ADHD Diagnosis in Ontario: Cost, Process, and How to Get Tested

If you’ve ever tried to figure out how to get an ADHD diagnosis in Ontario, you know it’s a mess of waitlists, unclear steps, and wildly different costs. Whether you’re an adult trying to make sense of your brain or a parent advocating for your kid, this guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly what you need to know.

Why ADHD Diagnosis Matters

An ADHD diagnosis in Ontario isn’t just a label—it’s a key to understanding yourself and accessing the right support. Without it, you can spend years blaming yourself for challenges that aren’t a matter of willpower. With it, you can unlock treatment options, accommodations, and strategies that actually work.

Public vs Private ADHD Diagnosis in Ontario

Public Option (Covered by OHIP)

• Cost: $0

• How: Start with your family doctor. They can refer you to a psychiatrist, community mental health clinic, or a specialized program.

• Downside: Wait times can be months—or even years. OHIP-covered services are limited and often prioritize urgent mental health needs.

• Good for: People who can wait, or who have a family doctor ready to push the referral through quickly.

Private Option (Not Covered by OHIP)

If you want speed and more thorough assessments, private clinics are your best bet.

Average costs in Ontario:

• Psychologists: $2,500–$3,000 for a full psychoeducational assessment.

• Specialized ADHD clinics: $300–$1,000+ depending on the depth of testing.

• Virtual ADHD assessments: Around $599 with results in weeks.

Examples:

• Adult ADHD Centre – packages starting at $300+

• Possibilities Clinic – multidisciplinary assessments around $2,750

• Frida – 60-minute virtual ADHD assessment for $599

Good for: People who need a diagnosis quickly for work, school, or personal reasons, and can budget for it (or have insurance coverage).

Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Ontario?

• Psychiatrists – covered by OHIP; can diagnose and prescribe medication.

• Family doctors – can diagnose in some cases but often refer out.

• Nurse practitioners – variable availability; some can diagnose and treat ADHD.

• Psychologists – can diagnose but not prescribe; often more thorough assessments, typically private pay.

ADHD Diagnosis Criteria (Ontario Follows DSM-5)

To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet criteria in the DSM-5:

• Persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

• Symptoms present in two or more settings (work, school, home).

• Symptoms started before age 12.

• Clear evidence of functional impairment.

Common ADHD Assessment Tools in Ontario

• ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) – quick screener.

• DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) – structured clinical interview.

• WURS (Wender Utah Rating Scale) – explores childhood symptoms.

• TOVA (Test of Variables of Attention) – computer-based attention testing (used as a supplement, not a stand-alone tool).

How to Prepare for an ADHD Assessment

1. Track your symptoms – Write down examples of challenges in work, school, relationships, and daily life.

2. Gather history – Report cards, performance reviews, or feedback from teachers, employers, or family.

3. Know what you want – Medication? Accommodations? Coaching? Make your goals clear.

   
   

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Final Word

Getting an ADHD diagnosis in Ontario is not one-size-fits-all. If you can wait, the public system is free but slow. If you need answers now, private clinics and virtual assessments can get you a diagnosis in weeks—but at a cost.

Whatever path you take, remember: the goal isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s getting the support, strategies, and treatment that help you thrive.

Looking for support after your ADHD diagnosis? I provide neurodivergent-affirming ADHD coaching in Ontario and across Canada. Book a free intro call here.