ADHD Treatment Options in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Update: May 17, 2024 | 3 min read

Navigating ADHD treatment options in Canada can be overwhelming, especially with varying accessibility and costs across different providers. This guide aims to help you understand the differences between government-funded services, private clinics, and virtual care providers, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Government-Funded Options

Provincial health plans, such as OHIP in Ontario, provide ADHD assessments and treatments at no direct cost. Typically, these services require a referral from a primary care provider to a specialist, which can result in long wait times, sometimes stretching from several months to over a year. These plans often do not cover services provided by nurse practitioners or virtual care platforms in many provinces​ (New Scientist)​​ (Psychiatric Times)​.

Private Clinics

Private clinics offer quicker access to ADHD assessments and treatments but come with higher costs. Initial assessments can range from $2,000 to $3,000, with follow-up visits costing additional hundreds of dollars. These clinics are usually staffed by psychologists who can diagnose ADHD but may not be able to prescribe medication, necessitating further appointments with medical doctors for prescriptions​ (Psychiatric Times)​.

Virtual Care Providers

Virtual care platforms aim to make ADHD care more accessible and affordable, reducing wait times significantly.

Other Virtual ADHD Clinics: Charges for an initial assessment usually range from $599 to $699, with follow-up appointments at $75 to $169 each. These services primarily focus on medication management and typically do not offer assessments to patients with concurrent disorders or histories of disordered eating habits, borderline personality, bipolar disorder, addictions, and more. The total annual cost for ADHD care can be higher compared to Finding Focus, which offers a low total annual fee of less than $699. These other clinics range upwards of $1,500 to $2,000+ in total annual ADHD service fees​ (Psychiatric Times)​.

Finding Focus ADHD Clinic: Finding Focus offers a balanced, affordable approach to ADHD care.

• Initial Assessment: $399
• Includes a 75-minute comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, typically completed within hours.
• Custom treatment plans and immediate access to licensed ADHD specialists.‍
• Continuous Care Program: $24.99 per month‍
  • Includes one virtual check-in per month, medication management, and treatment plan adjustments.‍
• ADHD Coaching: Available between $75-$130 per session ‍
  • ADHD coaching sessions can be requested based on individual needs
  • Patients usually receive coaching within 10 business days of their request
  • Covered by most insurance providers‍
• ADHD Psychotherapy (CBT): Available between $170-$250 per session ‍
  • ADHD psychotherapy sessions can be requested based on individual needs
  • Patients will receive coaching within 10 business days of their request
  • Covered by most insurance providers

Key Points:

1. Finding Focus offers an affordable and quick option for ADHD assessment and treatment, with same-day personalized treatment plans and prescriptions.
2. Psychiatrist Referral through provincial health plans is free but involves long wait times and sometimes limited follow-up care.
3. Private Psychologists provide comprehensive assessments but are significantly more expensive and do not prescribe medications directly.
4. Other Virtual ADHD Clinics provide a middle-ground option with moderate costs and faster access than traditional methods but may have higher ongoing monthly fees.

Additional Information:

• Finding Focus: At $399 for the initial assessment and $24.99 per month for continuous care, Finding Focus is one of the most affordable ADHD treatment providers in Canada. This includes personalized treatment plans and same-day prescriptions, making it a convenient choice for ongoing ADHD management.
• Cost Efficiency: Finding Focus stands out as a cost-effective solution, offering comprehensive ADHD care for less than many private and virtual alternatives, ensuring high-quality treatment without breaking the bank.

Financial Assistance

At Finding Focus, we understand that financial barriers can be a significant concern for many individuals. We offer flexible payment plans and discounts to help ensure that financial limitations do not stand in the way of receiving the care and support you need. If you have financial constraints, please contact us to discuss available options tailored to your situation.

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Finding Focus Care Team

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at support@findfocusnow.com if you have any questions!

Sources:

• CBC News: More adults are taking medication for ADHD​ (New Scientist)​
• New Scientist: ADHD drug shortages and rising diagnoses​ (New Scientist)​
• Psychiatric Times: Advances in ADHD treatments​ (Psychiatric Times)​
• Healthline: ADHD treatment options​ (New Scientist)