Can a Nurse Practitioner Diagnose ADHD in Ontario?

In Ontario, a Nurse Practitioner can assess and diagnose adult ADHD, prescribe treatment when it’s appropriate, and monitor how it is going. You don’t need a referral.

Who can diagnose adult ADHD in Ontario

• Nurse Practitioners: assess, diagnose, prescribe and monitor.
• Family doctors and psychiatrists: assess, diagnose and prescribe. Psychiatry usually needs a referral and can have a long wait.
• Psychologists: assess and diagnose, often with in-depth psychological or psychoeducational testing. Psychologists don’t prescribe.

What a good assessment includes

1. Screening questionnaires before your visit.
2. Your history from childhood to now, ideally with input from someone who knew you as a child (old report cards help).
3. Checking for things that can look like ADHD or sit alongside it: sleep problems, anxiety, depression, thyroid problems, substance use and medication side effects.
4. A clear explanation of the result and a written plan.
5. If treatment starts, follow-up to check benefit, side effects, blood pressure and pulse.

When psychological testing is worth it

If a learning disability is suspected, or a school, college or insurer wants a full psychological report, testing with a psychologist is the right route. We tell you if that applies and help you find it. If you already have a report, bring it.

Cost and timing at our clinic

The adult ADHD assessment is $450, including questionnaires, the NP assessment and a written summary. Monitoring visits are $125. It can be done fully by secure video if you are in Ontario. See adult ADHD assessment in Sarnia.

Sources

• CNO: NP authority to diagnose and prescribe
• College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario: communicating a diagnosis

General information only, not advice for your situation. Written and reviewed by our clinical team (Nurse Practitioner, RN, RSW) using the sources listed. In an emergency call 911.