Specialized ADHD Assessments and Treatment
If you or a loved one are struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, or emotional regulation, it can feel like you’re constantly fighting against your own brain. At Whisper Creek Counseling, we understand that ADHD is not a flaw; it’s a difference in how the brain manages executive functions. We offer specialized assessments and comprehensive treatment to help you gain clarity and develop strategies to Refresh Your Spirit. Restore Your Hope.
The Path to Clarity: ADHD Assessment
We believe that effective treatment starts with an accurate understanding. Marissa Meyer, MA, LPC, NCC, is certified to administer the gold-standard ADHD assessment tool: the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales, 2nd Edition (CAARS 2) from MHS.
What is the CAARS 2 Assessment?
The CAARS 2 is a comprehensive, scientifically validated assessment tool used specifically for diagnosing ADHD in adults. It provides an objective look at the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms across key areas, including:
- Inattention and Memory: Difficulty sustaining focus or following through on tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Restlessness: Feeling constantly “on the go” or internally driven.
- Impulsivity: Difficulty controlling actions or thinking before speaking.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Challenges managing frustration, anger, or sadness.
- Executive Functioning: Issues with planning, prioritizing, and organization.
Why Seek a Formal Assessment?
An assessment goes beyond simply confirming a diagnosis; it provides a detailed clinical profile of your unique challenges and strengths. This information is vital for:
Personalized Treatment: It allows your counselor to tailor your therapy and coping strategies precisely to your profile.
Medical/Academic Documentation: The results provide the necessary documentation for your physician if you choose to explore medication options, or for obtaining accommodations in academic or professional settings.
Self-Understanding: Gaining an official diagnosis helps shift your perspective from “What is wrong with me?” to “What is the best way for my brain to work?”
Telehealth Counseling
Telehealth counseling brings the calm, supportive presence of Whisper Creek directly to your secure space, ensuring you can easily access and maintain the forward momentum of your therapeutic journey.
Individual Counseling
Individual therapy at Whisper Creek is a private space of calm and reflection, guiding you to gain clarity, develop resilience, and confidently move toward your goals.
Couples Counseling
Couples therapy at Whisper Creek offers a calm, neutral ground where you and your partner can safely navigate difficult issues and collaboratively build forward momentum toward a healthier, more connected future.
Clarity, Expertise, and Strategy
Our approach to ADHD goes beyond typical counseling by integrating specialized assessment with evidence-based behavioral and cognitive strategies.
The Gold-Standard Assessment
Certified Expertise:
Marissa Meyer, MA, LPC, NCC, is certified to administer the industry-standard diagnostic tool for adults: the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales, 2nd Edition (CAARS 2) from MHS.
Objective Clinical Profile:
The CAARS 2 provides a detailed, objective report on the severity and frequency of symptoms across key domains, including Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, and Emotional Dysregulation.
Documentation for Life:
The formal assessment results provide the necessary clinical documentation for medical consultations (regarding medication) or for obtaining reasonable academic or workplace accommodations.
Comprehensive Treatment Strategy
Personalized Coaching:
We shift the focus from “fixing” a flaw to developing executive functions that work with your unique brain wiring. This includes coaching for time management, goal setting, and organization.
Trauma-Informed Lens:
We recognize that ADHD symptoms often intertwine with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our treatment addresses the underlying emotional and psychological factors to reduce feelings of shame and overwhelm.
Emotional Regulation:
Targeted skills training helps you identify and manage the intense emotions (frustration, anger, sadness) that are frequently associated with ADHD, helping you Refresh Your Spirit.
Strengths-Based Focus:
We move beyond deficits to help you harness the positive aspects of ADHD, such as high energy, creativity, and the ability to hyper-focus.
ADHD Assessment FAQs
How long does the ADHD assessment process take?
The assessment typically involves an initial clinical interview, completion of the CAARS 2 rating scales, and a comprehensive feedback session. The total process is usually completed over 2 to 3 sessions (90-120 minutes), providing rapid clarity compared to other lengthy psychological testing.
Does the assessment include recommendations for medication?
In Colorado, we can suggest a client seek a professional medical opinion for medication, but cannot recommend, prescribe, or advise on specific drugs. However, the final assessment report is essential for your prescribing physician (MD, Psyve, chiatrist, or Nurse Practitioner). The report offers objective clinical data that informs their decision-making regarding pharmacological treatment.
I was diagnosed as a child. Should I get reassessed?
Reassessment is often helpful. Adult life presents unique challenges (work, marriage, parenting) that change how ADHD manifests. A current CAARS 2 assessment provides an updated, relevant clinical profile to tailor effective adult coping strategies and support strategies.
Do you work with children and teens for ADHD?
While our formal CAARS 2 assessment is tailored for adults, we offer targeted behavioral and family counseling for teens struggling with focus, emotional regulation, and academic performance.
Are the assessment costs covered by insurance?
Like our counseling services, assessment costs are typically paid out-of-pocket. We provide a Superbill that includes the necessary diagnostic codes, which you can submit to your insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement.