ADHD Evaluation in Northwest Arkansas
Comprehensive adult and child ADHD evaluation typically combines DSM-5-TR diagnostic interview, validated rating scales, Continuous Performance Test, and collateral history. Formal psychometric testing is reserved by Arkansas law to Licensed Clinical Psychologists. ZipHealthy LCSW clinicians do not perform psychometric testing; we provide referrals to credentialed providers in Northwest Arkansas. Request a referral →
An estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults (6.0%) have a current ADHD diagnosis, and more than half received that diagnosis in adulthood (CDC, 2024). When a clinical interview alone doesn't answer the question — when the symptom picture is complex, when accommodations are at stake, or when prior treatment has stalled — a formal evaluation surfaces information an interview misses (Meyer et al., 2001). Below: what our ADHD evaluation will include when the service launches.
Need an ADHD Evaluation? We Can Refer You
ZipHealthy is a licensed psychotherapy practice; we don't offer formal ADHD assessment. We're happy to refer you to a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) we trust.
What our ADHD evaluation will include
When the service launches, every evaluation will combine the four components below. The mix is grounded in evidence-based assessment practice and follows DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
1. Structured diagnostic interview
A 60- to 90-minute clinical interview covering DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD: ≥5 symptoms (adults) of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, onset before age 12, present in ≥2 settings, and producing functional impairment. Includes differential-diagnosis screening for anxiety, mood disorders, learning disorders, and sleep disorders.
2. Validated rating scales
For adults, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), developed with the WHO; in published validation against blind clinical diagnosis, the 6-item screener achieves 68.7% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity (Kessler et al., 2005). For children, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent and Teacher Rating Scales, validated as reliable and cost-effective in clinical populations (Wolraich et al., 2003).
3. Continuous Performance Test
A standardized computerized measure of sustained attention, response inhibition, and processing speed. The Conners CPT 3 is one widely used instrument. The CPT does not establish a diagnosis on its own; it adds objective data alongside the interview and rating scales.
4. Collateral history and integration
Where available, input from a partner, parent, teacher, or other person who has known you across multiple settings. The evaluation closes with an integration session in which results, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations are reviewed with you; a detailed written report follows within 2–3 weeks.
When a formal evaluation is the right next step
Not every ADHD question requires the full battery. A formal evaluation earns its time and cost when one or more of the following applies.
Looking for an ADHD evaluation? We refer you to Licensed Clinical Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) qualified to provide a full diagnostic battery.
Request a Referral → Call (479) 259-1390How the evaluation will work
A three-stage process — intake, testing sessions, integration meeting — designed to give you a clear, defensible answer and a written report your treatment team can act on.
Initial Consultation
A 60-minute intake to discuss your concerns, gather developmental and current history, and confirm which specific instruments are needed for your referral question. If a clinical evaluation in our LCSW practice is the better fit, we'll say so — not every question needs the full battery.
Testing Sessions
Typically 3–5 hours of testing (spread across one or two sessions) including the rating scales, Continuous Performance Test, and any cognitive/personality measures appropriate to your specific referral question.
Integration & Report
A 45- to 60-minute integration session walking through results, diagnostic conclusions, and specific treatment and accommodation recommendations. A detailed written report follows within 2–3 weeks and is shareable with your therapist, prescriber, school, or employer.
What this evaluation will not do
It will not prescribe or adjust medication — if medication is indicated, the written report supports your prescriber's decision but doesn't replace one. It will not replace ongoing therapy. It will not produce a same-day verbal diagnosis; the written report is the formal deliverable. And it is not a screening tool you can self-administer online — the value comes from a credentialed clinician's integration of multiple data sources against DSM-5-TR criteria.
After the evaluation: how this fits with the rest of your care
An evaluation is the start of a treatment plan, not the end. Depending on what we find, the written report typically supports one or more of the following paths:
- Medication consultation — if pharmacotherapy is indicated, the report goes to your primary-care physician, psychiatrist, or PMHNP. A network meta-analysis of 133 RCTs supports methylphenidate as first-choice in children and adolescents and amphetamines in adults as preferred first-choice medications for short-term ADHD treatment (Cortese et al., 2018). ZipHealthy does not prescribe.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for residual symptoms — in a randomized controlled trial of adults already on ADHD medication with persistent symptoms, adding CBT produced significantly more responders than relaxation with educational support (53% vs. 23% on the Clinical Global Impression scale; odds ratio 3.80, 95% CI 1.50–9.59), with gains maintained at 6 and 12 months (Safren et al., 2010). We offer CBT in our LCSW practice and can begin once the evaluation is complete.
- School and workplace accommodations — the written report includes specific recommendations (extended time, distraction-reduced environment, scheduled breaks, etc.) appropriate for ADA documentation.
- Family or couples therapy — available in our practice if the report identifies relational impact.
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Thought record worksheets, cognitive distortion reference cards, behavioral experiment logs, and a core beliefs workbook. A great starting point alongside assessment results.
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For educational and personal development purposes. Not a substitute for professional therapy.
Request an ADHD Evaluation Referral
Formal psychometric testing for ADHD is reserved by Arkansas law to licensed psychologists (Ark. Code Ann. §17-97-101 et seq.). ZipHealthy is a Licensed Certified Social Worker practice and does not offer a full diagnostic battery. Tell us about your situation in the form and we'll connect you with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) in Northwest Arkansas we trust for ADHD evaluation.
We Can Refer You for ADHD Evaluation
ZipHealthy is a licensed psychotherapy practice; we refer you to a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) we trust when a full diagnostic battery is the right next step.
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