About ADHD Cost Compare

Our Mission

ADHD Cost Compare exists to bring transparency to the cost of adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment across the United States and Canada. We believe that understanding what care costs -- and what options are available -- is a critical first step toward getting the support you deserve.

Too often, adults who suspect they have ADHD are discouraged by unclear pricing, complex insurance rules, and the overwhelming task of comparing providers. Our goal is to remove that barrier by providing clear, verified, and regularly updated cost data in one place.

What We Cover

• Adult ADHD diagnosis costs -- private evaluations and public/insurance-based options, including typical prices and full ranges.
• Hourly therapy rates -- for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Registered Social Workers (RSW), and licensed psychologists.
• Insurance coverage details -- major carriers in each state and province, including copay ranges, prior authorization requirements, and Medicaid/provincial health plan coverage.
• Low-income resources -- community mental health centers, university training clinics, sliding-scale directories, and prescription assistance programs.

Our Methodology

Every data point on this site is sourced from publicly available, authoritative references. Our primary sources include:

• Government agencies -- CMS.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), state health departments, and Canadian provincial health ministry websites.
• FAIR Health -- an independent nonprofit providing consumer cost estimates based on insurance claims data.
• Provider directories -- Psychology Today, the Canadian Psychological Association, and provincial professional regulatory bodies.
• Insurance carrier publications -- benefits summaries and fee schedules from major insurers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Sun Life, and Manulife.

Each region page lists its specific sources with access dates. We require a minimum of two independent sources per data point, and our automated validation pipeline flags any data that is older than six months or deviates significantly from national averages.

Editorial Standards

We are committed to accuracy, objectivity, and empathy. Our content is written in a professional, authoritative tone appropriate for a medical cost guide. We do not accept payment from providers, clinics, or insurance companies in exchange for favorable coverage or placement. All information is presented for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or financial advice.

Why This Matters

An estimated 4.4% of adults in the United States live with ADHD, and many go undiagnosed well into adulthood. In Canada, the picture is similar, with long public waitlists creating a two-tier system where those who can pay receive faster care. By making cost information accessible and transparent, we hope to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their mental health care -- regardless of their financial situation.