Massachusetts runs on demanding work and demanding schools, from Kendall Square labs and downtown firms to more than a hundred colleges and universities. When ADHD is part of the picture, keeping up can feel like running uphill. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation tells you what’s actually going on and gives you documentation that Massachusetts colleges, employers, prescribers, and the Board of Bar Examiners will take seriously.
Evaluations are conducted by Dr. Alan S. Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA, a Boston native and clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. He holds a Massachusetts psychology license (#7110) and sees clients in person at the practice’s Dedham office and by secure telehealth anywhere in the state. He is also licensed in New York, California, and New Hampshire, and holds PSYPACT authority covering 44 states.
A free 15-minute consultation helps you decide whether a full evaluation is the right next step.
Quick answer: If you live in Massachusetts, you can complete a comprehensive ADHD evaluation in person at our Dedham office, just off Route 128 south of Boston, or by secure telehealth from anywhere in the state with a Massachusetts-licensed psychologist. Massachusetts has not yet joined PSYPACT, so a Massachusetts license is what allows a psychologist to evaluate you while you’re in the state. A complete adult evaluation includes a clinical interview, childhood history, rating scales, objective attention testing, screening for look-alike conditions, and a written report. It typically costs $1,750 to $2,500.
Who We Evaluate in Massachusetts
Adults across the Commonwealth
Professionals, parents, and career changers in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, the North and South Shores, MetroWest, Worcester, the Pioneer Valley, and the Cape. Many were never diagnosed as children and are only now connecting the dots. See undiagnosed ADHD in adults and ADHD in women.
College and graduate students
Students at Boston-area universities, the UMass campuses, the state universities and community colleges, and the many private colleges across the state, plus law, medical, and business students. See ADHD testing for college students.
Students crossing state lines
Massachusetts residents attending college in PSYPACT states can often be evaluated from campus, and students from other states attending school here can be evaluated while they’re in Massachusetts. Students who split time with New Hampshire or New York are covered by those licenses too.
Adults weighing medication
If your prescriber wants testing before starting or continuing ADHD medication, or you’re unsure about a quick online diagnosis, see ADHD evaluations for medication decisions. Teens can be evaluated as well; see ADHD assessment for teens.
Massachusetts Licensing and Telehealth
Psychologists in Massachusetts are licensed by the Board of Registration of Psychologists, where you can verify any provider’s license. Massachusetts is not yet a member of PSYPACT, the interstate compact that lets psychologists practice telehealth across member states. Legislation to join has been under consideration on Beacon Hill, but until it takes effect, a psychologist must hold a Massachusetts license to evaluate you while you’re physically in the state, even by video.
Dr. Jacobson’s Massachusetts license and PSYPACT authority together cover most situations:
| Your situation | How you can be evaluated |
|---|---|
| You live and are located in Massachusetts | In person in Dedham, or by telehealth statewide under his Massachusetts license |
| You’re a Massachusetts resident attending college in a PSYPACT state | By telehealth from campus under PSYPACT authority, or at home over break |
| You’re from another state and attend school in Massachusetts | In person or by telehealth while you’re in Massachusetts |
| You live in New Hampshire or New York | Covered by his licenses in those states |
| You’re temporarily in a state outside his licensure and PSYPACT | Sessions are scheduled for when you’re back in a covered location |
What counts is where you are during each session, not your permanent address. We confirm this during your free consultation.
What the Evaluation Includes
The Massachusetts evaluation follows the same process as our adult ADHD testing, consistent with CDC guidance and DSM-5 criteria:
- Clinical interview and developmental history. When symptoms began, how they showed up in school and work, and how they affect your life now. Old report cards and prior evaluations help.
- Multi-informant rating scales. Adult ADHD measures completed by you and, with your permission, a partner, parent, or someone who knew you as a child.
- Objective attention testing. Computerized measures such as the Conners CPT or TOVA.
- Cognitive and executive functioning measures. Working memory, processing speed, and real-world executive functioning.
- Screening for look-alikes. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, substance use, learning disabilities, and autism traits.
- Effort and validity measures. Standard performance validity testing, which colleges and testing agencies increasingly expect.
- Feedback and written report. A detailed report with diagnosis or differential, your cognitive profile, and practical recommendations.
