Psychologist
Short answer
A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel and behave. Clinical psychologists assess and help people with psychological difficulties, using interviews, observation and standardized tests. Most psychologists are not medical doctors and in most places do not prescribe medication. Psychologists are among the professionals who may carry out adult ADHD evaluations.
If you are looking into an attention evaluation, you may find that the person doing it is a psychologist rather than a medical doctor. That is common. Psychologists are specialists in assessment, and testing is a central part of their training.
What clinical psychologists do
Different kinds of psychologists
- Clinical psychologists, who assess and support people with mental health difficulties.
- Counseling psychologists, who often focus on life stress, adjustment and well-being.
- Neuropsychologists, who specialize in how brain function relates to thinking and behavior.
- Research and academic psychologists, who may never see patients at all.
Titles and licensing rules vary by country and by state, so it is reasonable to ask what someone's qualifications are and whether they have experience with adult attention concerns.
Psychologists in adult ADHD evaluations
A psychologist evaluating an adult might use a structured interview, rating scales completed by you and someone who knows you, a review of school or work history, and sometimes cognitive tests. If medication becomes part of the conversation, they typically work with a physician, since most psychologists do not prescribe.
Screeners and psychologists
Rating scales are a familiar tool in psychology, and the ASRS v1.1 Screener is one of many questionnaires a psychologist may have seen. A psychologist treats any questionnaire as one source among several. Your free screener result is a prompt for that conversation, not a verdict. It reflects six questions about the past six months, while a psychologist will usually want to understand your whole history, your current pressures and how you function in different parts of life.
What the title does not tell you
Psychologist is a broad title. It does not, by itself, tell you whether someone evaluates ADHD, works with adults, or practices clinically at all. Asking directly is normal and expected. Useful questions include how they assess adults, what the process costs, how long it takes, and what kind of written report you will receive.
A starting point for your next step.
Take the free ASRS v1.1 screenerFrequently asked questions
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Yes, in many places. CDC lists psychologists among the mental health professionals who can make an ADHD diagnosis, though rules vary by country and state.
Can psychologists prescribe medication?
In most places, no. Psychologists usually work with a physician such as a psychiatrist or primary care doctor if medication is being considered.
What tests might a psychologist use?
Psychologists may use interviews, observation, rating scales and standardized psychometric tests. The choice depends on the question being assessed.
Sources
Source check: 2026-10-28. No medical review has occurred.
- NHS Health Careers, "Clinical psychologist"
- American Psychiatric Association, "What Is Psychiatry?", psychiatry.org
- CDC, Diagnosing ADHD
Published 2026-10-28. Factual source check: ADHDFalcon editorial team, factual source check, 2026-10-28. No medical review has occurred.