbreviated as ADHD, is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition that can manifest through various symptoms, including inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, heightened emotions, and difficulty with organization (APA, 2022). These ADHD symptoms significantly impact adult functioning in many facets of an individual’s life. Research has even shown a frequent co-occurrence of ADHD with other psychological challenges, such as anxiety and depression (Faraone & Rostain, 2023).

Recent studies reveal that approximately 4% to 5% of adults live with ADHD; however, many folks living with the neurodevelopmental disorder go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood (Song et al., 2023). If you think you have been living with ADHD (or someone trusted in your life has indicated it), we can help you understand what is going on through our evidence-based assessments.

It is important to note that in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, you need to have experienced symptoms in childhood. For some adults, symptoms of restlessness and inattention that they experienced as children often went unnoticed or were inaccurately attributed to other causes. As a result, adults with undiagnosed ADHD may be searching for an answer to explain a long history of difficulties with attention, distractibility, self-doubt, or feelings of loneliness.  

If you fall into the category of undiagnosed adults with ADHD, Thrive and Feel Psychology can help you come to this conclusion through a comprehensive psychological assessment.

What does ADHD look like?

The presentation of ADHD varies from person to person. Folks diagnosed with this neurodevelopmental condition may describe any of the following challenges:

Chronic Procrastination

Difficulty maintaining focus, especially on tasks that are uninteresting

Emotional dysregulation and/or heightened sensitivity

Challenges with time management and organization

Feeling restless or impatient

Low frustration tolerance

Acting impulsivity

Feeling inadequate

Having low self-worth

As any adult with ADHD knows, these challenges can be both frustrating and exhausting, taking a toll personally and professionally.

If you can relate to these symptoms and are unsure about the cause,

you may be a good candidate for an evidence-based, comprehensive assessment for ADHD.

When you participate in a comprehensive ADHD assessment that a psychologist conducts, you are investing your time and financial resources in the service of greater self-awareness and actionable, tailored steps to help you navigate your life more effectively. 

Yes, you can take a quiz online that will tell you if you have ADHD or not. The reality is, these quizzes are not comprehensive, and accurately diagnosing ADHD requires a holistic approach. In other words, answering yes or no to questions on a self-report form is not going to give you the whole story.

A thorough ADHD assessment looks at much more than symptoms alone — it examines how your attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and emotional regulation all come together. It also considers your history, how you function in different environments (like work, school, or relationships), and whether other factors such as anxiety, depression, trauma, learning differences, or medical issues might be a better explanation for the challenges you are currently navigating.

A Comprehensive Adult ADHD Assessment Is

Different From an Online Quiz

Ultimately, comprehensive testing is about understanding the why behind your struggles, not just whether you meet criteria for one of these three disorders:

  1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

  2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation or

  3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Presentation.

If you complete ADHD testing in Los Angeles or virtually with us, we will provide you with guidance on the types of supports, strategies, or treatments that will actually help you move forward.

The Benefits of Neuropsychological Testing in Los Angeles

The psychologists at Thrive and Feel have a wide range of experiences, providing ADHD testing in various settings (including private practice, disability services, inpatient hospitals, schools, and residential treatment settings). Our clients have reported that these are some of the main benefits of participating in psychological testing.

1. Clarity

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation provides clarity by examining executive, cognitive, and emotional strengths and challenges, helping you determine if you meet criteria for a neurodevelopmental disorder. Instead of just checking boxes on a symptom list, our assessments explore where you are struggling and why you might be experiencing these challenges. We look at how your brain processes information, how your challenges are interpreted by other people in your life (such as treatment providers, family members, or friends), and whether something else (like anxiety, trauma, or learning differences) could be driving the symptoms you describe.

2. Validation 

A comprehensive ADHD assessment can be profoundly validating. Many folks enter the psychological assessment process carrying the weight of years of self-blame. It is common to wonder, “Why do I struggle with things that seem easier for everyone else?” Going through a thorough assessment often brings relief, as it connects the dots between lifelong patterns, sheds light on why certain tasks feel so challenging, and reframes these difficulties as understandable brain-based challenges rather than personal failures. Instead of moving through life with an underlying tone of frustration or shame, you leave with a clear explanation of how your mind works — and, importantly, concrete ways to support yourself moving forward.

