ADHD Assessment and Screening Tools for Adults in Los Angeles, CA

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is designed to provide a thorough understanding of each individual’s unique symptoms and challenges. To ensure a well-rounded evaluation, our clinicians use a variety of evidence-based questionnaires alongside clinical interviews and behavioral observations.

Some of the key tools we utilize at Blue Ocean Mental Health include the Conners’ Rating Scales and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale. These standardized questionnaires are completed by parents and teachers to offer valuable perspectives on a child or adolescent’s attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across different settings. For adults and older adolescents, we also use self-report measures such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), allowing individuals to share their own experiences and symptom severity.

Additionally, we incorporate the ADHD Rating Scale IV, which aligns with the latest diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, helping us accurately identify and assess ADHD symptoms. These questionnaires are essential components of our assessment process, helping us distinguish ADHD from other conditions such as anxiety or mood disorders that may present with similar behaviors.

By integrating these tools with personalized clinical interviews and, when appropriate, cognitive or neuropsychological testing, the team delivers a comprehensive, individualized assessment. Our goal is to provide clarity and guidance for treatment, empowering our clients and their families to move forward with confidence and support.

ADHD Screening

Screening for ADHD is often the first step in our evaluation process. At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we use evidence-based screening tools—such as brief questionnaires or checklists—to quickly identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms commonly associated with ADHD. These tools are designed to be simple and accessible, allowing patients, parents, or teachers to provide initial observations. While screenings can suggest the possibility of ADHD, they are not diagnostic. Instead, they help us determine whether a more comprehensive evaluation is needed.

Comprehensive ADHD Assessment

If screening results indicate the need for further evaluation, our experienced clinicians provide a full ADHD assessment. This thorough evaluation includes:

• Detailed interviews with the individual and, when appropriate, family members, educators, or other significant contacts
• Standardized behavior rating scales
• A comprehensive review of developmental, medical, educational, and family history
• Cognitive or psychological testing when indicated

Our clinicians are trained to look beyond the surface, carefully considering other potential causes for symptoms and ruling out medical, psychological, or situational factors that might mimic ADHD. We follow established clinical criteria, such as those outlined in the DSM-5, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

ADHD screening tools are valuable in identifying core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Typically, these screening tools involve questionnaires or checklists that help us recognize patterns associated with ADHD.

While ADHD commonly co-occurs with other mental health or developmental conditions—such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders, or autism spectrum disorders—standard ADHD screenings are not designed to diagnose these additional concerns. Some screening instruments may include questions that touch on mood, anxiety, or behavioral issues, which can overlap with ADHD symptoms. If your responses suggest possible concerns outside the typical ADHD profile, our clinicians at Blue Ocean Mental Health may recommend a more in-depth evaluation.

It’s important to understand that a thorough assessment by a licensed mental health professional is essential to accurately identify any co-occurring conditions. At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we go beyond standard screening tools by offering comprehensive evaluations that may include clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and additional standardized assessments. This holistic approach ensures we can provide you with a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Adult ADHD diagnosis is a nuanced and often complex process. Our clinicians recognize that symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can overlap with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. This overlap can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis if not carefully evaluated. That’s why our team takes a comprehensive approach, ensuring that all potential contributing factors are considered before making a diagnosis.

Adults often develop coping strategies that may mask their ADHD symptoms, making these issues less obvious during a standard assessment. At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we are attuned to the subtle ways in which ADHD can present in adults, such as inner restlessness or persistent difficulty relaxing—symptoms that may be overlooked if only traditional childhood criteria are used.

A thorough history is an essential part of an accurate ADHD diagnosis. However, we recognize that recalling childhood behaviors can be difficult, and not all adults have family members available to provide additional context. Our assessment process is designed to help patients reconstruct their developmental history as accurately as possible, using evidence-based tools and sensitive interviewing techniques.

Because there is no single laboratory test for ADHD, our diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and, where possible, observer reports. We are mindful of the impact stigma and misconceptions can have on our patients’ willingness to share their experiences, and we strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their symptoms openly.

At Blue Ocean Mental Health, psychiatric nurse practitioner Esder Shin, PMHNP, BC, employs a collaborative, patient-centered approach that views each individual uniquely, extending treatment beyond symptoms to consider a person’s life and goals. This personalized partnership, which may include medication management and brief supportive therapy, aims to create a path forward aligned with specific needs and strengths.

Choosing Blue Ocean Mental Health offers access to an expert team knowledgeable in evidence-based research and psychiatric protocols, distinguishing the practice through a focused, private approach with fewer patients to ensure dedicated attention. Combining thorough assessment tools with a holistic understanding of ADHD and coexisting conditions provides a comprehensive strategy for managing symptoms, building a foundation for success, and empowering active participation in treatment.

At Blue Ocean Mental Health, we believe that a thorough, multidimensional assessment is the cornerstone of effective care for adult ADHD. Our experienced professionals are committed to providing each patient with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, empowering them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11850 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200A, Los Angeles, CA 90025. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Pasadena CA, Beverly Hills CA, Glendale CA, Huntington Park CA, East Los Angeles CA, and surrounding areas.