The evaluation process
Adult ADHD presents less as hyperactivity and more as a decades-long pattern of chronic underperformance relative to capability: procrastination that feels like a character flaw, tasks abandoned halfway through, the same bills paid late every month, and a career that's felt uphill in ways that are hard to explain. Many adults in the Vancouver area arrive at evaluation after their own child is diagnosed and the family history starts clicking into place.
We take a careful developmental history (ADHD is neurodevelopmental — it must have been present in childhood, even if missed), run a structured DSM-5 symptom review, and use validated instruments — primarily the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1). Differential and comorbidity screening covers anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum, sleep-disordered breathing, thyroid issues, trauma, and substance use.
A treatment plan is discussed before you leave. When the diagnosis is clear and medication is the right next step, a prescription may be sent at that visit; in many cases, though, we prefer to start after baseline labs, an EKG, records review, or a brief focused follow-up — especially for new controlled-substance prescriptions.
Medication options
Both stimulant classes and non-stimulant alternatives are prescribed, matched to symptom profile, medical history, and patient preference:
- Methylphenidate-based: Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, Jornay PM
- Amphetamine-based: Adderall XR, Mydayis, Vyvanse, Xelstrym patch, Dyanavel XR
- Non-stimulant: Atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine ER (Intuniv), viloxazine (Qelbree), bupropion
Titration follow-ups happen every 2 weeks during dose adjustment and every 3 months once stable.
Serving Vancouver and Clark County
Our Vancouver office at 4400 NE 77th Ave is in downtown Vancouver, steps from Esther Short Park and a straight run off the I-5 Mill Plain exit. The location was chosen for its accessibility from North Portland across the Interstate Bridge — a meaningful factor for the substantial North-Portland-to-Vancouver commuter pattern.
Common Vancouver-area patient profiles include Portland-area tech and healthcare workers who've moved across the river, Washington School for the Deaf and Vancouver Public Schools staff, PeaceHealth Southwest and Legacy Salmon Creek employees, Fort Vancouver Regional Library staff, veterans of Joint Base Lewis-McChord who've settled in the area, and remote workers whose company health insurance finally lets them access in-network psychiatric care.
For Oregon patients crossing the river
MindHealth Psychiatry is licensed in both Oregon and Washington. Oregon-resident patients who see us at the Vancouver office are treated under Oregon licensure — the relevant legal question is where you (the patient) are physically located during the encounter for telehealth, or where care is rendered for in-person. Practically: Oregon residents can see us in Vancouver without complications, and their prescriptions process through Oregon pharmacies as usual.
Insurance & self-pay (Washington)
In-network in Washington with Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Premera, Cigna / Evernorth, Aetna, First Choice, and Optum. Most patients pay a specialist copay ($20–$60 typical) per visit.
We do not accept Apple Health (Washington Medicaid). Self-pay rates: $350 initial evaluation, $180 standard follow-up. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a psychiatrist in Vancouver, WA taking new adult patients?
Yes — MindHealth Psychiatry's Vancouver office accepts new adult patients with a typical wait of about two weeks.
Can you prescribe controlled substances by telehealth in Washington?
Yes. Current federal DEA telemedicine rules and Washington guidance permit stimulant prescribing by telehealth following an appropriate clinical evaluation. Many Vancouver patients do intake in-person and follow-ups by video.
I live in Portland — which office should I choose?
North Portland residents often prefer Vancouver (faster door-to-door, easier parking). Southeast, inner-east, and west-side Portland residents sometimes find our Newberg office more convenient. Either works — and we can switch you between locations as life changes.
Do you accept Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)?
No — Apple Health / Washington Medicaid is not accepted. Patients with Apple Health are referred to community mental health programs in Clark County.