ADHD Diagnosis in Ohio: Who Can Diagnose ADHD and What They Look For

If you think you or your child might have ADHD, one of the first questions is who can actually make the diagnosis. In Ohio, several kinds of licensed professionals can diagnose ADHD, and the quality of the evaluation matters more than the title on the door. This guide explains who can diagnose ADHD in Ohio, what a proper diagnosis involves, and how to check that you are getting a thorough evaluation.

Who can diagnose ADHD in Ohio?

ADHD can be diagnosed by licensed professionals whose scope of practice includes diagnosing mental health conditions. In Ohio that commonly includes:

• Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Psychologists
• Pediatricians and family physicians
• Independently licensed clinical social workers (LISW, LISW-S) and professional clinical counselors (LPCC, LPCC-S)

Some of these professionals also prescribe medication and some do not. A diagnosis from a licensed clinician who does not prescribe is just as valid; it simply means a prescriber handles medication if you choose it. You can check any Ohio license on the state’s eLicense Ohio lookup.

What a proper ADHD diagnosis looks at

ADHD is diagnosed using the criteria in the DSM-5-TR. A careful evaluation checks each of these:

• Enough symptoms. A set number of inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, lasting at least six months.
• Early start. Several symptoms were present before age 12, even if no one noticed at the time.
• More than one setting. Symptoms show up in at least two places, such as home and school, or work and relationships.
• Real impact. Symptoms clearly get in the way of school, work, friendships or family life.
• Not better explained by something else. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, trauma and learning differences are considered.

That last point is why a five-minute checklist is not enough. A good evaluation takes the time to rule things in and out.

Red flags to watch for

• A diagnosis after a very short appointment, with no rating scales or history
• No questions about childhood or about other conditions
• No written report you can share with school, college or a prescriber
• Pressure to commit to a medication service before you have a diagnosis

How an ADHD diagnosis works at ADHD IQ

Pamela Moss-Samuelson, LISW-S, is licensed to diagnose ADHD in Ohio and has specialized in ADHD for 3 decades, including as a Primary Care ADHD Clinician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Every evaluation includes validated rating scales from more than one source, a 60 to 90 minute diagnostic interview by secure video, screening for other explanations, a written diagnostic report and a feedback session. The full evaluation costs $750.

ADHD IQ does not prescribe medication. If medication may help, the report gives your primary care provider or psychiatrist what they need, and we coordinate with them.

Next steps

Read more about online ADHD testing and diagnosis in Ohio, read about ADHD symptoms in adults, or request an appointment.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation.