Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Florida: What the Evaluation Covers, What Medications Are Available, and How to Get Seen This Week
Clinically reviewed by Marie Hankins-Lennox, PMHNP-BC, Founder, MindSpa Psychiatry & Therapy Last reviewed: May 18, 2026
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general education. It is not a substitute for a clinical evaluation. An accurate ADHD diagnosis requires a full assessment with a licensed provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
You have been called scattered, disorganized, and “not reaching your potential” since you were a kid. In adulthood it got worse, not better. You started forgetting deadlines you used to scrape past on adrenaline, missing bills you swore you saw, losing whole afternoons to tasks that should have taken ten minutes.
You have probably tried to get evaluated before. Maybe they handed you a six-question checklist and sent you home.
MindSpa offers a full adult ADHD evaluation throughout Florida via telehealth, including the TOVA® computerized assessment, the same objective attention test used in clinical research. Most patients are seen within the week. If medication is appropriate, we prescribe and manage it as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time visit. Marie Hankins-Lennox, our founder and a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), built the practice around adult ADHD care.
Call 561-576-9404 to schedule your ADHD evaluation, or request an appointment online.
What Adult ADHD Actually Looks Like
Adult ADHD rarely looks like a child bouncing off walls. By the time you are twenty-five or forty, the hyperactivity has usually moved inward. It becomes restlessness, racing thoughts, the inability to sit through a meeting without your mind drifting to seven other things.
The diagnostic core is the same as childhood ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and a chronic pattern that started before age twelve. The presentation changes. The condition does not.
Inattentive vs Hyperactive ADHD in Adults
Three presentations are recognized in adults under DSM-5 criteria: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Inattentive ADHD is the type most often missed, especially in women and high-functioning adults. There is no visible restlessness. What you see instead is forgetfulness, lost objects, missed details, half-finished projects, and the feeling of working twice as hard for half the output.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD in adults shows up as constant fidgeting, talking over others, blurting, finishing tasks impulsively, and difficulty waiting. Combined presentation has features of both.
How ADHD Symptoms Change from Childhood to Adulthood
The CDC and CHADD note that hyperactivity tends to decline with age while inattention and executive function problems often worsen. Executive function is the brain’s project manager: planning, sequencing, starting tasks, switching tasks, holding several things in working memory at once. When it falters, adult life suffers in specific ways.
Common adult signs include:
- Chronic lateness and time blindness
- Starting many projects, finishing few
- Emotional dysregulation, including disproportionate frustration or rejection sensitivity
- Difficulty with money, paperwork, and recurring administrative tasks
- Hyperfocus on the wrong things at the wrong times
- A history of school or work performance that swings wildly between brilliant and disorganized
If most of that sounds like a description of your last decade, it is worth a real evaluation.
Why Adult ADHD Is So Often Missed and Misdiagnosed
ADHD and anxiety can look almost identical on the surface. Both can produce restlessness, sleep problems, racing thoughts, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The difference shows up in cause and pattern, and that difference matters because the treatments are not interchangeable.
Many adults reach our practice after years of being treated for anxiety or depression with limited success. The pattern is consistent: the underlying ADHD was never assessed.
ADHD vs Anxiety: How Do You Tell the Difference?
A short rule of thumb, not a diagnosis: anxiety-driven inattention is usually fueled by worry. ADHD-driven inattention happens regardless of mood. If you cannot focus on a calm, low-stakes task you actually enjoy, that points toward ADHD. If your focus problems lift when the stressor lifts, that points toward anxiety.
The two also overlap. Roughly half of adults with ADHD meet criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point, according to data summarized by CHADD. A careful evaluation looks for both. We cover this in more depth on our ADHD vs anxiety page.
Why Women and Late-Diagnosed Adults Are Particularly Underserved
Women with ADHD are more likely to present as inattentive, more likely to mask symptoms by overworking, and more likely to be told they are anxious or depressed instead. Late diagnosis after thirty, forty, or fifty is now one of the fastest-growing reasons adults seek evaluation. See our pages on ADHD in women and late ADHD diagnosis in adults for the longer story.
How MindSpa Evaluates Adult ADHD, Including TOVA® Testing
Our evaluation goes beyond a self-report checklist. A questionnaire alone cannot reliably distinguish ADHD from anxiety, sleep deprivation, depression, trauma, or thyroid problems. We use a multi-source evaluation that combines a structured clinical interview, validated rating scales, developmental history, and the TOVA® computerized assessment.
