Many adults spend years thinking they’re just disorganized, forgetful, or not trying hard enough. They can cope this way for years until more responsibilities and stress push them over the edge.
At Bold Behavioral Health, PLLC I provide telehealth ADHD evaluation and medication management for adults across Iowa. Visits are by secure video from wherever you are, and new patients are typically seen within 5-7 days.
My role is to understand what’s going on, give you an accurate diagnosis, talk through whether medication could help, and manage treatment carefully over time, in coordination with your care team (always with your consent).
What ADHD can look like in adults
ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition, and in adults it often looks different than people expect. Common signs include:
- Trouble sustaining focus, especially on tasks that feel boring or long
- Losing track of things, missing deadlines, or running late
- Starting projects but struggling to finish them
- Feeling restless or “driven by a motor,” even if it’s mostly internal
- Acting or speaking on impulse, or interrupting others
- Difficulty with organizing, planning, or prioritizing
- Emotional ups and downs, or a short fuse under stress
- Hyperfocus on interesting things while everything else slips
ADHD is generally described in three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
If these patterns have followed you for most of your life and are affecting work, school, relationships, or daily responsibilities, an evaluation is worth having.
How ADHD evaluation and medication management works
Medication can be one part of a plan, and it often works best alongside skills, routines, and support. A good plan starts with a good evaluation.
- A careful evaluation. We review your current symptoms, when they started, and how they affect work, home, and relationships. ADHD symptoms begin in childhood, so I’ll ask about school and early life. I also review your medical history, family history, sleep, caffeine, alcohol, and other substance use.
- Ruling out look-alikes. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, thyroid problems, and sleep disorders can all mimic or overlap with ADHD. I screen for these so we treat the right thing.
- A diagnosis and a shared decision. If ADHD fits, we talk through your treatment options, including medication and non-medication approaches, what to expect, possible side effects, and any concerns you have.
- Starting and adjusting. Medications for ADHD are adjusted to the person. We plan check-ins early on and adjust based on how you’re doing, including changes to focus, sleep, appetite, mood, and blood pressure or heart rate when relevant.
- Ongoing follow-up. Once you’re stable, visits space out, and we revisit the plan regularly. I focus on timely refills and clear communication so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
If something else may be contributing, such as a medical condition, sleep apnea, or medication side effects, I may suggest checking in with your primary care provider.
A note on ADHD medications
Treatment options fall into two groups. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used and are controlled substances. Non-stimulant medications are not controlled and may be a better fit for some people.
I prescribe both types when clinically appropriate. Because stimulants are controlled substances, I follow all state and federal requirements, including checking the Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program, and I may ask for prior records or additional information. I can’t promise a prescription at your first visit, and the right medication, if any, depends on your evaluation, health history, and safety.
Working with your therapist
ADHD treatment often works best with support beyond medication, such as coaching, therapy, or organizational skills. If you see a therapist or coach, I’m happy to coordinate. With your written consent, I can share updates so your team is working from the same picture. If you don’t have support in place, I can talk with you about what might help.
What your first visit looks like
You’ll complete intake paperwork before your appointment. The first visit is 60 minutes by secure video. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, and we’ll set how often we meet based on how you’re doing.
Who this is for
This service is for adults in Iowa who want an ADHD evaluation, a second look at a past diagnosis, or ongoing medication management. I’m also glad to take over care if you’re already on ADHD medication from another provider, and I’ll ask for your records. This is not a psychological or neuropsychological testing service. My evaluations are based on clinical interview and history.
Insurance and payment
I currently accept Wellmark commercial plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and self-pay.
Get started
Request an appointment or call 515-207-9693. Therapists and primary care providers can find referral details on the For Referring Providers page.
ADHD Evaluation and Treatment: FAQ
Can I be evaluated for ADHD if I was never diagnosed as a child?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time later in life. ADHD symptoms start in childhood, so I’ll ask about your school years and early life, but you don’t need a childhood diagnosis to be evaluated.
Do I need old records or report cards?
They can help, but they aren’t required. We’ll work with what you have, and talking with a parent, partner, or someone who knows you well can also be useful.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
The first visit is 60 minutes. Some people are diagnosed at the first visit, while others need more information or a follow-up.
Do you prescribe stimulants?
When clinically appropriate, yes. Stimulants are controlled substances, so there are extra safeguards, and I can’t guarantee a prescription. Non-stimulant options are also available and work well for many people.
I think I have anxiety or depression too. Can ADHD still be treated?
Yes. These conditions often overlap, and treating one can change how the others look. I evaluate all of them together so the plan fits the full picture.
Is ADHD medication addictive?
Stimulants carry a risk of misuse and dependence, which is why they’re controlled, and they require careful monitoring. Many people take them as prescribed without problems. I’ll explain the risks and benefits of any option before we start, and non-stimulant medications are also available.
Do I have to take medication for ADHD?
No. Medication helps many people, but it’s a choice. Skills, structure, coaching, therapy, and lifestyle changes can also help, alone or alongside medication.