What Does a Psychologist Do During ADHD Evaluation?

PostedOctober 13, 2025

UpdatedOctober 13, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

A psychologist ADHD evaluation involves several key steps to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for ADHD. The goal is to build a full picture of how symptoms affect every day functioning, using a mix of structured tools and personal insights. Psychologists are specially trained to carry out these evaluations, often using a combination of clinical interviews, behavioural assessments, and standardised questionnaires.

The process typically begins with a clinical interview, where the psychologist asks detailed questions about the individual’s history, including early development, school performance, family dynamics, and current difficulties. This helps identify patterns consistent with ADHD, as well as any other conditions that might explain the symptoms.

Next, the psychologist may use behavioural assessments to evaluate how attention, organisation, and impulse control function in different settings such as home, work, or school. These assessments often include rating scales completed by the individual and people close to them (like parents, teachers, or partners), along with cognitive testing in some cases.

What to Expect in an ADHD Evaluation

Here’s what a psychologist typically includes in an ADHD evaluation:

Clinical Interview

A detailed conversation exploring medical, psychological, educational, and social history.

Standardised Questionnaires

Tools like the ASRS or Conners Scale are used to measure the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms.

Behavioural Assessment

Observations or reports about behaviour in daily life, focusing on attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.

In conclusion, a thorough psychologist ADHD evaluation ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and that appropriate support strategies can be recommended.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Signs, Symptoms, and Self-identification of ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.