[blured]

Hi,
I am new to this forum as well as to the term ADD/ADHD. After reading many articles and listening to a lot of other people talk about ADD, I feel I fit into the description of ADD, I wanted to know where to find a professional help. Whom should I first go to get diagnosed, what should I expect from them?

Any suggestions are more than welcomed. Its hard to work with ever wandering mind.

Thanks in advance.

[Miswimmy1]

Go to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. They can diagnose and perscribe medication. Or if you think, u can try your basic dr...

[blured]

Thanks for the reply. Which is better to visit for diagnosis? psychologist or psychiatrist? Can please elaborate. Pros and cons of both. Thanks!

[blured]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

Go to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. They can diagnose and perscribe medication. Or if you think, u can try your basic dr...

What should I expect from them? and if you could please tell how much in average would it cost for everything like diagnosis, treatment (therapy, medication).... It would be helpful if you could break it down (your experience) so that I have a rough estimate. I don't have much money so I want to be financially prepared before I seek any professional help. I don't want it to stop once it gets started, hope you understand.

Thanks

[Miswimmy1]

Psychologist can diagnose but can't prescribe medication: they do the behavior and talk therapy. A psychiatrist can diagnose and medicate, but usually don't do talk therapy, although some do.

Those two are the highest on the list of various professionals. I don't know how ur insurance is, but I see my psychologist 3x a week (15$/session). But that is really low I think. It can be anywhere up to 150+. I see my psychiatrist once every 6weeks for 30$. But that can also be 150+.

Ask about rates when u are interviewing. Some might be willing to work out a pay plan with you, if need be.

[badbob14]

Blured,
You are about to start on an incredible journey. A great place to start is with Ned Hallowell and his book or audio recording of Delivered from Distraction. When you are ready to get started on discovering new strategies for dealing with the traits that hold you back, a good place to start is with Ari Tuchman. His newest book Understand Your Brain, Get More Done, is an excellent tool. Also Ari Tuckman wrote the book and has an excellent website entitled Integrated Treatment for Adult ADHD. The subtitle says it all: a four-part comprehensive treatment model that includes:
· Family education as a clinical intervention.
· Effective medication options.
· ADHD Coaching for better time management, organization, and self-esteem issues.
· Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, anxiety, and more.
A well-trained ADHD coach can help you coordinate all of these elements that are essential to a highly fulfilled life.
Bob Hathcock.

[blured]

Does anyone have any idea about a good ADHD/ADD psychiatrist around Dallas, Texas area? I am really confused about which doctor to visit? please help !

[Miswimmy1]

I wish I could tell u but I'm on the west coast I would ask around (ur doc, friends, if you have a child in school, then the school (I found my doc through the school), neighbors). Word gets around in this profession, so I would start by asking your regular doc

[sedated04]

Hi everyone. I'm also looking for help in Chicago. I'm an adult that has never been diagnosed but I am so sure I have ADD/ADHD. Does anyone know of a sliding scale provider as I have no insurance?

[blured]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

I wish I could tell u but I'm on the west coast I would ask around (ur doc, friends, if you have a child in school, then the school (I found my doc through the school), neighbors). Word gets around in this profession, so I would start by asking your regular doc

I finally got diagnosed and have been prescribed Vyvanse, pretty expensive as there are no generic for Vyvanse. I wanted to know does your insurance cover for ADHD treatment or medication - mine apparently doesn't. The irony is that my insurance is termed "Student Insurance" but they deny paying for my ADHD treatment because they consider it to be learning disability. How in earth is this even a Student insurance? smh

I guess i will post a new thread to find out which insurance company pays for ADHD.

Thanks

[Miswimmy1]

I am not sure. I am on strattera, which also is not generic yet, and so mine is 100+, even with insurance. A lot of insurance doesn't cover add medication it seems, or if they do, it's not much. I would ask your insurance company for a list of the medications they cover and work from there...