What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive function -- your ability to plan, prioritize, sustain attention, and regulate impulses. Roughly 10% of children and 4-5% of adults in the United States meet diagnostic criteria. It is one of the most well-researched conditions in psychiatry, and one of the most treatable.
Across the Boulder area and all of Colorado, where high performance is the baseline, ADHD often hides behind intelligence and work ethic. You got through school. You got the degree. But it took three times the effort it should have, and now the coping strategies are falling apart. That pattern is common in adults who were never diagnosed as children.
How We Treat ADHD
We begin with a thorough psychiatric evaluation -- not a screening questionnaire. We want a clear clinical picture before making treatment decisions. If ADHD is confirmed, medication is the most effective intervention supported by the literature.
Stimulant medications -- Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Ritalin -- are first-line treatments with response rates of 70-80%. Non-stimulant alternatives like Strattera, Wellbutrin, Qelbree, and guanfacine are appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate stimulants or prefer a non-controlled option. If prior medications have been ineffective, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing can identify metabolic factors affecting drug response.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your initial appointment is approximately 60 minutes. We review your symptoms, developmental history, academic and professional functioning, family history, and any prior treatment. If the clinical picture supports an ADHD diagnosis, many patients receive a prescription at their first visit. Follow-up is scheduled within 2-4 weeks to assess response and adjust as needed.
Insurance and Payment
We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid). We are not in-network with Kaiser. Cash pay is available. ADHD evaluations are billed as standard psychiatric evaluations and are covered by most plans.
When to Get Evaluated
If you consistently struggle with task initiation, time management, follow-through, or emotional regulation -- and these patterns have been present for years rather than weeks -- a psychiatric evaluation is the appropriate next step. The same applies for children or teens with persistent attention, organization, or behavioral concerns that do not respond to standard interventions. ADHD does not resolve without treatment. But with the right medication, most patients experience meaningful improvement quickly.