Question 1

What is a comprehensive assessment?

Accepted Answer

A structured process that combines gold-standard psychological testing, a detailed developmental history, and a collaborative approach, so you leave not just with a diagnosis, but with a deeper understanding of how your brain works.

Question 2

Who are assessments for?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who suspect they may be ADHD or Autistic, people seeking diagnostic clarity, or those who need documentation for accommodations, school, or workplace supports.

If you’ve noticed lifelong patterns like attention challenges, burnout, sensory differences, masking, or feeling “different,” an assessment can help clarify what’s going on.

Question 3

How long does the assessment process take?

Accepted Answer

The full assessment process usually involves 7–11 hours across 6-8 appointments and can typically be completed within about two months.

Question 4

How is an integrative approach different from a traditional assessment?

Accepted Answer

Traditional assessments focus primarily on testing and diagnosis. An integrative therapeutic assessment includes the same standardized tools, but also creates space to explore your lived experience, understand how ADHD or autism shows up in your life, and develop practical strategies you can actually use afterward.

Question 5

How is an integrative approach different from a brief medical screening?

Accepted Answer

Medical screenings can confirm ADHD quickly, but comprehensive psychological assessments provide deeper analysis, documentation, and recommendations for work, school, and daily functioning.

Question 6

What’s the difference between public and private assessments?

Accepted Answer

Public healthcare assessments can be a good option for people who are comfortable waiting longer and prefer a fully publicly funded pathway. Private assessments usually have shorter wait times and allow more flexibility in scheduling, pace, and follow-up support.
Both options can lead to a diagnosis. The best choice depends on your timeline, budget, and the type of support you’re looking for.

Question 7

How do I know which type of assessment is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Different options serve different needs, timelines, and budgets.

A brief medical screening (for example through a nurse practitioner or virtual ADHD clinic) is often chosen by people who feel confident they have ADHD and mainly want confirmation in order to explore medication.

A public healthcare assessment may be a good option if you prefer a publicly funded pathway and are comfortable with longer wait times.

A private psychological assessment is often chosen by people who want shorter timelines, detailed documentation for accommodations, or more time to explore their experiences with a clinician.

An integrative therapeutic assessment includes the same diagnostic tools as a traditional psychological assessment, but also creates space to explore your lived experience, process the meaning of the diagnosis, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life.

If you're unsure which option fits your needs, we can talk through the possibilities together.

Question 8

Is this covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Sessions are billed individually under psychological services, so many extended health plans reimburse part of the cost. I will try to help you maximize your specific plan’s reimbursement limits.

Question 9

Can the report be used for accommodations or disability documentation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the assessment meets the relevant criteria, the report can support applications for academic accommodations, workplace supports, or programs such as the Disability Tax Credit.

Question 10

What if the assessment shows I’m not ADHD or Autistic?

Accepted Answer

That information can still be valuable. The goal of the assessment is clarity. Sometimes the process highlights other patterns that may be affecting your experiences, such as anxiety, learning differences, burnout, or environmental stressors. We’ll discuss the results together and explore next steps that may still be helpful.

Question 11

How can I prepare for the assessment?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to prepare anything formal. It can help to think about examples of how your experiences show up in daily life, work, school, or relationships.

Some parts of the assessment may be completed virtually, while others may be in person depending on the tools being used. If you're attending in person, feel free to bring water or snacks. If you're joining virtually, it can help to have them nearby at home so you can stay comfortable and focused.

If you take ADHD medication, it’s usually recommended to take it as prescribed so the assessment reflects your typical functioning.

Question 12

What happens after the assessment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll receive a detailed written report and a feedback session where we review the results together, answer questions, and discuss practical next steps. Some clients choose to continue with therapy or coaching to help integrate what they’ve learned.

Assessments

Integrative Therapeutic Approach

Frequently Asked Questions