Private ADHD Assessment (Cambridge): Process, Price & Tools

If you're a student, there's more than a 1 in 7 chance you have some form of ADHD. Many students in the UK are undiagnosed with ADHD.  If you suspect you're one of them, a certified assessment can provide peace of mind and a fast track to the support you need.While you can obtain ADHD assessments through the NHS, there may be long wait times and limited availability in certain areas. This is why many individuals opt for a private evaluation, which offers quicker turnaround times and more flexibility in terms of online assessments and services offered.

This guide will walk you through the steps, prices, and details of getting a video conference private ADHD assessment in Cambridge. Want to skip straight to booking an assessment today?

King's College, Cambridge, photo by Chris Boland, professional photographer

Photo of the King's College in Cambridge, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in University-Age Adults

Infographic explaining how the Adult ADHD diagnosis is made, and diagnosis criteria. It also explains step by step the psychiatrist assessment for ADHD: symptoms, personal history, psychoilogical factors, social factors, where needed associated conditions. Medication is discussed if appropriate.

The signs and symptoms of ADHD may vary from person to person, but here are some potential signs:

  • Difficulty paying attention or staying focused during lectures
  • Impulsive behaviour, fidgeting and shifting during class or studying
  • Poor time management and organization skills, missing deadlines, and social commitments
  • Hyperactivity and restlessness
  • Forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks

These symptoms can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall daily functioning. It's important to note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has ADHD. A formal assessment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

But if you’re searching for a reliable way to get assessed for ADHD, Cambridge may fall short of options. Fortunately, you can get a diagnosis virtually with ADHD Specialist:

How to Get Private ADHD Assessment Services in Cambridge (Step-by-Step)

Getting a private ADHD diagnosis can be daunting, which is why we keep our virtual patient onboarding process simple and transparent. Here is a brief overview:

  1. Contact: Fill out the contact form and briefly explain your needs and how the consultant psychiatrist can help.
  2. Screening: Complete the mental health screening questions sent by Dr. Ivantu's secretary.
  3. Registration: Register as a patient with the support of Dr. Ivantu's secretary and schedule your appointment.
  4. Assessment: Prepare for your private 2.5-hour ADHD assessment by reviewing documents and completing the pre-assessment form.
  5. Post-Assessment: Access medication if prescribed and arrange a follow-up meeting with Dr. Ivantu to support your progress in achieving your goals.

Here's a more detailed explanation of each step in the process, including what you'll need, what to expect, and how long it will take:

Contact Us (Time: 5-10 minutes)

  • Fill out the contact form with a brief explanation of your needs.
  • Provide essential details about your mental health needs and how you would like the consultant psychiatrist to assist you. This initial contact is crucial for determining whether our services suit your situation.
  • Expect a response within 24-48 hours from Friday to Monday.

Screening Questions (Time: 15-20 minutes)

  • Answer the mental health screening questions sent by Dr. Ivantu's secretary.
  • After your initial contact, you will receive a set of general mental health screening questions. These will help us assess your situation and decide on the next steps, such as accepting your case or requesting more information.
  • Note that our service is not suitable for emergencies or severe psychiatric conditions.

Registration and Schedule Your Appointment (Time: 15-30 minutes)

  • Register as a patient and complete the pre-appointment questionnaire.
  • Our secretary will assist you in registering on our electronic medical record system. Before your appointment, complete a comprehensive questionnaire, which provides vital information for your consultation.
  • Dr. Ivantu recommends video consultations for ADHD assessments, though in-person appointments are available if needed.

Your Private ADHD Assessment (Time: 2-2.5 hours)

  • Attend a comprehensive private consultation with Dr. Ivantu.
  • Before your appointment, Dr. Ivantu will review your documents and pre-assessment form.
  • The consultation will last up to 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which a detailed evaluation will be conducted. For those with an existing ADHD diagnosis, a 2-hour assessment is offered.

After the ADHD Assessment

  • Access medication and arrange a follow-up meeting as needed.
  • If appropriate, medication will be made available within 24-72 hours, and a private prescription sent securely to our partner pharmacy.
  • Book your follow-up meeting to discuss your ongoing personalised treatment and strategy to achieve your goals.

Prices for Private ADHD Assessments in Cambridge

Our online private Adult ADHD Assessment costs £1450, which comprehensively covers:

  • Registration and questionnaire completion
  • An up to 2.5-hour assessment consultation with Dr Ivantu
  • Comprehensive diagnosis report
  • University support letter (if needed)
  • Private prescription (if appropriate)

Reviews and Testimonials for Our ADHD Assessment

Is it worth it? We believe our reviews and testimonials speak for themselves:

Dr Ivantu is intelligent, compassionate and really interested in helping you to achieve your goals. His holistic approach works best for me. Living with ADHD under Dr Ivantu care is truly a blessing. My life has become more enjoyable and fulfilling. I have managed my time more efficiently and effectively and achieved what I wanted. I recommend Dr Ivantu to all of you. Thank you Dr Ivantu! Private Patient Testimonial
Dr Ivantu is an excellent doctor, who is thorough and patient; he communicates with a cogent and thoughtful manner. Every correspondence I’ve had with him or his secretary is always carried out politely and in a timely fashion. I wouldn’t hesitate to use his services again and would highly recommend them to anyone who is interested. — L.T

We understand that deciding to pursue private assessment and treatment for ADHD can be a big decision, so we strive to provide our patients with quality services.

What to Expect During the ADHD Assessment Process

Diagnosing ADHD requires a thorough clinical assessment using both questionnaires and evidence-based methods.

