Assessment Services
ADHD Assessment
Comprehensive ADHD testing for children & adults in Golden, Colorado.
Schedule a Free ConsultationAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — neurodevelopmental conditions. It affects children and adults alike, often showing up differently across the lifespan, and it frequently goes undiagnosed for years. If you or your child has been struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, restlessness, or inconsistent performance, a comprehensive ADHD evaluation can provide the answers and direction you need.
At Mountain Peak Psychology, we offer thorough, individualized ADHD assessments grounded in the most current research and clinical best practices. We serve clients in Golden, Wheat Ridge, Denver, and throughout Colorado.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with functioning across multiple areas of life. There are three presentations of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive (sometimes called ADD) — difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and staying organized, without significant hyperactivity.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive — excessive physical activity, restlessness, difficulty waiting, and acting without thinking.
- Combined Presentation — significant symptoms in both areas.
ADHD is not a matter of laziness, low intelligence, or poor parenting. It is a brain-based condition with a strong genetic component, and it responds well to the right combination of support, accommodations, and — when appropriate — treatment.
Who Might Benefit from ADHD Testing?
You might consider an ADHD evaluation if you or your child:
- Has difficulty sustaining attention during tasks, conversations, or schoolwork.
- Frequently loses items, misses deadlines, or forgets appointments.
- Feels mentally restless or has trouble sitting still for extended periods.
- Acts impulsively — speaking out of turn, making decisions without thinking, or interrupting others.
- Struggles with starting tasks, especially those that feel tedious or overwhelming.
- Has inconsistent performance — performing well sometimes but seeming to "fall apart" at others.
- Has been told they're not reaching their potential despite apparent effort.
- Is an adult who was never evaluated as a child but has always struggled with attention or organization.
- Needs documentation of ADHD for academic accommodations (college, graduate school, MCAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.) or workplace accommodations.
What Does an ADHD Evaluation Involve?
Our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and multi-method, meaning we don't rely on any single test or questionnaire. A thorough evaluation typically includes:
Clinical Interview
Dr. Gau conducts an in-depth clinical interview covering your developmental history, academic and work history, current symptoms, relationships, and daily functioning. For children, a parent interview is included. This conversation provides critical context that no standardized test can capture on its own.
Cognitive Testing
Standardized tests measure core cognitive abilities including sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning — providing an objective picture of how the brain is processing information.
Continuous Performance Testing
A computerized attention task (such as the CPT-3) may be administered to provide an objective measure of attention, impulsivity, and response consistency over time.
Rating Scales & Questionnaires
Validated behavior rating scales are completed by the client (and, for children, by parents and teachers). These tools capture how ADHD symptoms manifest across different environments and provide normative comparison data.
Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely exists in isolation. Our evaluation screens for — and rules out — conditions that can mimic or co-occur with ADHD, including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, and sleep-related concerns.
Differential Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis depends on careful, thorough differential evaluation. We take the time to distinguish ADHD from other conditions that can look similar on the surface — so the diagnosis you receive actually reflects what's going on.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Evaluated?
- Clarity and validation — finally understanding why things have felt harder than they should.
- Accurate diagnosis — distinguishing ADHD from anxiety, depression, learning disorders, and other conditions that can look similar.
- Personalized recommendations — specific strategies, accommodations, and treatment options tailored to your presentation.
- Academic accommodations — extended time, separate testing rooms, and other supports at school or on standardized exams.
- Workplace accommodations — documentation for reasonable adjustments under the ADA.
- A roadmap for treatment — whether that includes therapy, medication evaluation, coaching, or a combination.
ADHD in Adults
Many adults reach their 20s, 30s, or beyond before realizing they have ADHD. This is especially common in individuals who were high-achieving students — their intelligence compensated for ADHD symptoms until demands outpaced their ability to cope. Adult ADHD often looks different from childhood ADHD: less hyperactivity, more internal restlessness, chronic underachievement, relationship struggles, or difficulty managing responsibilities.
An adult ADHD evaluation at Mountain Peak Psychology is just as thorough as our evaluations for children and adolescents, and the resulting report is appropriate for use with employers, healthcare providers, or higher education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
Most ADHD evaluations are completed in a single testing day, typically ranging from four to eight hours depending on the complexity of the evaluation. Some cases may require a brief follow-up appointment.
Can ADHD testing help my child get accommodations at school?
Yes. A comprehensive evaluation report from Mountain Peak Psychology can be used to request an IEP (Individualized Education Program), 504 Plan, or other accommodations through your child's school. We provide specific, actionable recommendations in our reports.
Is ADHD testing covered by insurance?
We are a private pay practice and do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits before your appointment.
Can adults get tested for ADHD at Mountain Peak Psychology?
Absolutely. We offer ADHD evaluations across the lifespan — from young children through older adults. Our evaluation process is adapted to be developmentally appropriate for adults, including attention to work functioning, relationship patterns, and adult-specific challenges.
Think ADHD Might Be Part of Your Story?
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today. There's no obligation — just an open conversation to make sure we're the right fit for your needs.
Schedule a Free Consultation