Many students experience distress (sometimes for the first time) related to ADHD-like experiences when transitioning to college and begin to wonder if they might be an ADHDer. If this is your experience, CAPS is here to help.

Cal Poly students are eligible to request an ADHD Screening from CAPS in one of two ways:

1. If you are already connected to CAPS and have an Individual Therapy Provider, you can let them know you’d like to explore whether or not you are an ADHDer.
2. If you are not connected with CAPS, you can call CAPS at 805-756-2511 and let us know that you are interested in being screened for ADHD. The first step will be to complete a 30-minute phone “Screening Appointment” that all students go through to establish care with CAPS. During this appointment you can let your CAPS Screening Provider know that you are interested in an “ADHD Screening” and they will provide you with the next steps.

An ADHD Screening involves completing self-report screening measures and informed consent prior to the ADHD Screening Appointment. During the approximately 30-minute phone screening you will be asked questions related to your history and current experiences with ADHD-like experiences. Your ADHD Screening Provider will review the outcomes of your self-report screening measures with you and based on your specific goals and needs related to assessment, you will collaborate to decide what the next best step is related to ADHD Assessment. 

CAPS provides a limited number of full ADHD Assessments during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Access to these full assessments require completion of the ADHD Screening Appointment and the ability of the student to commit to approximately 5 ½ hours of assessment time if the program is determined to be the best next step for them.  

If your primary goal is assessment and evaluation for medication utilization:

• You can seek a psychiatrist through your insurance (reminder: HMOs may require a referral from your primary medical provider). You can contact your insurance provider or use the insurer portal to find an In-Network provider. Learn more about utilizing your insurance here.
• Many people find success utilizing online psychiatry platforms for assessment and treatment. Platforms include:
  • Blossom (also assesses Autism) -In-Network with most major insurances, including United Health Care, Oxford, Cigna, Optum, Anthem, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Talkiatry (In-Network 100+ insurance companies accepted)

If you would prefer a more comprehensive Psychological Assessment for ADHD:

• You can call your insurer and ask if they cover ADHD Assessment and if you need to receive prior authorization before undergoing assessment (The CPT codes would be 96130-96133 and 96136-96139).
• Checkout this “ADHD Evaluation & Testing in California: A Clinician-Curated Guide by Insurance”. It breaks down assessment providers in California by insurance providers (some options may require travel) and provides a very clear guide of how to talk about the need for the assessment with your insurer and/or primary medical provider.
• There are also local, out-of-pocket assessment options. Learn more about them here.