ADHD Documentation for Massachusetts Colleges
Massachusetts has one of the densest concentrations of colleges and universities in the country, and each school’s disability services office sets its own documentation policy. Most look for the same essentials: a clear diagnosis, evidence of current functional impact, and recommendations tied to specific findings. As the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights explains, a high school IEP or 504 plan generally isn’t sufficient on its own.
Our reports follow the CLEAR framework for documenting functional impairment, designed to meet those expectations. See college accommodations, college housing accommodations, and our college students hub for next steps.
The Massachusetts Bar Exam and Professional Exams
Massachusetts bar applicants request accommodations from the Board of Bar Examiners through its nonstandard testing accommodations process. Applicants with ADHD or a learning disability submit an application along with a Mental Disabilities Verification Form completed by a qualified professional, supported by a comprehensive evaluation report. The Board looks for current impairment, functional limitations, and a rationale for each accommodation requested. A diagnosis alone isn’t enough.
Deadlines are firm: applications for the July exam are due April 1, and for the February exam, November 1 of the prior year. Late applications aren’t accepted, so plan your evaluation well ahead. The same principles apply to other high-stakes exams:
ADHD Medication in Massachusetts
Psychologists don’t prescribe; your physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner does. Stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, and Massachusetts prescribers use MassPAT, the state’s prescription monitoring program, as part of safe prescribing. Many Massachusetts prescribers also prefer a formal evaluation before starting treatment in an adult, especially when ADHD wasn’t identified in childhood. A comprehensive evaluation gives them a documented diagnosis, rule-outs, substance-use screening, and baseline measures. Learn more on our medication decisions page.
Workplace Accommodations in Massachusetts
Adults with ADHD may be entitled to reasonable accommodations at work under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts’ own anti-discrimination law, enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Accommodations such as a quieter workspace, written instructions, or adjusted deadlines are often simple once needs are clearly documented. See workplace accommodations testing and ADHD accommodations for school and work.
In-Person and Virtual Options
Our Massachusetts office is at 3 Allied Drive in Dedham, near the junction of Route 128 and I-95, with easy access from Boston, Newton, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, and the South Shore. Many clients prefer in-person testing; others complete the evaluation by secure telehealth from home or work anywhere in the state, from the Berkshires to the Cape. See our psychological testing in Massachusetts, locations, and virtual testing guide pages.
Massachusetts Case Examples
These composite examples reflect common presentations. Details have been changed to protect privacy.
Cambridge research scientist, first diagnosis at 41
- Presentation
- A 41-year-old biotech scientist had thrived in structured lab work, but a move into project leadership, with constant meetings, email, and shifting priorities, left him missing deadlines and working late to catch up.
- Key findings
- Lifelong inattentive symptoms confirmed by his sister and old report cards; inconsistent sustained attention on the CPT; working memory well below his reasoning ability; no mood disorder; valid effort throughout.
- Outcome
- Diagnosed with ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation. He shared the report with his primary care physician, began coaching on prioritization and task management, and worked with his manager on protected focus blocks.
Boston law student preparing for the Massachusetts bar
- Presentation
- A third-year law student had received extended time in college and law school but had only a decade-old evaluation. She needed current documentation for the Board of Bar Examiners before the April 1 deadline for the July exam.
- Key findings
- Combined-presentation ADHD with a co-occurring reading fluency weakness; significant slowing under timed conditions relative to her verbal reasoning; validity measures within normal limits.
- Outcome
- The report and verification form documented current functional limitations and tied each requested accommodation to specific findings. Her application was filed in January, well ahead of the deadline.
Worcester parent, diagnosed after her son
- Presentation
- A 36-year-old nurse began wondering about herself after her son was diagnosed with ADHD. She had always been disorganized and anxious, and had been treated for anxiety for years with limited benefit.
- Key findings
- Inattentive ADHD with childhood onset documented by her parents’ ratings; anxiety present but secondary to chronic overwhelm; executive functioning difficulties at home and work.
- Outcome
- The new diagnosis reframed years of treatment. With her prescriber and therapist, she adjusted her care plan and reported feeling less anxious once ADHD was addressed directly.
