ADHD Testing in San Diego: How to Choose the Right Psychologist for Accurate Results

Searching for ADHD testing in San Diego can feel overwhelming — dozens of clinics, telehealth services, and online companies all claim to diagnose ADHD.

And when ADHD is misdiagnosed, two things happen:

1. People receive medications or treatment plans that don’t fit their actual condition.

2. They continue struggling in their relationships, career, and emotional life with no clarity.

This guide will help you identify what actually matters when choosing an ADHD testing provider.

1. Make sure the evaluator is a licensed psychologist trained in assessment

Psychiatrists and primary care doctors can diagnose ADHD — but they rarely conduct a comprehensive neuropsychological testing -- and that's normal due to time limitations and logistical reasons.

Clinical psychologists receive specialized training in:

• Neuropsychology

• Testing and measurement

• Differential diagnosis

• Complex case formulation

These are the skills needed for an accurate ADHD diagnosis.

2. Ensure the evaluation includes more than a brief questionnaire

A proper ADHD evaluation should include:

• Clinical interview

• ADHD symptom measures

• Executive functioning tests

• Attention/performance tasks

• Emotional and psychiatric screening

• Developmental history

• Academic or learning assessments (when relevant)

If a clinic only offers a 15-minute screener, it is not a diagnostic evaluation.

3. Ask what differential diagnoses are considered

This is where most errors occur. ADHD overlaps with:

• Anxiety and/or Depression

• OCD

• Bipolar disorder

• Autism

• Trauma

• Learning disorders

A strong evaluator will assess for all of these before assigning a diagnosis.

4. Ask whether you receive a detailed written report

You will need a written evaluation if you want:

• School or college accommodations

• Workplace accommodations

• Documentation for medication

• A clear treatment roadmap

Online companies often do not provide valid reports, or they provide auto-generated summaries that are not accepted by institutions.

5. Consider the evaluator’s clinical style

Good ADHD testing is not just data collection. It requires:

• Context

• Clinical insight

• Pattern recognition

• Developmental understanding

• Knowledge of trauma and attachment dynamics

At Restore Psychology, we specialize in the overlap between ADHD, anxiety, attachment, trauma, perfectionism, and more.

6. Choose someone who offers follow-up recommendations — not just a diagnosis

The report should include:

• Treatment options

• Coaching recommendations

• Skill-building strategies

• Medication referral guidelines

• Workplace or school accommodations

Diagnosis is only the beginning.

Ready to Schedule an ADHD Evaluation in San Diego?

Fill out the form below or click here to inquire about ADHD evaluations with Restore Psychology. We are accepting United Healthcare, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Cross for ADHD testing.