Who can diagnose ADHD in adults?
Short answer
In the US, a primary care provider or a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose ADHD, according to the CDC and NIMH. In the UK, the NHS describes assessment by an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist, usually after a GP referral. Rules differ by country and setting, so it is worth asking about a clinician's training and experience.
Knowing who to contact can feel like the hardest step. The answer depends on where you live and how your health system is organized, but the main roles are similar in most places.
In the United States
Whether a particular professional can diagnose depends on their license, training, and the rules where they practice. If you are not sure, ask directly whether they assess adult ADHD.
In the United Kingdom
Who cannot diagnose
A website, an app, or a questionnaire cannot diagnose ADHD. Neither can a coach, a friend, or a creator online, however well informed. They can all help you think, but a diagnosis is a clinical judgment that needs a qualified professional.
Questions to ask about a clinician
- Do you assess adults for ADHD regularly?
- What does your assessment include, and do you check for other conditions?
- Will you want to talk with someone who knows me?
- If you find ADHD or something else, what happens next, and can you discuss options with me?
Online and private services
Telehealth and private clinics can widen your options. Quality varies, so look for a clear description of what the assessment includes, who carries it out, and how long it takes. An assessment that consists of a short questionnaire and little else is a screening, whatever it is called.
Why experience matters more than title
Two clinicians with the same job title can have very different experience with adult ADHD. Some see it every week; others rarely do. Adult assessment involves looking back at childhood, gathering reports from other people, and considering conditions that often look similar, so experience with adults in particular is worth asking about.
Outside the US and UK
Health systems elsewhere organize this differently. In many places, a family doctor or general practitioner is still the first stop and can explain the local route to an assessment. Public health agencies and professional bodies in your own country are usually the best guide to how it works where you live.
One more thing a website cannot do is stand in for any of these people. ADHDFalcon is an independent educational site, not a healthcare provider, and our screener shows a screening outcome only.
A starting point for your next step.
Before you contact anyone, the free screener can give you a short, structured summary of the past six months to bring along.Frequently asked questions
Can a therapist diagnose ADHD?
It depends on their training, license, and local rules. NIMH lists psychologists and clinical social workers among the professionals a primary care provider may refer you to. Ask the therapist directly whether they assess adult ADHD.
Do I need a referral?
In the UK, the usual route is through a GP. In the US, it depends on your insurance and the provider; some specialists see people directly and others need a referral.
What if I disagree with the outcome?
You can ask the clinician to explain their reasoning, and you can seek a second opinion. Bringing clear examples and history to a second assessment helps.
Sources
Source check: 2026-10-28. No medical review has occurred.
- CDC, Diagnosing ADHD
- NIMH, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know
- NHS, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, "ADHD in adults" (Public Engagement Editorial Board, published June 2023)
- NYU Langone TOV, ASRS v1.1 6-Question Screener license page
Published 2026-10-28. Factual source check: ADHDFalcon editorial team, factual source check, 2026-10-28. No medical review has occurred.