What's the least expensive way to get diagnosed for ADHD

[ItAllMakesSenseNow]

I think that I have ADHD. I live in Texas and have limited very funds right now. Would anyone here recommend the online services for testing and diagnosing ADHD? I'm not currently employed, so I don't have insurance. I have to pay everything out-of-pocket.

FYI...I started writing this question about 5 hours ago, got distracted by a million things, but I'm back.

[ItAllMakesSenseNow]

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies! 😀

[IgnoranceWasNotBliss]

I am also in Texas. However, I had an impossible time finding help that way. I ended up going private and I was kinda surprised at the price. I thought it would be MUCH worse. Of course it’s still not cheap without insurance but it was worth it to me.

I paid $300 for the testing, appointment, diagnosis and medication adjustments for the first 2 ish months then $200 for a follow up and nothing again hey. So $500 for the last 6 months. My co-pay for my meds is only $5 but for the first script they did a voucher that the dr sent instead of my insurance and the cost was $19.80. That would be a monthly expense but I’m not sure what the voucher was and how they charge. Per pill or per script. Hope something here helps.

[ItAllMakesSenseNow in reply to IgnoranceWasNotBliss]

Oh! In my situation, that's not bad at all! I thought it would be much more expensive. I'll have to start shopping around. Thank you!

[IgnoranceWasNotBliss in reply to ItAllMakesSenseNow]

Right! I thought the same thing!

I would keep in mind though that being evaluated doesn’t guarantee a diagnosis. If the dr doesn’t think you have it, the initial cost wouldn’t be refunded. When I made an appointment I did it specifically at an ADHD clinic. I’m sure the dr had it too. I think they’re more confident in diagnoses us. Like, it takes one to know one, kind of thing.

Also, since Texas is still doing tela health, the clinic didn’t have to be close to me. It just had to be within the state. That way they can prescribe any medication.

Hope everything goes well for you.

[ItAllMakesSenseNow in reply to IgnoranceWasNotBliss]

You said... "If the dr doesn’t think you have it, the initial cost wouldn’t be refunded." What does that mean regarding a refund? I've not heard about situations where there are potential refunds?

[IgnoranceWasNotBliss in reply to ItAllMakesSenseNow]

It just means that paying to see an ADHD dr doesn’t guarantee that they will diagnose you with ADHD and prescribe medication. I think that they deal with some people seeking the medication and just want to make it clear that paying for the assessment doesn’t mean you’ll be diagnosed and if you’re not diagnosed you can’t get your money back.

That’s all.

[OkayOuiser in reply to IgnoranceWasNotBliss]

Thanks for sharing your experience with getting diagnosed and treated in Texas. I’m wondering if you’d be willing to pass along the name of the ADHD specialty clinic that you used. I’ve been researching providers but am paralyzed by fear that I’ll be laughed out of the office. I can’t afford that emotionally or fiscally, since I lost both of my jobs to the pandemic.

Any specific info you are willing to share about doctors and therapists who have been hospitable to your ADHD treatment journey would be greatly appreciated!