UofL psychology specialists launch low-cost ADHD evaluation service

A group of University of Louisville psychologists are making ADHD evaluations more accessible and affordable for Louisville area families.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often first diagnosed in childhood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, difficulty getting along with others or a tendency to squirm or fidget. Once a child has a diagnosis of ADHD, they can be treated with behavior therapy and medication, but evaluations can be costly and it may take months to get an appointment.

UofL faculty member and ADHD specialist Paul Rosen, associate professor in the UofL Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has launched the UofL ADHD Evaluation Service which provides children ages 6 through 17 with ADHD evaluations in just a few weeks. The evaluations are conducted by Rosen and his colleagues. With support from the WHAS Crusade for Children, evaluations are available to any family based on a sliding scale, with fees for most families ranging from $10 to $100.

“There clearly is a demand for this service. Traditional evaluations can take much longer and be cost prohibitive for some parents if they are uninsured or have high-deductible policies,” Rosen said. “If a child needs help, parents can contact us and within two to three weeks have a report in hand to take to their doctor or school and get the intervention process started.”

The evaluations can be conducted entirely online. The family completes an initial questionnaire, then participates in a single two-hour virtual or in-person visit with the psychologists. Using research-based templates, a customized report is provided to the family with recommendations tailored to the child’s individual needs.

“We specialize in ADHD and are aware of certain issues that are associated with ADHD – behavioral issues, trouble dealing with emotions, trouble focusing on schoolwork or other factors,” Rosen said. “We provide detailed recommendations for school accommodations. The parents can take this report to the school to get services for their child. School accommodations can be very effective at helping kids with ADHD succeed.”

Fully virtual evaluations are available for those with transportation concerns or who live outside Louisville, making travel difficult.

This fall, the group also will begin a tailored treatment program for children and adolescents with ADHD offering frustration and emotion management training, organization skills training, counseling and therapy for children and adolescents and a parenting support group.

To learn more about the ADHD Evaluation Service or to request an evaluation, visit the UofL ADHD Evaluation Service website.