For individuals with ADHD, taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel incredibly daunting. For that reason, telehealth platforms that offer a streamlined approach to ADHD diagnosis and treatment can be transformative in getting vital care.

I know how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step, so I reviewed two online services (ADHDAdvisor.org and ADHD Online) designed to diagnose and treat ADHD to give you the facts and make the process a little easier. This article will outline my methodology, what it's like to work with each service, pricing, and more.

Ultimately, everyone has unique needs to consider when choosing a telehealth service. I hope you will view this article as a useful tool to support your decision-making process. 

At a Glance: ADHD Online vs. ADHDAdvisor.org

My Experience with ADHDAdvisor.org

ADHDAdvisor.org is a telehealth service that specializes in comprehensive ADHD diagnosis and care, while also offering treatment options for other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

ADHDAdvisor.org's free initial assessment only takes a few minutes to complete and screens for the likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis. After you've taken the online assessment, you can decide whether you want to schedule a virtual diagnosis appointment with one of their in-network mental health professionals. In my experience, having a virtual meeting with a licensed clinician who observed my behavior and responses further reassured me about the accuracy of their clinical diagnosis. 

Another benefit of virtual appointments is that they're much more flexible than in-person appointments. You can typically make an appointment within a few days of completing the free assessment and it only requires a $20 deposit. The rest of the $130 is paid after you've met with a licensed clinician for an in-depth session. 

If diagnosed, you can work with your clinician to create a personalized care plan that could include medication management, success coaching, online therapy, or a combination approach. Treatment services cost anywhere from $75 to $140 with a subscription. Currently, ADHDAdvisor.org doesn’t accept insurance, but they will provide statements that can be used for reimbursement.

What works

• Offers free initial assessment
• A wide network of healthcare providers allows for frequent availability
• Most affordable diagnosis appointment ($150)
• Holistic and personal approach to ADHD treatment
• Also offers screening and treatment for anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• 100% money-back guarantee

What could be improved

• Doesn't accept insurance (But will provide itemized statements for possible reimbursement)

The Bottom Line: Thanks to their thorough diagnostic process and holistic approach to care, ADHDAdvisor.org earned a 4.8/5 rating. By recognizing the impact of comorbid conditions and offering combined treatment options, ADHDAdvisor.org can curate a care plan to improve your unique condition effectively. Overall, ADHDAdvisor.org combines professionalism with user-friendly accessibility, making it a reliable choice for those seeking quality ADHD services.

My Experience with ADHD Online

ADHD Online is an online platform specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Their ADHD assessment is available in all 50 U.S. states, but treatment options vary by state. Depending on the treatment method, plans are personalized and range from $99 to $169. Currently, ADHD Online doesn't accept health insurance but will provide itemized receipts that can be used for out-of-network reimbursement.

The diagnosis process is simple and convenient. After signing up for an account and purchasing their smart assessment for $179, you can complete it in your own time. Your answers are then reviewed by a licensed psychologist who will determine the result. Typically, you'll hear back within a week. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you can bring the results to your doctor or check what treatment options are available through ADHD Online in your state.

The initial consultation for a personalized medication treatment plan is $199, followed by a 15-minute check-in appointment after 30 days, which costs $169. Once you've settled on a plan that works, follow-ups are $169 every 90 days.

What works

• Subscription not required
• Fast, simple booking
• ADHD assessment also screens for anxiety and depression

What could be improved

• Less thorough diagnosis process than competitors
• Scheduling was not very user-friendly
• Treatment recommendations seem to focus on controlled medications
• Treatment options are limited by state
• Many customers have encountered problems with billing and customer service

The Bottom Line: As one of the few telehealth services that offers prescribed medication, ADHD Online is a popular choice for those looking for fast and convenient ADHD care. However, the DEA and HHS telemedicine guidelines that allow ADHD Online to prescribe stimulants virtually will end in December 2024, leaving questions about long-term treatment options. 

Based on user feedback and my personal experience with the platform, ADHD Online earned a 2.5/5 rating. While I appreciated the affordability and streamlined process, the initial assessment and diagnosis seemed limited and impersonal.

My Methodology

I independently researched each company by carefully reading through their website, third-party reviews, and information about in-person and telehealth standards of care. I then assessed each service's practices against federal laws related to telehealth care and patient privacy protection.

After completing my research, I tested each platform by signing up for their service, completing their online diagnosis assessments, and attending ADHDAdvisor.org's virtual diagnosis appointment (this was not an option with ADHD Online). After receiving my diagnosis, I met with healthcare providers from both ADHD Online and ADHDAdvisor.org to discuss treatment options.

After the diagnosis process, I felt that ADHDAdvisor.org was the better service for my needs, so I followed through with their treatment plan. 

An In-Depth Comparison: ADHD Online vs ADHDAdvisor.org

For a closer look at how these two services stack up, I detailed their performance in each of my assessment criteria.

• Scheduling: Is scheduling fast and flexible?
• Quality: Are the in-network health providers qualified, experienced, and personable?
• Accuracy: How reliable is the diagnosis process?
• Cost: How affordable is the service compared to competitors?
• Treatment: How personalized is treatment?
• Brand Reputation: What do users have to say about their experience?

Scheduling

ADHD Online’s scheduling process is relatively streamlined and user-friendly. I filled out their assessment and scheduled an appointment to discuss treatment options within a week. 

The platform typically provides flexible time slots, accommodating various schedules and time zones. Many users appreciate the convenience of scheduling appointments through the platform's mobile app. However, some individuals who chose ADHD Online reported difficulties in contacting clinicians for follow-up services such as changing their preferred pharmacy.

ADHDAdvisor.org makes scheduling as simple as possible for users. Users can use the patient portal to easily book appointments, which are often available seven days a week. However, since ADHDAdvisor.org operates as a network connecting users with individual providers, scheduling experiences may vary depending on the availability of specific clinicians or coaches.

Quality

ADHDAdvisor.org and ADHD Online have the shared goal of connecting patients with qualified clinicians who have expertise in ADHD care. Both platforms are credible options for individuals seeking support, though personal rapport can vary between providers.

ADHDAdvisor.org prides itself on having a network of reputable ADHD specialists and certified coaches. The clinicians featured on their website have advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training in ADHD management. Many of these professionals have extensive clinical experience working with individuals with ADHD. Furthermore, ADHDAdvisor.org prioritizes ongoing professional development, ensuring their providers remain at the forefront of ADHD care and support.

My interactions with my ADHDAdvisor.org clinician felt natural and comfortable. This stood out to me because ease of communication is crucial in fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship, which will enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment. The clinician I worked with showed genuine interest in understanding my concerns and took the time to tailor treatment to my specific needs. Their empathetic demeanor and listening ability made me feel heard and validated. This positive rapport helped me feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics and ultimately contributed to a more productive session.

ADHD Online works with a network of licensed mental health professionals specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, or related fields, coupled with experience in managing ADHD. Many are board-certified and well-versed in the latest research and treatment methods. Additionally, they're trained in specific telehealth practices, ensuring they can deliver high-quality care virtually.

However, while the clinicians at ADHD Online are professionally qualified, I wasn’t especially pleased with the connection I felt with my assigned clinician. Despite efforts to build rapport, the interaction felt somewhat rushed and less personal. Ultimately, the superior level of comfort and ease of communication I experienced with ADHDAdvisor.org led me to choose their service to proceed with treatment.

Accuracy

While ADHD Online's diagnosis assessment adheres to the criteria outlined by the DSM-5-TR and has been reviewed by doctorate-level experts, determining a diagnosis solely through one asynchronous assessment felt lacking compared to ADHDAdvisor.org's more comprehensive approach. With ADHD Online, the diagnosis relies heavily on family history without the opportunity for direct interaction with a clinician, even virtually. This lack of personal engagement raised questions about the reliability of the assessment, as nuances and contextual factors may be missed without direct communication. Additionally, I felt that the limitations of the diagnostic process didn't match the significant cost.

In contrast, ADHDAdvisor.org offers a more thorough evaluation of ADHD symptoms and related concerns. The initial screening serves as a precursor to a comprehensive discussion with a clinician, allowing for a more complete understanding of the individual's history and challenges.

What truly stood out with ADHDAdvisor.org was that my diagnosis included an ADHD Success Plan alongside the results, offering practical strategies and guidance for moving forward. Furthermore, my therapist took the time to walk me through her observations, conclusions, and implications for treatment, ensuring clarity and understanding every step of the way. This personalized approach left me feeling confident in the quality of care and support provided by ADHDAdvisor.org.

Cost

ADHD Online offers a transparent pricing structure and sometimes offers discounts for the initial diagnosis assessment. Treatment plans vary in price depending on the level of service or frequency of sessions required. While there is a set fee for the initial assessment and diagnosis appointment, additional treatment sessions or specialized services may incur extra charges. Many users like the flexibility of payment options, though some report that prices have increased.

ADHDAdvisor.org tailors their pricing to individual needs by offering a range of packages and customizable plans. While this provides more flexibility, it also means that costs vary more widely among users. Some may find this personalized approach beneficial, especially if they require specific services or accommodations. Clarifying pricing details at the start will ensure that there are no surprises later on.

Treatment

Because I didn't proceed with ADHD Online's services, I acknowledge that my perspective may not provide a comprehensive comparison. However, one aspect that caught my attention was the variation in treatment options available through ADHD Online based on state regulations. This contrasts with the consistency of treatment provided by ADHDAdvisor.org throughout the United States. The state-specific differences in treatment options may pose challenges for individuals who require a combined approach to ADHD care but live in a state that only offers medication treatment.

Moreover, my brief meeting with an ADHD Online clinician left me feeling that the level of dedication to personalized care was lacking. This contrasted with the personalized approach and comprehensive support I received during my experience with ADHDAdvisor.org, highlighting the importance of feeling heard and understood in the treatment process. Additionally, I never felt that my ADHDAdvisor.org clinician was pushing me toward any specific treatment, and we fully explored the options for therapy and success coaching alongside medication. 

Brand Reputation

If you've read reviews of any company, no matter the industry, you know that one person's perspective can be completely different from another's. To get a better sense of each platform, I read third-party reviews gleaned from several sites.

ADHD Online is a legitimate telehealth platform that has been around for over five years, so I was able to find many reviews of its service. Based on 129 customer reviews, ADHD Online scored a 3/5 from the Trust Pilot. Reviews are drastically divided by those who had a very positive experience and those who had a very negative one, which felt concerning. 

Positive feedback generally focuses on the quality and support of healthcare professionals in their network, although some patients report negligence. Negative ADHD Online reviews largely claim that the platform is too expensive for its services, in addition to multiple reports of silence or long wait times from their customer support team.

As a new platform, ADHDAdvisor.org has fewer third-party reviews than ADHD Online. However, I did find the platform recommended on reliable sites like Forbes and ScholarshipInstitute.org. 

Similar to my experience, most reviews of ADHDAdvisor.org mention satisfaction with the thoroughness of their diagnosis and the varied treatment options offered to support individual needs. Criticism tends to be based on the fact that they don't accept insurance coverage or prescribe controlled medications, which is standard for a telehealth service.

Major Differences: ADHD Online vs. ADHDAdvisor.org 

ADHD Online and ADHDAdvisor.org cater to different preferences and needs for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. ADHD Online may be ideal for individuals seeking a quick and straightforward approach. With its streamlined process, ADHD Online offers a fast and uncomplicated route to diagnosis and treatment. This platform may be well-suited for those looking for efficient and convenient care without needing a thorough exploration of treatment options.

On the other hand, ADHDAdvisor.org is designed for individuals who prioritize comprehensive care and are willing to invest more time in the diagnostic and treatment process. This platform emphasizes a personalized approach to thoroughly assessing and understanding each individual's unique needs and challenges.

Ultimately, the choice between ADHD Online and ADHDAdvisor.org depends on one's preferences for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Final Verdict: Why I Chose ADHDAdvisor.org

After going through the diagnosis process with both platforms, I preferred ADHDAdvisor.org over ADHD Online for my ADHD due to their thoroughness and personalized approach From the detailed assessments to the comprehensive treatment plans, I feel confident in the expertise and care provided by their team. The individualized attention and support I receive from ADHDAdvisor.org make me feel heard and understood, which is crucial in managing ADHD effectively.

However, I understand that everyone's needs and priorities are different when it comes to mental health care. While ADHDAdvisor.org works best for me, I recognize that others may have other preferences.

In the end, the most important thing is taking that initial step towards getting essential mental health support, whether it's through ADHDAdvisor.org, ADHD Online, or another platform that aligns with one's individual circumstances. Ultimately, the goal is to find a provider or service that feels right for you and empowers you to take control of your mental health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wherever you are in the ADHD diagnosis and treatment process, you may have questions about this common yet widely misunderstood condition. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you learn more. 

What are the common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD? 

Common signs of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and issues with organization or time management.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of symptoms, medical history, and behavioral assessments. This evaluation may be conducted by a primary care physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional.

What treatment options are available for ADHD?

Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant and/or non-stimulant medication may be used to manage symptoms, while therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve functioning.

‍