Online ADHD treatment
in California.
ADHD in adults often goes unrecognized for years. If you've been managing distraction, disorganization, or impulsivity on your own — a proper evaluation is the right starting point.
Request an AppointmentWho this is for
ADHD isn't only a childhood condition. Many adults were never assessed as children — especially those who were high-achieving, female, or whose symptoms were attributed to anxiety or personality. If you've spent years compensating for difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, managing time, or staying organized, ADHD may be worth evaluating.
This service is for adults in California who want a thorough, honest evaluation — not a quick prescription. Whether you suspect ADHD for the first time or had a previous diagnosis and need continued care, this is a good fit.
What ADHD looks like in adults
ADHD presents in three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. In adults, the hyperactive presentation is often less obvious than it was in childhood — it may show up as internal restlessness, difficulty sitting with discomfort, or impulsive decision-making rather than physically running around.
Common presentations include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that aren't immediately engaging
- Chronic procrastination despite clear consequences
- Frequent careless mistakes or overlooked details
- Losing track of items, appointments, or conversations
- Difficulty starting tasks or transitioning between them
- Talking over others, impulsive responses, difficulty waiting
- Emotional dysregulation — frustration, rejection sensitivity
- Sleep onset difficulties and erratic sleep schedule
These symptoms must be present across multiple settings, represent a change from expected functioning, and not be fully explained by another condition.
What the evaluation looks like
The initial evaluation is a 60-minute telehealth appointment. It's a clinical interview — not a checkbox exercise. The ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) is used as one tool, but symptom rating scales alone don't diagnose ADHD.
What gets covered:
- Current symptoms: what they are, when they started, how long they've been present
- Childhood history: were symptoms present before age 12, even if not diagnosed?
- Functional impact: work, relationships, finances, daily tasks
- Collateral history: if you have documentation from school or prior providers, share it — though it's not required
- Medical history: thyroid, sleep disorders, and other conditions that can mimic ADHD
- Psychiatric history: anxiety, depression, and mood disorders frequently co-occur with ADHD and affect treatment planning
- Current medications: some medications affect attention and concentration
- Substance use history: cannabis and stimulant use can complicate ADHD assessment
A diagnosis is not guaranteed after one visit. If the picture is unclear, further information may be needed.
Medication options for ADHD
ADHD medication falls into two broad categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. Both can be effective. The choice depends on individual factors — not a default preference for one class over another.
Stimulant medications
Stimulants are the most studied and fastest-acting ADHD medications. There are two main types:
- Amphetamine salts: Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- Methylphenidate: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances. Before prescribing, a CURES check (California's prescription drug monitoring program) is performed. Telehealth prescribing of Schedule II stimulants is permitted in California for established patients following a complete evaluation.
Non-stimulant medications
Non-stimulants are not controlled substances and may be preferred when stimulants are contraindicated, not tolerated, or not appropriate based on the clinical picture:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera): an SNRI specifically approved for ADHD; takes 4–8 weeks for full effect
- Viloxazine (Qelbree): a newer non-stimulant option with once-daily dosing
- Guanfacine ER (Intuniv): an alpha-2 agonist; can help with emotional dysregulation and hyperactivity
- Bupropion: an antidepressant with some evidence for ADHD, particularly when depression co-occurs
Medication decisions are individualized and depend on diagnosis, medical history, current medications, safety considerations, and clinical appropriateness. Controlled substances are not guaranteed and may require additional information before prescribing. This page is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Insurance and cost
Umbrella Mental Health accepts the following insurance plans:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Anthem Blue Cross California
Don't see your plan? Call (323) 970-2625 or email info@umhcare.com. Out-of-network or self-pay options may be available. Visit our insurance page for more information.
How telehealth works
All appointments are conducted via secure video — no office visit required. You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you can speak freely. A link is sent before your appointment; there's no app to download.
Umbrella Mental Health is licensed in California and serves adults throughout the state. Telehealth appointments for ADHD evaluation and ongoing medication management are available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT.
Ready to get a clear answer on whether ADHD explains what you've been experiencing?
Request an AppointmentADHD questions,
answered plainly.
Yes. A thorough ADHD evaluation can be completed via telehealth. It includes standardized screening tools, a comprehensive clinical interview, and a review of any prior records you choose to share. A physical exam is not required for an ADHD diagnosis.
Stimulant medications can be prescribed via telehealth when clinically appropriate. Whether stimulants are right for you depends on the evaluation findings, your medical history, and other factors. A prescription is not guaranteed at the first visit, and a controlled substance will not be prescribed without a complete evaluation.
Before prescribing a controlled substance, I review your symptom history, functional impact, medical and psychiatric history, current medications, and perform a CURES check. In some cases, additional information or a follow-up visit is needed before a prescription is written.
No. Many adults seeking an ADHD evaluation have never been formally assessed. You do not need prior records. If you have prior documentation — school evaluations, previous diagnoses, or other relevant history — sharing it can be useful, but it is not required to be seen.
Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), guanfacine ER (Intuniv), and bupropion. These are not controlled substances and may be a better fit when stimulants are contraindicated, not well tolerated, or not appropriate based on your clinical picture. They generally take longer to reach full effect.
ADHD shares symptoms with anxiety, mood disorders, sleep problems, and other conditions. A careful evaluation may identify a different or co-occurring condition — or may require more information before a diagnosis can be made confidently. Getting the diagnosis right matters more than getting it quickly.
Ready to get started?
Request an evaluation and your appointment will be confirmed within one business day.