3. Personalized Recommendations

One of the significant benefits of comprehensive ADHD testing is that it leads to personalized recommendations, rather than just a label. The results of the evaluation help us determine what supports, strategies, or accommodations will be most beneficial. Here are three examples of what we may recommend:

  1. Specific in-person practical strategies or virtual tools

  2. How to structure your day in order to be more effective and feel less overwhelmed

  3. Evidence-based therapy approaches, such as ACT or DBT, or referrals for support groups or coaching

  4. Psychopharmacological interventions

4. Appropriate Accommodations

A comprehensive ADHD assessment that results in a formal (and accurate) diagnosis opens the door to relevant, appropriate support and accommodations, such as:

  • Academic recommendations (i.e., IEP, 504 accommodations)

  • Standardized testing accommodations, such as extra time

  • Workplace adjustments

You are welcome to share this report with teachers, healthcare providers, or employers to provide them with a more concrete understanding of your needs.

5. Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing

Understanding your executive functioning, cognitive, and emotional strengths and challenges gives you — and the people close to you — a more transparent lens through which to view your experiences. Instead of attributing struggles to “laziness” or “not trying hard enough,” you and your loved ones can view these patterns as part of how your brain processes information and emotions. Folks who have received an ADHD diagnosis from a comprehensive evaluation have explained that they experience more empathy, patience, and compassion in their relationships. Additionally, the insights gained through testing frequently reduce patterns of self-blame and frustration, making space for self-acceptance, healthier relationships, and a more vibrant life. In this way, a psychological evaluation can provide you with much more than practical strategies - it also improves overall mental wellness.

The Process of Comprehensive ADHD Testing at Thrive and Feel

Our psychologists in Pasadena provide thorough, evidence-based private autism and ADHD assessments for adults. You can participate in ADHD testing in our offices in Pasadena or virtually.

Our comprehensive evaluation process includes an initial consultation, clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, activities related to cognitive and executive functioning, consent for the psychologist to conduct collateral calls with relevant family members, friends, and/or healthcare providers, and a feedback session.


At the end of the process, you will receive a written report, which will be sent to you via a HIPAA-compliant electronic medical record to ensure your privacy. 


For more details about the process, please refer to our general assessment page.

Treatment and Intervention Options for Adult ADHD

If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you will likely want to know what to do next. After completing an adult ADHD assessment in Los Angeles, you will receive recommendations for evidence-based treatment modalities.

One of the primary questions we get from individuals during the feedback sessions is "Should I take medication for this?" The answer to this question is based on numerous factors, so your assessment psychologist can give you a more accurate answer after compiling all the data from your assessment.

It is important to know that the most up-to-date research on ADHD indicates that medication alone is a less effective approach to treatment than a dual approach that integrates therapy with psychopharmacological interventions (Faraone & Rostain, 2023).

Here are some examples of therapeutic interventions that could be relevant to you:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 

A 2024 meta-analysis by Mitchell et al. confirmed that CBT significantly reduces core ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, while also helping to mitigate symptoms of other psychological disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

 

ACT can help adults with ADHD by teaching them to notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, reducing avoidance that often worsens focus and follow-through. This therapy modality also supports folks in clarifying their values and taking meaningful action, so they can build a life guided by what matters most, even alongside distractions and frustration (Rogers et al., 2023).

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

 
 
 

Digital and Technology-BasedInterventions

DBT can help individuals who experience issues with emotion regulation, and can also support folks who are experiencing challenges in relationships (Carlson et al., 2025). Through DBT Skills Training, you can learn strategies that help you better manage symptoms of ADHD.

FDA-approved digital tools like EndeavorRx have demonstrated significant improvements in attention and executive functioning for adults with ADHD, providing accessible supplementary treatment options (FDA, 2023).

Why You Want to Invest Your Time and Money with Us

We are much more than a questionnaire. We combine our expertise and compasstionate vibes with evidence-based assessement tools to get you the answer you are seeking.   

We know that psychological testing is a significant investment of time and money. Our goal is to facilitate the process in a way that reflects our understanding of the significance of the commitment you are making when you choose to do your evaluation with us.

Ready for the next steps?

 

If you have been on Google and searched “ADHD assessment for adults near me” you have come to the right place. Thrive and Feel offers private, comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments, and you can learn more about our process today.

