7 Steps to Get Tested for ADHD in Denver
Takeaways:
Getting tested for ADHD is a proactive step toward clarity and support. It helps you or your child better understand attention-related challenges and identify strategies that align with your unique strengths.
ADHD evaluations are thorough and individualized. They often include interviews, behavior rating scales, cognitive testing, and input from key people to ensure an accurate, well-rounded picture.
Birch Psychology provides comprehensive, compassionate ADHD testing in Denver. Our team offers expert care across the lifespan, focusing on both diagnosis and ongoing support tailored to each client’s needs.
If you (or your child) have been struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, or restlessness, you may be wondering whether ADHD could be part of the picture.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how a person thinks, learns, and relates to the world, but it’s also highly manageable with the right support. The first step toward understanding what’s really going on is a thorough, compassionate assessment.
Knowing how to get tested for ADHD in Denver can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Seeking an evaluation is a proactive and empowering way to gain clarity, explore your strengths, and identify personalized strategies that actually work for your life.
At Birch Psychology, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments in Denver for children, teens, and adults. Our team takes a thoughtful, evidence-based approach—looking beyond surface-level symptoms to truly understand each individual’s unique experiences and needs.
How to Get Tested for ADHD in Denver
Getting tested for ADHD isn’t just about finding a diagnosis—it’s about better understanding how your brain works and what kind of support will help you thrive. Whether you're exploring this for yourself or your child, here's a step-by-step look at how to get tested for ADHD in Denver, including what to expect and how Birch Psychology can guide you through the process.
1. Recognize the Signs of ADHD
The first step is noticing patterns that might point to ADHD. In children, symptoms often show up as difficulty sitting still, impulsive behavior, frequent daydreaming, or challenges with following instructions. Teens and adults might struggle with time management, staying on task, forgetfulness, procrastination, feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks, or difficulty with social boundaries.
ADHD affects everyone a little differently. For some, the signs are subtle, like zoning out during conversations or frequently misplacing things. For others, the impact on school, work, or relationships may be more obvious. If you’ve started to wonder whether something deeper could be going on, it may be time to consider an evaluation.
2. Talk to a Mental Health or Medical Professional
Once you recognize consistent challenges, the next step is to connect with a professional. A pediatrician, primary care doctor, or therapist can help you determine if an ADHD assessment is appropriate. They may ask about symptoms, daily struggles, or any recent changes in behavior or performance.
It's also important to rule out other possible causes. Sometimes what looks like ADHD could stem from anxiety, trauma, or learning differences. A trained professional can help tease apart these factors to ensure an accurate understanding of what’s going on.
3. Schedule a Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation
If ADHD is suspected, a full evaluation provides a clearer picture. At Birch Psychology, our comprehensive assessments are designed to be thorough and individualized. A typical evaluation includes:
Clinical interviews with the individual (and caregivers, if appropriate), discussing personal and family history.
Standardized behavioral rating scales to measure symptoms.
Cognitive and academic testing.
Feedback from teachers, partners, or other key people in your life.
This approach enables us to understand not only the symptoms but also the whole person. It’s a key part of how to get tested for ADHD in Denver with care that’s tailored to you.
4. Understand the Role of Neuropsychological Testing
In some cases, a more in-depth evaluation, called neuropsychological testing, may be recommended. This type of assessment examines the functioning of various brain areas, including attention, memory, language, and problem-solving, and how these processes may impact behavior or learning.
Neuropsychological testing can be beneficial when ADHD symptoms overlap with other concerns like anxiety, autism, or learning differences. By taking a deeper look at cognitive functioning, this type of testing helps clarify the full picture and guide more targeted interventions at home, school, or work.
5. Review the Results and Diagnosis
After the evaluation, your psychologist will walk you through the results with clarity and compassion. You’ll learn whether ADHD is present and what that means for your daily life. The conversation is collaborative—you’ll have space to ask questions and share concerns.
It’s also important to distinguish between a clinical diagnosis and school-based eligibility. While they may overlap, each serves a different purpose, and Birch Psychology can help you navigate both.
6. Get Personalized Recommendations and Next Steps
A diagnosis is just one part of the journey. The real value lies in the individualized recommendations that follow. Based on your or your child’s needs, this may include therapy, medication, executive functioning coaching, or accommodations through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
At Birch Psychology, we focus on strengths as much as challenges. Our goal is to equip each client with tools and strategies that promote confidence, clarity, and lasting growth.
7. Seek Ongoing Support if Needed
ADHD isn’t something you “fix”—it’s something you learn to manage with the right tools and support. Many people benefit from continued therapy, skill-building sessions, or periodic check-ins to stay on track.
Birch Psychology offers ongoing care for clients in Denver and beyond, helping individuals and families build resilience and adapt over time. We believe in being partners in your long-term well-being, not just your evaluation.
Why Choose Birch Psychology for ADHD Testing
When you're exploring how to get tested for ADHD in Denver, it's important to feel seen, supported, and confident in your provider. Here’s what makes Birch Psychology a trusted partner throughout your assessment journey:
Holistic & Comprehensive Evaluations
Birch Psychology’s ADHD assessments go beyond surface-level checklists. These full-spectrum evaluations include detailed clinical interviews, standardized behavior ratings, cognitive testing, and academic-history review. The goal? To clarify not only whether ADHD is present, but also to distinguish it from other learning or mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression.
Specialization in Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD frequently overlaps with other challenges. Birch Psychology understands this interaction and provides integrated care that accounts for how ADHD symptoms may relate to or exacerbate anxiety, mood struggles, or learning differences.
Expertise in Both Child & Adult ADHD
Testing and support aren't one-size-fits-all. But our clinicians at Birch Psychology have specialized training in diagnosing ADHD across the lifespan, are aware of the nuances between childhood and adult presentations, and are skilled in crafting age-appropriate recommendations.
Collaborative Feedback & Personalized Guidance
Birch clinicians share results with care and clarity, offering written reports, one-on-one feedback sessions, and jointly crafted next steps. Whether that includes therapy, coaching, accommodations, or medication referrals, every plan is tailored to your strengths, needs, and goals.
Integrated Care Pathways
At Birch Psychology, your assessment doesn’t end at diagnosis. The clinicians who evaluate you often continue in therapy or coordinate with co-located psychiatry services for medication consultation, creating a smoother, more connected treatment journey.
Taking the First Step Toward Clarity and Support
Deciding to pursue an ADHD evaluation is not just about getting answers—it’s about giving yourself or your child the opportunity to feel understood, supported, and empowered. Whether you’ve been navigating attention challenges for years or have recently begun to notice symptoms, knowing how to get tested for ADHD in Denver is the beginning of a clearer, more confident path forward.
At Birch Psychology, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why we’re here to guide you through each step with care, collaboration, and expertise. If you're ready to explore whether ADHD might be part of the picture, we invite you to connect with our team.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward greater clarity, meaningful support, and personalized strategies that truly make a difference.