The evaluation process
ADHD in adults looks different than the textbook childhood picture. What brings most patients through our door isn't hyperactivity — it's years of chronic disorganization, missed deadlines, restless unfocused reading, forgotten appointments, and the exhausting gap between what you know you're capable of and what you actually get done. By adulthood, most people have built a dense scaffolding of compensation strategies; the diagnosis often becomes obvious only when life stages (a new baby, a promotion, a career pivot) outgrow those strategies.
We cover developmental history back to grade school, a structured DSM-5 symptom review, and validated self-report measures — primarily the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1). We also screen thoroughly for the differential: anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, sleep-disordered breathing, substance use, and trauma, any of which can look remarkably like ADHD or co-occur with it.
A treatment plan is discussed before you leave. When the diagnosis is clear and there are no contraindications, medication may start at that visit; often, though, we prefer to begin after baseline labs, an EKG, records review, or a brief focused follow-up — especially for new controlled-substance prescriptions. The goal is careful and sustainable, not rushed.
Medication options
Both stimulant classes and non-stimulant alternatives are prescribed, chosen based on symptom profile, medical history, substance-use history, and patient preference:
- Methylphenidate-based: Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, Jornay PM
- Amphetamine-based: Adderall XR, Mydayis, Vyvanse, Xelstrym patch, Dyanavel XR liquid
- Non-stimulant: Atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv), viloxazine (Qelbree), bupropion — a first-line consideration for patients with cardiac concerns, anxiety predominance, or substance-use history
Titration is deliberate — most patients see 2–3 follow-ups in the first two months as we find the right medication and dose. Once stable, follow-ups move to every 3 months, the Oregon-appropriate interval for ongoing controlled-substance monitoring.
Serving Newberg and Yamhill County
Our Newberg office at 710 E Foothills Drive is just off Highway 99W, a short drive from downtown Newberg and roughly 20 minutes from Sherwood, 25 minutes from Tigard, and 15 minutes from Dundee and Dayton. Patients regularly travel in from McMinnville, Carlton, Yamhill, Lafayette, King City, and southwest Portland.
Yamhill County is historically under-served for adult psychiatric care; most patients previously drove to Portland, waited months for a first appointment, or gave up. Common Newberg-area patient profiles include George Fox University faculty and graduate students, Providence Newberg Medical Center staff, Allison Inn & Spa hospitality workers, wine-industry professionals during crush season, and adults in high-responsibility roles at local manufacturers (A-dec, Climax Portable Machine Tools).
We coordinate routinely with primary care practices at Providence Newberg, Willamette Valley Medical Center, and area independent PCPs — visit summaries can be sent within one business day.
Insurance & self-pay
In-network with ten major plans: Moda, PacificSource, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna / Evernorth, Aetna, Providence, Multiplan / Claritev, First Health, First Choice, and Optum. Most patients pay a specialist copay ($20–$60 typical) per visit.
We do not accept Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Self-pay rates: $350 initial evaluation, $180 standard follow-up. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. Good Faith Estimates provided before your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a psychiatrist in Newberg who takes new adult patients?
Yes — MindHealth Psychiatry's Newberg office actively accepts new adult patients. Typical wait is about two weeks. You can request an appointment online or call 541-224-8110.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
No referral is required for most commercial plans. A few HMO products (certain Kaiser and Providence HMO plans) require a referral — we verify your benefits before your first visit and let you know.
Can I do follow-up visits by telehealth after an in-person Newberg intake?
Yes. Most Newberg patients see us in-person for the initial evaluation and do subsequent follow-ups by secure video. Current federal DEA telemedicine rules permit ongoing stimulant prescribing by telehealth with an established patient relationship.
I was diagnosed with ADHD years ago — can you continue my prescription?
Yes. We accept transfers of existing ADHD care. Bring your records from your previous prescriber or we can request them. The first visit is still a full evaluation — we want our own clear clinical picture before continuing a controlled-substance prescription.