ADHD Assessments Calgary
Comprehensive ADHD Assessments for Children, Teens & Adults
If you or your child are experiencing ongoing difficulties with attention, concentration, impulsivity, executive functioning, organization, or academic or workplace performance, a comprehensive ADHD assessment can provide clarity and direction.
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our Registered Psychologists provide evidence-based ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults throughout Calgary. Every assessment is designed to determine whether ADHD is present, identify other factors that may be contributing to symptoms, and provide practical recommendations for treatment, school, work, and daily life.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention and hyperactivity. In children with ADHD, this can result in problems paying attention, sitting still, controlling impulsive behaviours and organizing tasks. ADHD doesn’t just affect children though – adults who have ADHD may experience similar issues. Adults who feel that their attention span and concentration have become impaired or noticed changes in organizational skills and decrease productivity may benefit from an assessment.
ADHD testing and assessment in Calgary is a process that takes into consideration the patient’s symptoms. An ADHD specialist will examine patients and test their cognition, work skills, and other areas of functioning. These tests are carried out using computer software, written tests, or verbal assessments. The patients are also evaluated for medical conditions secondary to ADHD, like other learning disabilities and/or depression.
Our ADHD treatment program provides a variety of services to help you overcome your symptoms and improve your life. Our team consists of experienced professionals who have been treating children and adults with ADHD with great success for many years. We take pride in providing high-quality care in an environment that is comfortable and supportive.
Understanding ADHD and the Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, executive functioning, impulse control, organization, emotional regulation, and day-to-day performance. While many people experience occasional difficulties with focus or distractibility, ADHD involves persistent symptoms that significantly impact functioning at home, school, work, or in relationships.
Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, sleep difficulties, and other mental health conditions, a comprehensive psychological assessment is essential. An accurate assessment helps determine whether ADHD is present while also identifying any other factors that may be contributing to your concerns.
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, our Registered Psychologists complete evidence-based ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Every assessment is individualized and designed to provide a clear understanding of your strengths, challenges, and practical recommendations for moving forward.
ADHD symptoms typically begin before age 12 and can be diagnosed when a child has more than six months of symptoms that interfere with his or her ability to function in school. The condition often persists into adulthood (especially if untreated) and can affect work performance, school performance and relationships with friends and family members.
Rather than relying solely on symptom checklists, our comprehensive assessment process considers your developmental history, current functioning, standardized assessment measures, and clinical presentation to ensure an accurate and meaningful evaluation.
Why a Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Matters
Many conditions can look similar to ADHD, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Sleep disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Executive functioning difficulties
A comprehensive psychological assessment helps determine whether ADHD is the primary concern or whether another condition. Many conditions can resemble ADHD, including anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, sleep difficulties, and executive functioning challenges. A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether ADHD best explains your symptoms or whether another condition—or combination of conditions—may be contributing to your concerns. This ensures recommendations are accurate, individualized, and based on a complete understanding of your unique circumstances.
ADHD Testing
If you are an adult that suspects you or your child might have ADHD and have been struggling to find the right treatment, Virtuous Circle Counselling can help. We offer a wide range of mental health services, including ADHD testing in Calgary. There are many different types of ADHD tests available including:
- Psychological Assessment: Psychologists use assessment tools to determine what symptoms are present and their severity. They also assess other mental health conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
- Neuropsychological Testing: A psychologist uses cognitive tasks and questionnaires to assess brain function. These tests can help diagnose whether there is an underlying neurological cause for your symptoms.
- Behavioural Assessments: Behavioural therapists use observation tools such as checklists and rating scales to identify problem behaviours associated with ADHD. They also evaluate how these behaviours impact daily life so they can develop targeted treatment plans.
The main purpose of an assessment is to determine whether or not someone has ADHD or some other disorder that may be causing similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. It’s important to note that a lot of people who have ADHD don’t realize it until they get older, so many adults don’t know that they have it until much later in life. However, you can still learn behavioural and coping skills that will help lessen ADHD symptoms.
Why Families and Adults Choose Virtuous Circle Counselling
At Virtuous Circle Counselling, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults seeking greater clarity about attention, executive functioning, impulsivity, and learning challenges. Our Registered Psychologists use evidence-based assessment methods to determine whether ADHD is present while carefully considering other conditions that may contribute to similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, and sleep concerns.
An ADHD assessment is about more than receiving a diagnosis. It provides a clearer understanding of how you or your child thinks, learns, and functions, while identifying individual strengths, areas of challenge, and practical recommendations to support success at home, school, work, and in everyday life. Our goal is to provide meaningful answers, personalized recommendations, and a clear path forward with confidence.
Is an ADHD Assessment Right for Me?
Many people wonder whether the challenges they or their child are experiencing are related to ADHD or another underlying concern. While occasional difficulties with focus, organization, or impulsivity are common, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, school, work, or relationships may warrant a comprehensive assessment.
An ADHD assessment may be beneficial if:
- You struggle to stay focused, organized, or complete everyday tasks despite your best efforts.
- Your child is experiencing difficulties with attention, behaviour, learning, or emotional regulation at school or at home.
- You have always suspected you may have ADHD but have never received a formal assessment or diagnosis.
- You were diagnosed with ADHD years ago and would like an updated assessment to better understand your current needs.
- You frequently lose track of time, forget important tasks, or feel overwhelmed by planning and organization.
- You experience challenges with executive functioning, including time management, prioritization, task initiation, or maintaining attention.