Cost and Insurance
Comprehensive ADHD evaluations typically range from $1,750 to $2,500, depending on scope and whether documentation for a specific agency, such as the Board of Bar Examiners, is needed. The fee is confirmed before testing begins. We don’t bill insurance directly, but we provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many Massachusetts employer and student health plans include out-of-network mental health benefits, so check with your insurer before scheduling. See psychological testing costs for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get tested for ADHD online in Massachusetts?
Yes. You can complete a comprehensive ADHD evaluation by secure telehealth from anywhere in Massachusetts, as long as the psychologist holds a Massachusetts license. Dr. Jacobson is licensed in Massachusetts (#7110), so he can evaluate you virtually from home or work, whether you’re in Boston, Springfield, or on the Cape. In-person testing is also available at our Dedham office. What matters is where you’re physically located during each session, not your permanent address.
Is Massachusetts part of PSYPACT?
Not yet. Massachusetts has not adopted PSYPACT, the compact that lets psychologists practice telehealth across member states, though legislation to join has been moving on Beacon Hill. Until it takes effect, a psychologist must hold a Massachusetts license to evaluate you while you’re in the state. Dr. Jacobson holds both a Massachusetts license and PSYPACT authority, so he can evaluate Massachusetts residents at home and, in most cases, students attending college in PSYPACT states.
Where is your Massachusetts office?
Our Massachusetts office is at 3 Allied Drive in Dedham, near the junction of Route 128 and I-95. It’s convenient to Boston, Newton, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Quincy, and the South Shore. Clients who prefer not to travel can complete most or all of the evaluation by secure telehealth from anywhere in the state. We can discuss which format suits your situation during your free consultation.
How much does ADHD testing cost in Massachusetts?
Comprehensive adult ADHD evaluations typically range from $1,750 to $2,500, depending on the scope of testing and whether documentation for a specific agency, such as the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners, is needed. The fee is confirmed before testing begins, so there are no surprises. Prices in the Boston area vary widely, from brief screenings to full neuropsychological batteries, so ask any provider exactly what their evaluation includes before you compare costs.
Does insurance cover ADHD testing in Massachusetts?
Coverage depends on your plan. We don’t bill insurance directly, but we provide a superbill with the codes your insurer needs for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many Massachusetts employer and student health plans include out-of-network mental health benefits that cover part of psychological testing. Before scheduling, call your insurer and ask whether psychological testing is covered out of network, what your deductible is, and whether pre-authorization is required.
Will Massachusetts colleges accept the evaluation?
Each college sets its own documentation policy, but most disability services offices at Massachusetts colleges and universities look for a clear diagnosis, evidence of current functional impact, and recommendations tied to specific findings. A comprehensive evaluation is designed to provide exactly that. A high school IEP or 504 plan often isn’t enough on its own. If your school publishes documentation guidelines, share them with us so the report addresses them directly.
Can the evaluation support Massachusetts bar exam accommodations?
Yes, when it’s planned for that purpose. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners requires an application, a verification form completed by a qualified professional, and supporting evaluation records documenting current impairment and a rationale for each accommodation. Deadlines are firm: April 1 for the July exam and November 1 for the February exam, with no late applications. Tell us at the start that you’re preparing for the Massachusetts bar, and schedule several months ahead.
Do I need testing to get ADHD medication in Massachusetts?
Not always, but many Massachusetts prescribers prefer a formal evaluation before starting stimulants in an adult, especially if ADHD wasn’t identified in childhood. Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances, and prescribers use the state’s MassPAT monitoring program and assess misuse risk as part of safe prescribing. A comprehensive evaluation supports that process with a documented diagnosis, rule-outs, and substance-use screening. Your physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner makes the medication decision.
Related Services
Get Clear Answers Close to Home
Whether you’re a professional who has always suspected ADHD, a student who needs documentation before the next exam, or a law graduate facing a Board of Bar Examiners deadline, a comprehensive evaluation replaces guesswork with a clear explanation and a plan. Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Current wait time is about 10 to 14 days. For support and community, CHADD offers resources for adults with ADHD.
Evaluations conducted by Dr. Alan S. Jacobson, Psy.D., MBA, licensed psychologist in Massachusetts (7110), New York (024941), California (PSY 34380), and New Hampshire (1650), with PSYPACT authority (#14929). Member, National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