What Is the TOVA® Test?
TOVA® stands for Test of Variables of Attention. It is an FDA-cleared, objective, computerized measure of attention and impulse control developed by The TOVA Company and used in clinical research on ADHD for more than thirty years.
Here is what it actually feels like to take. You sit at a computer for about 21 minutes. Simple visual shapes (or auditory tones, depending on the version) appear on screen. You press a button when the target appears and withhold the press when it does not. That is the entire task.
What it measures while you do that:
- Sustained attention over time
- Response time
- Response time variability (how consistent your reactions are)
- Errors of omission (missed targets, a marker of inattention)
- Errors of commission (incorrect presses, a marker of impulsivity)
Your results are compared to a large age- and sex-normed sample. TOVA® is not a standalone diagnosis. It is one component of a full clinical evaluation, and that is exactly how we use it. The value is objective data, not opinion. Read more on our TOVA® ADHD assessment page.
What Else Is Included in Your MindSpa ADHD Evaluation?
A complete adult ADHD evaluation at MindSpa includes:
- Detailed clinical interview covering current symptoms, daily function, and history since childhood
- DSM-5-aligned diagnostic criteria review
- Validated adult rating scales (such as the ASRS)
- TOVA® computerized testing
- Screening for common co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and substance use
- Medical history and current medication review
How Long Does the Evaluation Take?
Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes of provider time across the initial appointment, plus the TOVA® session. Many patients complete the full evaluation in a single visit. Some need a brief second visit to review TOVA® results and discuss the treatment plan.
ADHD Treatment Options: Medication, Therapy, and Combined Approaches
Medication is not the only option, but for most adults with ADHD it is part of the solution. Decades of research, summarized in adult ADHD guidelines from the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders, consistently show that stimulant medication is the most effective first-line treatment for adult ADHD. Therapy adds skills medication cannot teach.
We tailor the plan to you, your medical history, your goals, and any co-occurring conditions.
Stimulant Medications for Adult ADHD (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin)
Stimulants are the first-line class for adult ADHD. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine activity in attention networks. Commonly prescribed options include:
- Adderall (amphetamine salts), available in immediate-release and extended-release forms
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), a long-acting prodrug stimulant
- Ritalin and Concerta (methylphenidate), in short- and long-acting forms
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances under federal law. That has real implications for how they can be prescribed via telehealth, covered below.
Non-Stimulant Options (Strattera, Intuniv, Wellbutrin)
Non-stimulants take longer to work, generally four to six weeks, but they are not controlled substances and may be a better fit for adults with a history of stimulant intolerance, certain cardiovascular concerns, or substance use disorder. Common options:
- Strattera (atomoxetine), a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
- Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release), originally a blood pressure medication
- Qelbree (viloxazine)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion), an antidepressant sometimes used off-label for ADHD
Our ADHD medications page goes deeper on how these compare.
Does Therapy Help ADHD?
Yes, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for adult ADHD. CBT for ADHD focuses on practical skills: time management, task initiation, organization systems, emotional regulation, and reducing the shame that builds up after years of struggling. Medication treats the neurochemistry. Therapy teaches the systems. Combined treatment tends to outperform either one alone.
Can You Get ADHD Medication Online in Florida?
Yes, with some important nuances around controlled substances. We will not pretend this is simple, because patients deserve a straight answer.
For non-stimulant ADHD medications, prescribing via telehealth is straightforward. Your provider can evaluate you, diagnose you, and e-prescribe.
For stimulant medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and similar Schedule II drugs), federal rules under the Ryan Haight Act normally require an in-person exam before a controlled substance can be prescribed. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the DEA suspended that requirement. The DEA has since extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances multiple times while it finalizes permanent rules; as of this article’s review date the flexibilities remain in effect through the DEA’s current extension.
In practice, here is what that means for you at MindSpa:
- We perform a complete clinical evaluation with TOVA® testing.
- If a stimulant is clinically appropriate, your MindSpa PMHNP can e-prescribe to your Florida pharmacy under current DEA telemedicine rules.
- We follow Florida prescribing law and DEA requirements at every step.
- If rules change in a way that requires an in-person visit, we will tell you directly and help you arrange one through an in-network partner.
We do not prescribe outside a proper evaluation. No questionnaire-only prescriptions. No first-visit pill mills. That is not what serious ADHD care looks like.
What Ongoing ADHD Care at MindSpa Looks Like
A diagnosis is the beginning, not the end. ADHD is a chronic condition, and the goal of treatment is sustained function across the parts of your life that matter to you. That requires a real relationship with your prescriber.
Medication management is the ongoing process of choosing, dosing, monitoring, and adjusting your medication over time. After your initial evaluation and prescription, expect a follow-up within about two to four weeks to check response, side effects, sleep, appetite, and blood pressure. Once you are stable, follow-ups typically move to every one to three months depending on your medication and clinical picture.
What this looks like in practice at MindSpa:
- Telehealth follow-ups across Florida, no driving to an office
- Prescription refills handled inside the patient relationship, not by a separate refill line
- Adjustments to dose, formulation, or medication when life or side effects change
- Coordination with your primary care provider when appropriate
- The same provider over time wherever scheduling allows
Our telemedicine platform is HIPAA-compliant and runs on a regular video link your provider sends you.
Insurance, Cost, and How to Get Seen This Week
We accept Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, and TRICARE. Self-pay rates are $200 for the initial evaluation and $150 for follow-ups. The TOVA® assessment is included in the diagnostic workup, not billed as a separate add-on for self-pay patients. See how much does it cost for a fuller breakdown.
Most new patients are scheduled within the same week. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. After hours, use the appointment request form and a team member will reach you the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you get an ADHD diagnosis through telehealth in Florida? A: Yes. Florida allows licensed providers to diagnose ADHD via telehealth, and adult ADHD evaluations are routinely conducted online. At MindSpa, the evaluation includes a clinical interview, validated rating scales, developmental history, and TOVA® computerized testing, all delivered remotely. The diagnosis carries the same clinical weight as one made in person.
Q: How long does an ADHD evaluation take at MindSpa? A: Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes of provider time for the initial appointment, plus a 21-minute TOVA® session. Most patients finish the full evaluation in a single visit. A brief second visit may be scheduled to review TOVA® results and finalize the treatment plan.
Q: What is the TOVA® test and how is it different from an ADHD questionnaire? A: TOVA® is an FDA-cleared, objective, computerized test of sustained attention and impulse control. A questionnaire records your perception of your symptoms. TOVA® records measurable performance data: response time, response time variability, missed targets, and impulsive errors, compared against a normed sample. The two are complementary, and we use both.
Q: How quickly can I get an ADHD evaluation in Florida? A: Most new MindSpa patients are scheduled within the same week. Call 561-576-9404 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, or submit an appointment request anytime.
Q: Will my insurance cover ADHD evaluation and treatment? A: We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, and TRICARE. Coverage details, copays, and deductibles vary by plan. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment. Self-pay rates are $200 initial and $150 follow-up.
Q: Can adults with ADHD get stimulant medication via telehealth in Florida? A: Under current DEA telemedicine flexibilities, yes, when a stimulant is clinically appropriate after a full evaluation. MindSpa follows federal and Florida prescribing law. If rules change in a way that requires an in-person exam, we will let you know directly and help arrange one.
Q: Can you get Adderall prescribed online in Florida? A: Adderall (amphetamine salts) is a Schedule II controlled substance. Under current DEA telemedicine rules, a Florida-licensed prescriber can e-prescribe it after a complete evaluation when clinically indicated. MindSpa does not prescribe stimulants without a full diagnostic workup, including TOVA® testing where appropriate.
Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation
If you have suspected ADHD for years and kept putting off getting evaluated, this is the week to change that. MindSpa offers a complete adult ADHD evaluation including TOVA® objective testing, medication management when appropriate, and ongoing care with the same provider over time.
Call 561-576-9404 to schedule your ADHD evaluation. Request an appointment online (secondary option, useful after hours).
Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, and TRICARE accepted. Self-pay: $200 initial evaluation, $150 follow-up. Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. After hours, use the online request form and we will reach you the next business day.
Clinically reviewed by Marie Hankins-Lennox, PMHNP-BC, Founder, MindSpa Psychiatry & Therapy. Last reviewed: May 18, 2026. Sources referenced include CHADD adult ADHD resources, CDC ADHD data, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, The TOVA Company clinical documentation, American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders adult ADHD guidelines, and current DEA telemedicine prescribing guidance.