- Your symptoms are affecting your academic performance, career, relationships, or overall quality of life.
- A teacher, physician, employer, or family member has suggested that an ADHD assessment may be helpful.
- You are seeking greater clarity about your strengths, challenges, and the most appropriate next steps for treatment or support.
Every individual’s experience is unique. During a comprehensive ADHD assessment, our Registered Psychologists carefully evaluate your symptoms, developmental history, and overall functioning to determine whether ADHD or another condition best explains your concerns. Our goal is to provide clear answers, meaningful recommendations, and practical strategies that help you move forward with confidence.
If you or your child is struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), please contact us today to discuss how we can help you start living a more fulfilling life.
How an ADHD Assessment Can Help
Following a comprehensive assessment, you will have a clearer understanding of your cognitive strengths, challenges, and whether ADHD is contributing to your concerns. Depending on your individual needs, your assessment may support:
- Greater understanding of your symptoms
- More effective treatment planning
- School accommodations
- Workplace accommodations
- Improved self-awareness
- Referrals for additional services when appropriate
- Personalized recommendations for ongoing support
Our Registered Psychologists use clinical interviews, standardized psychological measures, behavioural rating scales, and diagnostic criteria to provide comprehensive ADHD assessments tailored to each individual’s needs.
Our ADHD Assessment Process
ADHD Assessment: Estimated assessment hours needed for an adult/child:
- Client Interview (1 hour)
- Asessment & Rating Scales (1 hours)
- Scoring time, file review, and report writing (5 hours)
- Feedback for client (1 hour)
Total Estimated Hours: 8 hours
Total Estimated Cost: $1,880
Insurance:
Many extended health benefit plans will cover in full or a potion of the cost for private ADHD Assessment. It is important to check with your plan provider for available coverage. We will work with our clients to organize the billing to maximize coverage.
What You'll Receive Following Your ADHD Assessment
- A comprehensive clinical interview
- Standardized evidence-based assessment measures
- Diagnostic impressions based on clinical findings
- A written report
- A personalized feedback session
Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD is a disorder and associated challenges that many adults face, which is why undergoing an ADHD assessment can be beneficial. An ADHD assessment typically involves psychological testing as well as psychosocial interviews and evaluations from mental health professionals. The goal of the assessment is to identify potential ADHD symptoms and other co-occurring disorders. During the ADHD assessment, a mental health provider will consider biological factors, psychological factors, family history, medical history, functional impairments, and other relevant areas in order to properly diagnose ADHD in adults or rule out any co-occurring disorders. This information will then be used to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual needs.
You should bring any relevant medical records or any previous psychoeducational assessment reports. If you have any report cards from when you were a child available please bring those. Please ensure you take any required medication and that you have slept well and ate breakfast. Please dress comfortably as there will be extended times of sitting. If your appointment is booked for a half day, bring snacks and water. If your appointment is booked for a full day we will break for lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.). There is a waiting area that has a microwave, coffee and water available or lunch options are available within walking distance.
It depends on the individual and what needs to be assessed, but typically it can take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours. Depending on the presenting symptoms it may be necessary to do more testing to rule out co-morbidities. This includes the actual testing sessions with lots of time for breaks. The length of time can vary depending on the person. We always try our best to ensure our client’s comfort by providing breaks when necessary. When we assess children, we will have movement breaks but will also have some board games for them to play. If your child has a book, or favourite toy to engage with during breaks please feel free to bring it.
Time to report the assessment report can vary based on what is being assessed, the number of files that are required to review and the number of interviews required (how many teachers, doctors, co-workers, spouse etc.) we may need to contact. While we aim to have the quickest turnaround, we strive to have your report and feedback available no later than four weeks after testing has been completed. If a report is needed for an application with a deadline, please let us know so that we can accommodate it.
This depends on the reason for the assessment, but typically you would provide them to your physician. Reports can also be provided to your employer if you are seeking accommodations for work. Please let us know if you have questions about this and we can address them in your feedback meeting.
The first step to getting tested for ADHD is booking a consultation with our assessment psychologist. Here, you can learn about the assessment process, cost, insurance coverage, time commitment etc. This consultation will give you the opportunity to ask any questions to see if the ADHD Assessment is something you would like to move forward with.
A family doctor or pediatrician might be able to diagnose ADHD, but it depends on their training and experience. Your doctor can also rule out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They may also ask if anyone else in your family has been diagnosed with ADHD, as it tends to run in families. Your doctor will also ask about any mental health issues and whether you have ever been prescribed medication for anxiety or depression, as these conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms.If you have any doubts about whether or not they are qualified, talk with your primary care provider about finding someone else who specializes in working with people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Some people with ADHD may be eligible for disability benefits through the government, but this is not always the case. A mental health professional can help you determine whether or not your condition qualifies as a disability and what type of benefits may be available to you.
Sometimes an assessment determines that ADHD is not the primary concern. Difficulties with attention and concentration can also be associated with anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, sleep difficulties, or other factors. Our goal is to provide clarity so you understand what is contributing to your symptoms and what steps may be most helpful moving forward.
Book Your Appointment Online
We are currently accepting new clients however being a good fit is everything in a therapeutic alliance. When you’re ready, please contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we match your needs and goals.
We at Virtuous Circle Counselling acknowledge Moh’kinstsis, the lands where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, in what we currently call Calgary. We acknowledge that we are visitors on Moh’kinsstis and acknowledge the Blackfoot are those who named this area as Moh’kinsstis. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the ancestral territories, cultures, and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Dene people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.