Adult ADHD Testing
A thorough, evidence-based evaluation that goes beyond a checklist. Dr. Joseph Volpe has spent over 30 years helping adults on Long Island and throughout New York finally understand what has been holding them back.
ADHD Assessment
ADHD in adults is frequently missed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. The symptoms — difficulty sustaining attention, poor organization, impulsivity, chronic underperformance — overlap significantly with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and the effects of chronic stress. A brief screening questionnaire cannot distinguish between them.
A comprehensive psychological evaluation examines the full picture: your developmental history, current symptoms, cognitive functioning, and the ways ADHD may be interacting with other aspects of your life. The result is a clear, defensible diagnosis — and a roadmap for what comes next.
Adult ADHD Testing
- A detailed clinical interview covering your history, symptoms, and daily challenges
- Standardized psychological testing and validated rating scales
- Review of relevant records and collateral information when appropriate
- Upon request, a summary with findings, diagnosis, and recommendations will be provided
- A dedicated feedback session to walk through results and next steps
Who seeks an evaluation
Adults come to the Institute at many different points in their lives. What they share is a sense that something has been getting in the way — and a desire to finally understand what it is.
- Adults who have struggled with focus, organization, or follow-through for years
- People who were told they had ADHD as children but never received a formal evaluation
- Professionals whose performance has been affected by attention difficulties
- Adults whose anxiety or depression may be masking an underlying ADHD diagnosis
- Anyone who wants a clear, evidence-based answer — not just a checklist
The core of every evaluation
Executive function is where ADHD lives
ADHD is not simply a problem with attention. At its core, ADHD is a disorder of executive function — the set of mental skills that allow you to plan, initiate, organize, regulate, and follow through on what matters to you.
Most adults who come in for an evaluation have spent years being told they are smart but lazy, capable but inconsistent, or promising but unreliable. What they actually have is a brain that struggles with the executive systems that make sustained, self-directed action possible.
A thorough evaluation does not just confirm whether ADHD is present — it maps which executive domains are most affected and how severely. That profile is what makes treatment meaningful rather than generic.
Working Memory
Holding information in mind while using it — following multi-step instructions, keeping track of a conversation, or remembering what you walked into a room to do.
Time Awareness
The internal sense of time passing — why adults with ADHD are chronically late, miss deadlines, and underestimate how long things take, even when they genuinely try not to.
Task Initiation
The ability to begin a task without excessive procrastination — especially tasks that are not immediately rewarding. One of the most disabling and least understood aspects of adult ADHD.
Planning & Organization
Sequencing steps toward a goal, managing competing priorities, and maintaining organized systems over time. Chronic disorganization is not a character flaw — it is a neurological pattern.
Emotional Regulation
Managing frustration, rejection sensitivity, and emotional reactivity. Adults with ADHD often experience emotions more intensely and have less time to regulate before reacting.
Sustained Attention
Maintaining focus on tasks that are not inherently stimulating — reading, paperwork, meetings, administrative work. This is the domain most people associate with ADHD, but it rarely stands alone.
Inhibitory Control
Managing impulsive responses — in thought, speech, and action — so that behavior is guided by intention rather than immediate impulse or distraction. A core deficit in ADHD that affects decisions, relationships, and safety.
"Understanding which executive skills are impaired — and how severely — is what separates a useful evaluation from a label."
Dr. Joseph Volpe, Ph.D. · Clinical Psychologist · 30+ years specializing in adult ADHD
Evaluated by a specialist, not a generalist
Dr. Joseph Volpe is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of specialized experience in adult ADHD assessment and treatment. The Institute for Adult ADHD is a specialized psychological clinic dedicated to adults with ADHD. Every evaluation reflects that depth of focus and dedication.
Common questions
How long does the evaluation take?
An adult ADHD evaluation typically involves three to four appointments, each about 50 minutes. If standardized cognitive testing is indicated, it will require another 1 to 2 appointments.
Is the evaluation available via telehealth?
Yes. Dr. Volpe conducts adult ADHD evaluations via telehealth throughout Long Island and New York State.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact the Institute directly to schedule an evaluation.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes, if requested. Many people are seeking a diagnosis or trying to understand why they are struggling. If a summary of findings is requested, it is always provided. It will include notable findings, diagnostic conclusions, and specific recommendations for treatment, accommodations, or next steps.
Does insurance cover the evaluation?
The Institute for Adult ADHD is a division of Volpe Psychological Services, P.C., which is an out-of-network provider. Many PPO insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse a portion of costs. A superbill is provided upon request for patients who wish to seek reimbursement from their insurance carrier. Coverage varies by plan.
Ready to get a clear answer?
Sessions are available via telehealth throughout Long Island and New York State. Reach out to schedule an initial consultation.
People searching for ADD testing or an ADD evaluation on Long Island are generally looking for ADHD assessment. ADD is an older term commonly used for what is now called predominantly inattentive ADHD.