ADHD Assessments

Accurate Diagnosis:

Private ADHD Assessments for adults and teens (ages 13+) are provided by Dr. Don Duncan, MD, FRCPC in collaboration with Tasha Ryder, RCC. The assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine if an individual meets the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Assessment helps to ensure an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Targeted Treatment:

Once a diagnosis is made, the assessment results can guide the development of tailored treatment plans, which may include medication, therapy, or other interventions.

Improved Outcomes:

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to significant improvements in an individual's academic, occupational, and social functioning.

Ruling Out Other Conditions:

The assessment process also involves ruling out other potential conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, that could be causing or contributing to your challenges..

What to Expect:

Assessments are split into several appointments of pre-assessment with Registered Clinical Counsellor Tasha Ryder and one appointment with Dr. Duncan. Pre-assessment typically includes two 50-minute sessions with Tasha where she may utilize rating scales, questionnaires, and other clinical tools to assess the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Tasha will gather information about symptoms, history, and how you experience challenges in different settings (e.g., home, school, work).Tasha may also review school records, previous assessments, or other relevant documents to gain a more complete understanding of your history and challenges. Pre-assessment is followed by one 60-90 minute appointment with Dr. Duncan, where a formal assessment takes place and a report outlining your results is created.

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About Tasha

Tasha received her Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2002. Tasha has over 20 years of clinical experience providing mental health assessment and treatment, including crisis intervention, in community, hospital and residential treatment settings. Tasha utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment theory as well as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions in her work. Tasha also obtained facilitator training In Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (RRSR) by the American Association of Suicidology and Tasha has trained Child and Youth Mental Health clinicians as well as other health care providers throughout the province in RRSR. Tasha has a genuine, warm, collaborative, supportive and encouraging style that, when combined with her experience and expertise, assists clients to obtain the knowledge, insight and skills to achieve their goals. Tasha is an approved Clinical Supervisor with the BCACC.

About Dr. Duncan

Dr. Don Duncan resides in Kelowna, BC where he serves as Clinical Director of the BC Interior ADHD Clinic and operates an assessment clinic for students at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Duncan holds an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor with the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and has been honoured by appointments to the Board of Examiners for Psychiatry (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada), the Board of Directors for the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CACAP), and the Board of Directors for the Canadian ADD/ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA).