ASD/ADHD Combined Assessments
WHAT WE OFFER
Welcome to the ASD/ADHD Combined Adult Program, designed for individuals 16 years of age and older. This program is tailored to provide thorough support and guidance for adults seeking assessment and understanding of both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By assessing both conditions simultaneously, we ensure a comprehensive understanding of the client’s needs.
The PMVC connects clients and their therapist with a psychiatrist via a secure online platform. This facilitates a psychiatric assessment for both ASD and ADHD, diagnosis, medication recommendations, and psychotherapy recommendations. Follow-up consultations with your psychiatrist are available as needed, and your therapist can schedule these for you. As part of our collaborative care model, a medical report will be sent directly to your family physician.
HOW IT WORKS
COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL OVERVIEW:
COLLABORATIVE CARE MODEL OVERVIEW:
- The Therapist’s Assessment:
Clients will start out by seeing their therapist for at least three initial sessions. This allows your therapist to gather information, complete their own assessment on their client while also providing psychotherapy treatment. This enables the therapist to have a very thorough understanding of their client, equipping them to best support the client during the psychiatric assessment appointment. Please note that both the client and their therapist must agree that the client is a good candidate for a psychiatric assessment in order to move forward with the process.
- The Psychiatric Assessment:
Your therapist will coordinate for a psychiatrist to join you both during a 2 hour session, as a consultant regarding your treatment. The psychiatrist’s consultation will provide diagnosis, potential medication recommendations and reviews, as well as psychotherapy recommendations.
- The Feedback Session:
Following the assessment, your therapist will schedule in a feedback session with you to review the report from the psychiatrist. This session is 1 hour long. The report is typically ready after a couple of weeks. If your situation is urgent, and you will require the report to be ready sooner than this, please let your therapist know so that they may request a rush on the report. Please note that there are no guarantees on reports being rushed or the time it will take for them to become available, and the typical timeframe to receive the report is 2-3 weeks. Clients are welcomed to schedule in additional follow up sessions with their therapists for ongoing psychotherapy treatment in accordance with the recommendations outlined.
WHAT IS ASD/ADHD?
WHAT IS ASD/ADHD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that often coexist, each with distinct characteristics. While ADHD is associated with symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, ASD impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. A combined assessment ensures both conditions are properly evaluated to provide the most accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.
UNDERSTANDING ADULT ASD/ADHD
UNDERSTANDING ADULT ASD/ADHD
Prevalence:
ASD and ADHD are often underdiagnosed in adults, particularly when both conditions overlap. Research shows that adults with ADHD may have higher rates of co-occurring ASD, necessitating a combined assessment.
Underdiagnosis and Undertreatment:
Adults with undiagnosed ASD or ADHD often struggle with challenges in their personal and professional lives. These conditions are frequently missed in adults because they present differently than in childhood.
Symptoms in Adults:
Adults with ASD or ADHD may exhibit a range of symptoms, including difficulties with time management, organization, focus, communication, and social interaction. Emotional regulation and sensory sensitivities are also common challenges.
Comorbidities:
Both ASD and ADHD frequently occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. A combined assessment is critical for addressing all aspects of the individual’s mental health.
Impact on Life:
Both conditions can affect work performance, relationships, and daily functioning. A comprehensive approach ensures that the full scope of the client’s difficulties is addressed.
WHY CHOOSE OTC for a Combined ASD/ADHD Assessment?
WHY CHOOSE OTC for a Combined ASD/ADHD Assessment?
Our ASD/ADHD combined assessment program stands out because of our team’s expertise in assessing both conditions simultaneously. Our comprehensive, collaborative care model integrates the expertise of psychotherapists, family doctors, and psychiatrists. This ensures every aspect of the individual’s condition is evaluated and managed in a personalized care plan. Through our PMVC network, clients gain access to psychiatric consultations within weeks after their therapist submits the referral.
TIMEFRAME
TIMEFRAME
Your ASD/ADHD combined assessment appointment may take place just a few weeks after your third session with your Psychotherapist or Psychologist.
COST & COVERAGE
COST & COVERAGE
The program has an administrative fee of $450. Psychiatrist fees are covered through OHIP. Standard Psychotherapy fees apply.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Most extended health plans cover Psychotherapy sessions. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers. Please confirm your coverage for Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists, or Registered Social Workers prior to your intake call.
FAQ’s
FAQ’s
Q. What can I expect from the ASD/ADHD combined assessment?
A. The combined assessment includes specialized questionnaires and a psychiatric consultation. This approach helps assess the unique complexities of both ASD and ADHD, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your condition. The PMVC program integrates your OTC psychotherapist, family doctor, and psychiatrist to provide a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.
Q. Why should I get assessed for ASD and ADHD through OTC and the PMVC?
A. Psychotherapy Matters provides a collaborative care process that integrates the expertise of OTC therapists, family doctors, and psychiatrists. This holistic approach ensures that both ASD and ADHD are thoroughly assessed and managed. The collaborative model also allows your OTC therapist to track your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
Q. What happens after the combined ASD/ADHD assessment?
A. After your assessment, your OTC psychotherapist will review the report issued by the psychiatrist in a feedback session. They will continue to support you throughout the process, and follow-up appointments can be scheduled as needed. Your family doctor will review and implement the medication recommendations from the psychiatrist.
Q. I was diagnosed with ASD/ADHD as a child. Do I need another assessment?
A. If you received a formal diagnosis as a child from a psychiatrist or pediatrician, you may not need a full reassessment, and could benefit from an assessment through our General Assessment Program. However, we do recommend using the Combined ASD/ ADHD assessment program for a comprehensive review. Contact us if you’re unsure how to proceed.
Q. What type of paperwork is needed to move forward with my combined ASD/ADHD assessment?
A. You will be provided with an intake form, consent form, two self-reporting questionnaires, and two collateral questionnaires to be completed by someone who knows you well.
Q. What if no one from my childhood can fill out the collateral questionnaire?
A. If no one from your childhood is available, someone who knows you well now can complete the questionnaire. You can also submit documents like school report cards or previous assessments to provide additional information.
Q. What is the $450 fee for?
A. This fee covers the intake process, coordination, gathering of all necessary information, and treatment planning, as well as the technology used in the PMVC program. It ensures that your records are managed efficiently and that the program remains sustainable.
Q. Can the $450 fee be covered by insurance?
A. Currently, this fee isn’t covered by insurance, but you can check if your insurance offers Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) or Wellness/Lifestyle accounts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY MATTERS VIRTUAL CLINIC
LEARN MORE ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY MATTERS VIRTUAL CLINIC
We work with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC), an independent Canadian organization that facilitates shared mental health care. Through PMVC, we offer coordinated services with physicians and psychiatrists. Your therapist remains actively involved in any psychiatric consultation.
The Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Clinic allows you to meet with a psychiatrist through secure, confidential video conferencing. Your therapist will be present with you during the consultation to ensure a smooth collaboration.
The psychiatrist will help with medication recommendations or diagnosis if needed. They will fax your prescriptions directly to your pharmacy, and your therapist will work with your family doctor to continue your care.
After the consultation, your family doctor will receive a clinical note outlining the recommended treatments and your care plan. If follow-up consultations with the psychiatrist are needed, these will be included in the initial referral, so you won’t need to make additional requests for care.
PMVC PHILOSOPHY
To make collaborative mental health care easy, so that everyone gets the best care.
PMVC MISSION
To provide a system of care that seamlessly links psychotherapy, psychiatry, and primary care.
COLLABORATIVE CLIENT-CENTERED CARE
Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration is at the forefront of collaborative care, integrating psychotherapy providers, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists. We provide timely access to mental health services, matched to your needs.
For more information on Psychotherapy Matters, please visit psychotherapymatters.com
PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMBINED ASD/ADHD MATTERS PROGRAM
To be eligible for a combined ASD/ADHD assessment through the ASD/ADHD Matters Program, clients must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement:
- The program is designed for individuals aged 16 years and older.
- For children 15 years old and younger, assessments are available through the General Psychiatry Program.
- Primary Care Referral:
- A referral from a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) is required to initiate the combined ASD/ADHD assessment.
- The primary care provider must complete the consultation referral form to begin the assessment process.
- Primary Psychotherapist Engagement:
- The client must be engaged in individual psychotherapy with one of OTC’s licensed psychotherapists, social workers, or psychologists. Clients must be receiving psychotherapy treatment though only their OTC therapist.
- Together, both the client and the OTC therapist will determine that the client is a good candidate for an assessment, in order to move forward with the process.
- The therapist will provide ongoing support before, during, and after the psychiatric consultation.
- Informed Consent:
- The client (or their legal guardian) must provide informed consent for participation in the ASD/ADHD Matters Program.
- Availability for Consultation:
- Clients must be available for scheduled consultations with their psychiatrist, which will take place virtually. While assessment appointments are typically available within a few weeks of the client’s third psychotherapy session, no guarantees can be made regarding the psychiatrist’s availability.
- Commitment to Follow-Up:
- Clients must commit to attending follow-up sessions with both their OTC psychotherapist and psychiatrist as needed.
- Ongoing collaboration between the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and family doctor will be necessary for effective management of ASD and ADHD.
- Client Information:
- Clients must provide accurate information regarding their developmental history, medical history, and any previous assessments.
- If relevant, clients may be asked to submit additional documents such as school reports or previous diagnostic assessments.
The OTC Team is Proudly Partnered with
© 2023 Online Therapy Centre. All rights reserved.