FAQ

The CMHC uses a sliding fee for the assessment, ranging from $50 to $500 based on need as determined by the Financial Aid Office. If you wish to see if you qualify for a reduced fee, you can complete the appropriate form in the pre-assessment history packet. The fee will be charged directly to your student account. If you are still unable to afford the fee that you qualify for, you can speak with your clinician regarding your options.

This depends on which assessment battery is best for you. For most students, it takes about three to four hours for a standard assessment. However, sometimes a comprehensive battery of tests is required if, for example, you hope to apply for academic accommodations outside of University of Idaho (i.e., State Boards, Step exams, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, professional licensing exams, etc.). In this case, the testing will take approximately six to eight hours over two or three sessions. This is because most schools and testing/licensing boards have specific requirements, including full cognitive and academic testing.

The CMHC does not work with student, state or private insurance companies. This helps us keep the costs lower for students. See the cost question above to view our pricing.

The primary benefit of psychological assessment is to find the right treatment and resources. If you or a loved one, clinician, doctor, etc. are unsure if you have ADHD or another disorder, an assessment can help to confirm the diagnosis and/or rule out other factors.

Assessing for the presence of psychological symptoms, ADHD or learning issues can also help you find out what may be preventing you from performing well academically. For example, it may be possible for you to apply for academic accommodations with the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) at U of I. These accommodations include, but are not limited to, extra time on tests, taking tests in a reduced distraction environment or having assistive notetaking tools. Ultimately, you can discover where your strengths and weaknesses are and can then plan accordingly.

Unfortunately, there is almost always a waitlist. This is not only a very time-intensive service, but it is also a very highly requested service at University of Idaho.

The amount of time you can expect to wait on the waitlist varies from semester to semester. We recommend trying to get on the waitlist as soon as you can if you know that you will need updated documentation for academic accommodations. We also recommend to any student seeking testing accommodations for state board/licensing exams both review what is needed and aim to get on our waitlist as soon as possible. As these exams often require a comprehensive assessment, we may have to refer to a provider outside of the CMHC.

If you have questions about the current wait, contact cmhc@uidaho.edu.

If you are currently receiving stimulant medication for ADHD and plan to have the medical provider at the CMHC prescribe, you must schedule an initial psychiatric consultation with the CMHC. You can then work with your treating provider to determine what documentation may be needed in order to receive your medication.

If you have been tested before, it is helpful to bring in the complete test report that includes educational or psychological testing results, a summary of treatment recommendations and documentation of the diagnosis of ADHD to your initial psychiatric appointment. This is not required but preferred.

If a diagnosis of ADHD is made or confirmed, you will be referred to the CMHC medical provider or another provider of your choosing.

The decision of whether to medicate or not and what kind of medication to use will be made by you and your treating provider. Once a decision is made for treatment with stimulant medication, students will receive prescriptions in no more than 30-day amounts. To receive a refill, the student must return for a medication assessment every 30 days unless otherwise indicated.

Not all students respond to stimulant medication. For some students, other medications for ADHD are more appropriate and effective.

The Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) office assists students who qualify by providing appropriate accommodations. Many students who complete assessments, as well as those who have a mental health diagnosis from a provider, may meet qualifications for accommodations. Contact CDAR or cmhc-assessment@uidaho.edu if you have more questions.