how to get a proper ADHD diagnosis in Massachusetts

[Missbeamz]

Hi, I am new here. I went for a diagnosis at life stance in my state. the doctor told me I had a lot of factors in my life that why she couldn't give me a new diagnosis. I have a ten-month-old baby, I go to school and work part-time. I have most of the ADHD symptoms before I gave birth. where can I get a proper diagnosis in Massachusetts and coach needed urgently?

[STEM_Dad]

Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell is a psychiatrist, author, and a well known ADHD expert. One of his Hallowell Centers it's in Sudbury, in the Boston area. If I lived near there, that's where I would try to get an appointment.

I've read a couple of Dr. Hallowell's books, and I've watched several videos featuring him on YouTube, including a video on the HowToADHD channel.

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If your ADHD-like traits preceded your pregnancy, especially if you had them in your youth, then that seems like ADHD.

If you only started experiencing these traits during your pregnancy (which happened to my wife), the it's a phenomenon I heard called "pregnancy brain".

Either way, whether it's ADHD or something like ADHD, coaching could be very helpful for you.

You can also look up other ADHD care providers on directory sites like these:

chadd.org/professional-dire...

directory.additudemag.com/

add.org/professional-direct...

[BTV65]

I'm in MA. I found a psychiatrist who gave me my initial diagnoses and started me on meds. When he retired, my physician continued to prescribe my monthly meds. If you have a regular doctor you see, I would start there and ask them how to get diagnosed. Perhaps they could do it. If not, they should be able to refer you to someone.

I did go to the Hallowell center in Sudbury at one time for testing. It was *very* expensive and not covered by insurance. ($2K) I ended up with a bunch of test results and they patted me on me head and sent me on my way. It was a huge waste of money and didn't really change anything or put me on a different path, as I already knew I had ADD.

[STEM_Dad in reply to BTV65]

Thanks for the feedback about the Hallowell Center. I won't be so quick to mention it in the future.

I do appreciate Dr. Hallowell's books and the videos he's featured in on YouTube, because they helped me learn a lot about ADHD and understand how I'm affected by my ADHD. I had no idea that the center doesn't take insurance. I can't say I'm surprised by the cost, though.

[BTV65 in reply to STEM_Dad]

Their general attitude is "If you think your insurance covers it, we'll provide you whatever documentation you need and you can submit it yourself." I did. It got rejected. Part of it likely fall to "out of network", since they aren't part of any network.

I don't think they are bad people or scam artists. I just think their business model is about making money by selling specialized testing. If you aren't already working with a doctor who can help you make use of your test results, then I would say it's likely a waste of money to get tested in the first place.

[Jbythesea]

I live in Massachusetts. My primary doctor is at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester. He referred me to a psychiatrist and even set up the appointment to meet in his office.

I am now on medication for ADHD and have continued to take celexa

which I have been taking for years.

The great thing is I have had my primary doctor for over 30 years. He has been through all the ups and downs in my life. So I know that is a huge help. He knows I don’t like taking ANY medication if I absolutely don’t need to.

It’s working for me

Good luck.

[ShortyKat in reply to Jbythesea]

What meds do you take for the ADHD, if you don't mind my asking? I used to take Celexa too.

[Jbythesea in reply to ShortyKat]

I take Celaxa and amphetamine salt combo 20 mg. I take 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 early afternoon.