Anyone looking to get started with ADHDAdvisor.org must first complete a basic health assessment before they can book a diagnostic appointment. Next, they can schedule a convenient booking time, put down a deposit, and set up their account.

I dont have much experience seeking mental health doctors or knowing what to look for in a medical provider, but ADHDAdvisor.org walked me through the process and helped me prepare for my first appointment. This is how my experience with ADHDAdvisor.org unfolded.

Basic Health Assessment

Before I could schedule an online diagnosis appointment, I took an assessment on ADHDAdvisors website. I needed about five minutes, and it mostly asked about how often I noticed any of the specified symptoms. For example, the questionnaire asked:

• How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have a task that requires organization?
• How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in social situations?
• Have you been unable to stop or control worrying?

Once I entered my email address at the end, my results indicated there was a chance I had ADHD and should meet with one of their specialists for an evaluation.

Scheduling and Deposit

Once I proceeded, I could choose which appointment time worked best for me. They had plenty of availability and scheduling options that aligned with my course schedule, including on the weekends. Once I selected a time, ADHDAdvisor asked me to put down my credit card and pay a $20 deposit.

Patient Portal and Records

A few moments after I paid, I received a follow-up email instructing me to set up an online account. Once I registered, I had to complete the following:

• Telehealth informed consent form
• Patient Intake form
• Photo ID picture
• PHQ-9, GAD-7, ASRS, and MSQ assessments
• Release of information
• Emergency contact information

As my email pointed out, I could potentially lose or have to reschedule my appointment if I didnt complete these at least four hours beforehand. None of them were overly confusing or required additional information from my parents, so I could complete them on my own with plenty of time to spare.

Clinical Evaluation

ADHDAdvisor.org included a Zoom meeting link in the confirmation email, and I could also see the meeting details in my online patient portal. When it was time to meet, I joined the Zoom call and connected with my doctor immediately.

I had no idea what to expect and admitted I felt nervous, but my doctor reassured me and said we would figure out the root cause of my symptoms. She asked about my family medical history, personal medical records, when I began noticing changes in my behavior, and where I noticed any impacts in my life.

The questions were similar to what I had answered in the online assessments, but I was able to explain the details and clarify what I was feeling. Our conversation lasted about twenty minutes, and my doctor explained her observations at the end of the call.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Depending on what your medical clinician observes, theyll either rule out ADHD as a cause for your symptoms or recommend a treatment plan depending on the type of diagnosis, as my doctor explained.

Because I showed signs of having combined ADHD but only for the last couple of months, she recommended I try success coaching. If this doesnt work and I dont improve, well reassess my condition and whether therapy, medication, or a combination of treatments is necessary.

Heres a closer look at what each treatment option involves:

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medicine

My doctor told me that ADHDAdvisor.org, along with all online ADHD services, cant prescribe certain ADHD medications like Ritalin or Adderall as easily as in-person doctors. Still, they can offer other types of medicine, including non-stimulants, SSRIs, and SNRIs. The last two are anti-depressants, which can help certain patients who have ADHD, depression, or several mental health conditions.

She also mentioned the first attempt at prescribing a new medication may not work, as patients often need to adjust the dosage, experiment with different brands, or try a combination of medicines.

If I get to this point but still cant find a solution with the medications ADHDAdvisor.org can prescribe, my doctor said she could find a specialist in my area who can help. Thus far, my personalized plan has worked, but I feel better knowing that ADHDAdvisor.org can help me explore all options to find the best treatment for my needs.

One-on-One Therapy

ADHDAdvisor.org therapists are fully licensed and have experience helping ADHD patients repair the long-term effects of living with the condition. While I havent had to meet with one of their therapists, my doctor explained they could help if I dont feel confident in myself or have deeper frustrations I want to talk about.

She also mentioned therapists can help similar college students in my situation, whether theyre dealing with the emotional challenges of living in a new place, feeling unsure of themselves, or feeling lost about their future plans.

Success Coaching

Ive met with my success coach a few times, and weve discussed how to build sustainable habits and set myself up to reach my academic goals. Ive felt overwhelmed with all the coursework on my plate on top of working a part-time job, and my success coach has shown me how to develop a daily plan and set realistic expectations for myself.

Weve discussed how to budget time for leisure and my social life, block out distractions when I need to focus, and organize my classwork schedule to prioritize assignments. Ive felt more prepared for all my responsibilities since I started my treatment, so weve continued to meet and monitor my progress.

However, your experience with a success coach can differ depending on your circumstances and goals. For example, they can also help anyone looking to find a better job or set a budget while managing the effects of ADHD.

When I was doing research on ADHD, I came across similar services as ADHDAdvisor.org. Here are the main similarities and differences between ADHDAdvisor.org, BetterHelp, and Circle Medical that I found.

BetterHelp is an accessible therapy service for anyone in the United States, including individuals and couples. However, they strictly focus on therapy and cant prescribe any medications, which makes it less ideal for some.

Circle Medical is the opposite and only offers medication management. They have the ability to prescribe stimulants for patients who undergo an extensive physical exam and commit to follow-up appointments.

ADHDAdvisor.org is the only service of the three offering medication management and therapy (not to mention success coaching as well). While they cant prescribe stimulants, ADHDAdvisor.org is my pick for all-inclusive ADHD treatment.

ADHDAdvisor.org offers several subscription plans, depending on the ideal treatment plan for the patient. These include:

1. Weekly therapy: $140/week
2. Bi-monthly therapy: $280/month
3. Medication management: $100/month
4. Medication and bi-monthly therapy: $380/month
5. Weekly success coaching: $75/week

Its also possible to pay for single appointments, although they cost slightly more. I also dont always have to schedule an appointment if I have a small question since I can message my provider directly through my patient portal.

Ive had an excellent experience with ADHDAdvisor.org ever since my first appointment. Below, I outline my favorite aspects of the service.

Personalization

My provider never tried to rush my diagnosis or treatment; instead, she took the time to listen to what I was experiencing and carefully determine what would work best. She was honest and explained how each treatment would work, ensuring I would eventually find the right one to manage my symptoms and future goals.

While I cant speak to the quality of every one of ADHDAdvisor.orgs medical professionals, mine was excellent and recommended an ideal treatment plan for my lifestyle and current situation.

Scheduling Flexibility

Its hard scheduling appointments far in advance since I never know what my future months and semesters may look like. Since joining ADHDAdvisor.org, Ive been able to book appointments practically any time of the week. Ive met with my doctor and success coach on weekends, between classes, and later in the evening, making it perfect for my routine in college.

Comprehensive Care

I didnt know what I needed when I reached out to ADHDAdvisor.org, but they assured me they could provide just about everything I needed. They connected me with a success coach, I can contact a therapist if needed, and my doctor has the ability to prescribe non-stimulant medication if I continue showing signs of unmanaged ADHD. Regardless of what happens, I know ADHDAdvisor.org can help me navigate ADHD and my future development.

If youre in a similar situation as a college student or want to know if you have ADHD, I highly recommend trying ADHDAdvisor.org. They simplify the process for people who dont know where to begin managing ADHD, from connecting them with the right medical providers to tailoring treatment to work best with their health and lifestyle. If youre ready to move forward with ADHDAdvisor.org, take the assessment on their website and book your initial diagnosis appointment.