By Clay Hall, NP, PhD, MBA, founder of PracticeRx and adult ADHD specialist
The quick version: A good online ADHD doctor does a real evaluation, screens for conditions that look like ADHD, is licensed in your state, and stays with you for ongoing care. Be cautious of services that promise a diagnosis in minutes.
7 questions to ask
- Who will I actually see? Ask for the clinician's name, license, and specialty. You should be able to look them up.
- Are you licensed in my state? Telehealth clinicians must be licensed where you are located during the visit.
- How long is the evaluation? A thorough adult ADHD evaluation takes real time, including your history back to childhood.
- Do you screen for look-alikes? Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, and hormonal shifts can all mimic ADHD.
- Is medication the only option? Good care combines medication, when appropriate, with behavioral strategies.
- Who manages follow-up? You want continuity with the same clinician, not a new face each month.
- Do you take insurance? Many quality practices accept commercial insurance for psychiatry.
Red flags
- A diagnosis after a short questionnaire
- No clear clinician name or credentials
- Pressure to commit to a subscription before you're evaluated
Why I built PracticeRx this way
"In my practice I see many adults who were either missed for decades or given a quick diagnosis that didn't fit," says Clay Hall. "The evaluation is where good treatment starts. Getting it right matters more than getting it fast."
Clay Hall, NP, PhD, MBA is double-board certified in Primary Care and Psychiatry, with ADHD training from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He treats adults online in Arizona, New York, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, and in person in Scottsdale, AZ. Learn more about our adult ADHD treatment.
This article is educational and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
