Recognizing ADHD can be a confusing process.  ADHD can appear very different from one person to the next, even within the same family.  Some will have pronounced hyperactive symptoms, while others’ symptoms are much less noticeable, such as poor concentration, internal restlessness/impatience, procrastination and disorganization.

Equally confusing is when someone who legitimately has ADHD is able to hyperfocus for lengthy periods on a video game, a favorite hobby or a particularly engaging task at work.  In the end, ADHD does not mean an inability to attend, but rather an excessive inconsistency in attention.  It’s not that parts of the brain are “missing” or never work correctly, but that too often the brain is less active than it should be to smoothly handle the task at hand.

With ADHD being so difficult to recognize, working with a professional who specializes in ADHD can be critical to receiving the right help.  ADHD often goes misdiagnosed for years as depression, anxiety, or just “laziness.”  As a consequence, many with ADHD spend years of frustration receiving the wrong advice and the wrong medicines for this very treatable condition, even though it has been repeatedly found to affect 4-7% of the population.

Both assessment and treatment of ADHD in children and adults is one of my deepest specialties.  I carefully stay informed with the most recent research available, and I routinely present this research to physicians, school staff and fellow therapists.  My first serious interest in ADHD was during my doctoral internship, where part of the year was intensely dedicated to working with ADHD college students of all ages.  Since opening my private practice in Idaho– where so few school resources are available– my dedication to helping children and adults with ADHD has only grown more passionate.

ADHD testing services are described immediately below.  I also provide counseling and consulting to children, adults and parents to improve their day-to-day management of ADHD, to brainstorm helpful academic accommodations, to answer questions about medications and non-medical treatment options, or simply to provide a positive structure while tackling lingering issues with procrastination, self-criticism or disorganization.  My style is to first get to know you as a human being, then learn what symptoms of ADHD are most affecting your school, work, home life or personal relationships.  From there, I can suggest numerous strategies, looking for those ideas that have been proven effective and that will also suit your personality and lifestyle.

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ADHD Testing with the Brown Scales

Do you feel like you would be capable of great things if you could just “get it together” long enough?  Do you wake up feeling like you’re running behind on all the things you need to do, spend the whole day in high gear, then still go to bed feeling like you didn’t get done what you needed to?

Or, do you spend the whole day in a fog, constantly aware of all the things on that to-do list, but never mustering up the motivation to get started in earnest?

While everyone occasionally encounters these feelings and symptoms, people with ADHD often find the quality of their life & relationships impaired:

Inattention & Memory Problems

  • Losing or forgetting things

  • Absent-minded

  • Procrastinating, not finishing tasks all the way

  • Misjudging time

  • Depending on others for order

  • Having trouble getting started

  • Changing jobs or projects mid-stream

Hyperactivity and Restlessness

  • Always on the go

  • Fidgeting with hands or legs

  • Easily bored

  • Taking risks for fun or without realizing danger

  • Choosing active, competitive or fast-paced jobs, sports and other activities

  • Chronically late or in a hurry

  • Impulsive in words and/or actions, such as over-spending

Impulsivity & Emotional Instability

  • Saying things without thinking first

  • Interrupting others

  • Being annoying to others

  • Easily frustrated; impatient

  • Easily angered

  • Having unpredictable moods

  • Driving recklessly

  • Having high turnover in jobs and/or relationships

Problems with Self-worth & Relationships

  • Avoids new challenges

  • Appears confident to others but doesn’t feel confident

  • Takes things too personally

  • Frequent / unpredictable mood swings

  • Failure to see others’ needs or activities as important

  • Manipulates others to meet own needs

  • Frequently feels that things won’t work out for you

The Brown Scales for Attention-Deficit Disorders can quickly, reliably determine if ADHD is what has been negatively impacting your life, work and relationships.

For the all-inclusive $978 fee (or two payments of $489), you’ll receive:

  • 2-3 Hour Interview with Client and Family

  • Review of School Records

  • 3-5 Page Final Report

  • 40 Item Scale

  • Screen for common co-occuring conditions when ADHD is confirmed

  • Screen for conditions that mimic ADHD when ADHD is not present

National experts at Attention Deficit Disorders Annual Conferences recommend the Brown Scales as the most accurate and comprehensive test available.

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Dr. Hill’s Counseling Style