Schedule your free consultation with one of our Psychologists in Pasadena.

Serving Los Angeles, Pasadena, and all of California.

Virtual and In-Person Assessments Available.

Book Your Free Consultation |Contact Us

FAQs

  • Do you struggle with tasks that require you to pay attention? Is organization difficult? Can it be challenging to regulate your emotions? Has anyone ever described you as "impulsive?"

    There is a wide range of potential causes for these challenges; however, it is possible that these "issues" stem from undiagnosed ADHD.

    Adult ADHD testing in Los Angeles can help you understand if these challenges are a result of a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD, or if another neurological, emotional, or environmental factor better explains them.

  • If you decide to work with one of the neurodivergent-affirming clinicians at Thrive and Feel, you will engage in a 4-6 week process with your psychologist.

    During this time, you will participate in a detailed clinical interview, complete self-report questionnaires, participate in a series of activities that gauge cognitive and executive functioning, and select individuals in your life who know you well to allow us to gather what we call “collateral information,” a feedback session discussing your results, and a comprehensive written report. 

    You will also have plenty of time to ask your expert assessor any questions you may have during your time together.

  • Yes, we offer (and oftentimes recommend) comprehensive assessments, which include measures that test for the presence of a wide range of DSM-5 mental health diagnoses, including autism and ADHD. Given the frequent co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, our comprehensive assessments are thoughtfully designed to screen comprehensively for both conditions simultaneously. By integrating assessments, we are confident that we are providing you with a nuanced understanding of your executive functioning, cognitive, and emotional profile.

  • The timeline of the assessment process is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, you will meet directly with your psychologist and complete activities and questionnaires at your convenience.

    Our adult ADHD testing typically takes a minimum of approximately 5 hours of direct one-on-one time. The time you spend directly with your assessor is completed across three separate sessions (an intake interview, “testing day,” and feedback session).

  • Insurance coverage for ADHD assessments for adults varies significantly based on your specific provider and plan. At Thrive and Feel, we provide detailed billing statements ("superbills") for out-of-network reimbursement purposes. Some clients successfully receive partial reimbursement from their insurance; however, we highly recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific coverage and clarify your eligibility for reimbursement for psychological assessments before beginning testing.

  • Free online ADHD quizzes can be a helpful first step — they might validate some of what you are experiencing or give you a reason to look deeper. These online measures, which are rarely backed by empirical support, may be inaccurate and are not designed to tell you the whole story.

    Those quizzes usually just skim the surface, asking a few yes/no questions without exploring why you might be having attention or focus issues. They cannot tease apart ADHD from other possibilities like anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep issues, or even medical conditions, all of which can look similar on the outside.

    A comprehensive ADHD assessment goes much further. You will not complete the process with a vague label; instead, you will have clarity about your strengths and areas for growth with personalized recommendations to help you navigate any challenges you are experiencing.

  • The cost of the assessment will vary based on the question you are trying to answer through testing. Diagnosis-specific evaluations, such as an ADHD assessment, are designed to address a single diagnostic question. An ADHD Evaluation costs $2,800 and will indicate if you do or do not meet criteria for ADHD.

    If you are interest in a more comprehensive assessment to answer additional questions, pricing will change. You will know the cost of your evaluation after meeting with the psychologist and discussing what you hope to gain from the testing.

 References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

Carlson, K., Miller, R., & Chen, W. (2025). DBT adaptations for adult ADHD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 81(2), 203–215.

FDA. (2023). FDA authorizes digital therapeutic for ADHD. Retrieved from www.fda.gov.

Faraone, S. V., & Rostain, A. L. (2023). Advances in adult ADHD treatment. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(2), 195-208.

Hayashi, T., et al. (2022). Mindfulness for ADHD and emotional regulation. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15, 257-271.

Mitchell, K., Murphy, K., & Ramsay, J. R. (2024). CBT outcomes for adult ADHD. Behavior Therapy, 55(1), 42-56.

Rogers, H. R., Johnson, L., & Baker, P. (2023). ACT for adult ADHD: RCT results. Behavior Modification, 47(5), 741-760.

Song, P., et al. (2023). Global adult ADHD prevalence. Lancet Psychiatry, 10(4), 265-276.