Strengths-Based & Neurodiversity Affirming Diagnostic Evaluations

a collaborative + non-pathologizing approach

Diagnostic evaluations for ADHD and Autism involve structured interviews and assessments to determine if your experiences and brain style align with DSM-TR-5 criteria, the standard for mental health diagnoses. Seeking a formal diagnosis can support self-understanding and provide insight into your strengths and support needs that can:

  • Help you understand more about yourself and your experiences

  • Inform your decisions related to school, career, and personal growth

  • Give you language to advocate for necessary accommodations

  • Support improved relationships and authentic connections

  • Improve your approach to routines and responsibilities

  • Connect you to community resources and support networks

Note: Although PDA is not formally recognized as a diagnosis in the United States, I can help you explore whether the PDA profile of Autism might match with you or your loved ones’ experiences.

My Approach

My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, centering and validating your experiences. Together, we will examine various aspects of your life using intentionally chosen tools and diagnostic interviews. This collaborative process informs my understanding of you as a whole person, rather than focusing on things like “functioning” or “disordered” ways of being.

This process rejects the traditional medical model, instead using the social model of disability, an approach that supports understanding you as a whole person, not just a neurotype, and exploring the societal barriers that may impact you negatively.

In alignment with this model, I am committed to learning and growing in my understanding of the marginalization experienced by neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ folx. When we work together, you’re the expert on yourself. I’m just here to try to help you make sense of your experiences and see if they align with the formal criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association.

What to Expect

It’s important to know what to expect before beginning a formal process. My evaluation process typically looks like:

  1. You fill out an inquiry form to express your interest in working together.

  2. I reach out to you via email, within a week, with the next steps.

  3. We discuss details and confirm we’re a mutual fit during your complimentary consultation.

  4. We schedule your evaluation if we both agree we’re a good match.

  5. You complete some paperwork and evaluation tools before we meet.

  6. We'll meet together for 2-4 sessions for your evaluation. These are 1-2 hrs each, and for minors at least one of them is a parent-only session.

  7. I get additional information (with your permission) from those who know you best or work with you.

  8. I write a report that we will review together during a feedback session, about 2-3 weeks after our sessions.

Rates & Insurance

I am not in-network with any insurance companies.

This gives you more control over your privacy and allows me to prioritize an affirming evaluation process rather than managed care requirements. You'll pay me directly for the evaluation, and your insurance may reimburse you depending on your plan's out-of-network benefits, although based on my licensure (LCSW-C), it is unlikely to cover the entire cost, if any.

I use an equitable pricing model for evaluations.

To make evaluations more accessible while still sustaining my practice as a solo, neurodivergent, licensed mental health provider and small business owner in the DMV, I use a mutual aid system where rather than paying one standard rate, clients self-select into one of three tiers.

  • Equitable rates are an opportunity for those with financial privilege to contribute to mutual aid and are set above the standard rate for services provided.

  • Sustainable rates are the standard rates for service, reflecting the cost of living and operating a business in the DMV area.

  • Accessible rates are for those who need to access mutual aid, set below the standard rate to lessen financial barriers.

For more information on equitable pay scales, check out "Embracing an Equitable Sliding Scale" by Britt Hawthorne or review the detailed information by Rachel Boggan on their “Equitable Pricing Model.”

Clients are encouraged to consider their own financial situation and refer to the green bottle pricing graphic by Alexis Cunningfolk prior to self-selecting their rate.

Evaluation rates reflect the average time spent meeting with you, gathering information, analyzing results, and preparing your written report. I typically spend 10-12 hours of time on comprehensive evaluations for adults and closer to 15-18 hours for minors. For evaluations focused on only one diagnosis, timing varies between 6-10 hours for adults, and 8-12 hours for minors.

2025 Evaluation Rates

To reflect the difference in time spent on evaluations for minors, the fee for an evaluation is higher, noted in parenthesis below.

Comprehensive Evaluation for ADHD and Autism

  • Equitable Rate: $1200 ($1500)

  • Standard Rate: $1000 ($1300)

  • Accessible Rate: $800 ($1000)

Focused Evaluation on ADHD or Autism

  • Equitable Rate: $1050 ($1250)

  • Standard Rate: $850 ($1050)

  • Accessible Rate: $650 ($850)

Please note, a $100 deposit is required within one week of scheduling to reserve your appointment and will be applied to your balance. You may split the balance into up to three payments, but it must be fully paid before your feedback session.

Evaluation Limitations

Diagnostic evaluations are not psychological testing nor do they evaluate for learning differences, take measures of intelligence, or use any other doctoral-level specific measures.

If you have been recommended this type of comprehensive assessment, I am happy to provide you with referrals to neurodiversity affirming psychologists. Please email me directly at courtney@healinghartwellness.com for them.

It’s important to know that some education, medical, and support programs require diagnoses from doctoral providers.

I am an independently licensed clinical social worker who is able to make a diagnoses from the DSM-V-TR so long as I have the competencies. I have participated in specialized training and continue to engage in consultation and continued professional development related to ADHD and Autism evaluations, including currently pursuing an ADHD Specialist certification.

However, you may need to provide diagnoses from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or other doctoral-level provider for certain formal requirements, including the Autism Waiver program in Maryland and for some educational institutions. If you are seeking evaluation for a specific reason, I highly recommend that you seek specific answers related to your needs prior to scheduling with me.

The limitations mentioned above do not diminish the validity of your evaluation with me but are the reality in the current healthcare landscape.

Our healthcare system is entrenched in the medicalization and pathologizing of neurodiversity. The effort to navigate this system and get the support you need is exhausting, time consuming, and expensive. Because of this, it is important to me you make as informed decisions as possible. If you are unsure if this evaluation type will meet your needs, feel free to reach out to talk more.