Evidence-based methods:

  • Dr. Stefan Ivantu employs the structured DIVA-5 diagnostic tool, which ensures a comprehensive evaluation of all significant symptoms according to DSM-5 criteria.
  • This tool is particularly effective in assessing adult ADHD, as it considers both current and past symptoms that might have been overlooked or normalised during childhood.

Questionnaires:

  • Questionnaires such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and BAARS-IV gather detailed information from multiple sources, including loved ones, teachers, and the individuals themselves, to assess symptom severity across various settings.
  • These insights, combined with behavioural observations in different environments, contribute to a well-rounded diagnosis. We perform mental state examinations and assess the developmental to rule out other potential conditions.

In our private ADHD assessments, we allocate up to four hours to thoroughly engage in several key activities:

  1. We begin by carefully reviewing the pre-assessment questionnaires to ensure a deep understanding of your unique situation.
  2. This is followed by a comprehensive diagnostic interview. In the assessment, we provide you with psychoeducation to equip you with valuable insights about ADHD.
  3. Our team meticulously prepares your assessment report, ensuring it captures all necessary details.
  4. Furthermore, we assist you in crafting a personalised treatment plan.

We do our best to make this a seamless, easy process so you can take control of your ADHD and find clarity — book an assessment today if it's the right fit for you.

What Happens After My Assessment?

What happens after your assessment can depend on your diagnosis, whether you'd like medication or not, and the next steps you feel are necessary. Our goal is to help you determine the best plan for you:

  1. Diagnosis and reporting: We will communicate the diagnosis outcome at the appointment's end. We will also deliver a comprehensive report within 5 working days post-assessment, which we can share with your general practitioner or professionals with your consent.
  2. Follow-up care and university planning: We can answer questions or write support letters for educational institutions. For follow-up care, we can help with a holistic plan to achieve your goals and improve life quality.
  3. Medication: If medication is prescribed, we can provide pharmaceutical treatment within 3 days if indicated and safe. Note that private medication costs are separate and typically cost £100-200/month.

We understand you may have some anxiety regarding ADHD treatment and medication, so if you need more time to think about it or would prefer a more holistic approach, Dr Stefan Ivantu is still there to support you.

Are Private ADHD Assessments Approved?

The short answer: yes! ADHD Specialist takes several measures to ensure the highest quality of care and diagnosis:

  • Independently regulated: Private ADHD clinics, like ADHD Specialist, are indeed legitimate and uphold high standards, as evidenced by our registration with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
  • NHS-based: Our assessment process has not only withstood rigorous testing but has also been refined upon the solid foundation of NHS practices.
  • Regularly audited: To ensure ongoing quality, the clinic conducts regular audits and actively seeks feedback to enhance its services while maintaining a manageable client base.
  • Oxford-trained: At the helm is Dr. Stefan Ivantu, a Consultant Psychiatrist who completed his specialist training in Oxford, UK, and has over five years of focused experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
  • ADHD at the NHS: Dr. Ivantu has also been instrumental in setting up an Adult NHS ADHD service and holds a Certificate of Completion of Training. His qualifications are further underscored by his membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists, affirming his expertise in the field.
  • Confidentiality and discretion: We understand that seeking help for ADHD can be a sensitive issue, which is why we guarantee privacy and discretion to all our clients. All information shared within the clinic will remain confidential, and no personal details will be disclosed without your consent.

ADHD Specialist provides an alternative option for individuals who may not have access to NHS services in Cambridge or prefer a more personalised approach to their treatment. The quality of care our clinic provides is closely monitored, ensuring that patients receive optimal care.

Let Us Help You On Your Mental Health Journey Today

Here is a quick overview of all we've covered:

  • Consider a private ADHD assessment for quicker and more flexible options. NHS wait times can be long, making private evaluations a faster alternative with more personalised care.
  • Recognize the signs of ADHD and seek a formal assessment. Symptoms like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and poor time management can impact daily life, but only a formal assessment can confirm or rule out ADHD.
  • Follow a simple step-by-step process for private ADHD assessment in Cambridge. From initial contact to post-assessment follow-up, the process is designed to be transparent and supportive.
  • Trust in the high standard of our private ADHD clinic. Clinics like ADHD Specialist are independently regulated, regularly audited, and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring quality of care and confidentiality.

If you're in Cambridge seeking a thorough private, and accessible diagnosis, ADHD Specialist provides video conference assessments to support your needs. We understand that ADHD can have a significant impact on your life, and we're here to help you navigate through it.

Don't hesitate to contact us today for more information or to book an assessment. We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way towards better mental health.

FAQs

Why should I consider an ADHD private assessment?

Getting your ADHD assessment private offers quicker and more flexible options compared to NHS wait times. As well, finding Cambridge psychiatry professionals to meet with in person may be a challenge. Making your ADHD test private can also provide more personalized care tailored to your specific needs.

How do I know if I have ADHD?

If you experience difficulties with focusing, organising tasks, or controlling impulses, it may be a sign of ADHD. However, only a formal assessment by a healthcare professional can confirm or rule out an ADHD diagnosis. If you believe you may have undiagnosed ADHD, consult with an Oxford-trained psychiatrist servicing online Cambridge. Book a comprehensive video consultation with an ADHD Specialist.

Can ADHD affect University Students?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect individuals of all ages, including university students. It can lead to challenges in academic performance and emotional well-being, such as anxiety. However, ADHD is highly treatable, enabling students to reach their full potential.