If you've been wondering whether your child's struggles with focus, restlessness or follow-through could be ADHD, a careful evaluation is the best next step. At Joy Integrative Psychiatry it can happen by secure video from home, anywhere in Arizona.
When to consider an ADHD evaluation
Many children are energetic, distractible or forgetful at times. That's a normal part of growing up. An evaluation may be worth considering when the patterns are steady, show up in more than one place (for example, at home and at school), and get in the way of learning, friendships or family life.
Parents often reach out after noticing things like:
- Frequent comments from teachers about attention, staying seated or finishing work
- Homework that takes far longer than it should, with many reminders
- Losing things, forgetting steps, or trouble following multi-part directions
- Acting before thinking, interrupting, or difficulty waiting a turn
- Frustration, low confidence or conflict that seems tied to these struggles
You don't need to be sure it's ADHD before booking. Part of a good evaluation is looking at the whole picture, including other things that can look like ADHD.
How a telehealth evaluation works
We provide child and adolescent psychiatric care for children ages 6 and up by secure video. There's no office to drive to and no waiting room. Your child joins from a familiar, comfortable space, which many kids find easier.
- Your child must be physically located in Arizona during each visit.
- A parent or legal guardian takes part in the evaluation.
- You'll need a quiet, private space, a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection.
- Younger children usually do best with a parent nearby. Older children and teens may also have some one-on-one time.
Telehealth works well for an ADHD evaluation because so much of it is a conversation: your observations, your child's own experience, school input and history. If anything suggests your child would benefit from additional in-person testing, we'll talk with you about options.
What happens during the evaluation
The evaluation is a thorough, unhurried conversation with Erika Joy Puruleski, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). It typically covers:
- Your concerns and goals: what you're seeing, when it started, and what you most want to change
- Development and health history: milestones, medical conditions, sleep, appetite and activity
- School and learning: grades, teacher feedback, any past testing, IEP or 504 plan
- Family history: including ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and mood conditions
- Emotions and behavior: mood, worries, friendships and how your child sees themselves
- Time with your child: in a way that fits their age, so they can share in their own words
ADHD is diagnosed using established criteria: symptoms that began in childhood, have lasted at least six months, show up in two or more settings, and cause real difficulty. Because of that, information from more than one setting matters, and rating forms completed by parents and teachers are often part of the process.
This is a diagnostic psychiatric evaluation, not formal psychological or neuropsychological testing. If testing would help, we'll explain why and help you find it.
Looking beyond ADHD: the whole child
Attention problems can have more than one cause, and some children have ADHD along with something else. As an integrative practice, we look at the whole child, including:
- Sleep: too little or poor-quality sleep can look a lot like inattention and irritability
- Anxiety or low mood: worry and sadness can make it hard to focus
- Learning differences: reading, writing or math challenges can affect attention in class
- Stress and changes at home or school
- Physical health: things like vision or hearing concerns, nutrition and activity
Sorting this out carefully helps make sure your child gets the right support, not just a label.
How to prepare
- Write down your main concerns, with a few recent examples
- Gather report cards, teacher notes, and any past evaluations, IEPs or 504 plans
- Ask your child's teacher to complete rating forms if we send them
- List current medications, supplements and medical conditions
- Have the name of your child's pediatrician handy
- Talk with your child ahead of time in simple, reassuring terms, for example: “We're meeting someone who helps kids figure out what makes school and focusing easier.”
After the evaluation: next steps
At the end of the evaluation, we'll share what we found in plain language and answer your questions. If ADHD is diagnosed, we'll talk through a plan that fits your family. Depending on your child's needs, that may include:
- Education for parents and children about how ADHD works
- Behavioral strategies and parent coaching for routines, homework and sleep
- Support with school accommodations, such as a 504 plan or IEP
- Therapy for related concerns such as anxiety or frustration
- Medication, when appropriate, discussed carefully with you, including benefits, side effects and alternatives
You're always part of the decision. Follow-up visits let us check how things are going and adjust the plan over time. You can read more about ADHD treatment in Arizona.
Cost and insurance
We're in-network with many plans, and self-pay is also available with a Good Faith Estimate. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about outpatient mental health benefits by telehealth, your copay or coinsurance, and your deductible. See Insurance and Payment for current plans and fees.
Common questions
What age can my child be evaluated for ADHD?
We provide psychiatric evaluations for children ages 6 and up, as well as teens and adults.
Can ADHD really be evaluated by telehealth?
Yes. An ADHD evaluation relies mainly on a detailed history, your observations, your child's input and information from school, all of which work well by secure video. If more testing would help, we'll discuss options with you.
Do I need to be at the appointment?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian takes part in the evaluation for any child under 18. Older children and teens may also have some private time with the clinician.
Will you talk to my child's school?
With your written permission, we can coordinate with teachers and support school accommodation requests such as a 504 plan.
Does an evaluation mean my child will be prescribed medication?
No. The evaluation is about understanding your child. If treatment is recommended, we'll review all options together, and you make the decisions with us.
We're traveling out of state. Can we keep the appointment?
Your child needs to be physically in Arizona during each visit. If you'll be away, contact us to reschedule.
If your child or anyone in your family is ever in crisis, call or text 988, or call the Arizona Crisis Line at 1-844-534-4673. For an emergency, call 911.
Ready when you are
Joy Integrative Psychiatry offers child and adolescent psychiatric care by telehealth for children 6+, teens and adults throughout Arizona. Request an appointment when you're ready.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.