How to Get Diagnosed With Adult ADHD in BC
Have you ever found yourself wondering why you struggle so much to stay focused, organized, or keep up with everyday tasks? Even when you try to focus?
If so, you're not alone. Many adults in BC are discovering that they've been living with ADHD for years – without ever getting diagnosed.
Navigating the ADHD assessment process as an adult in BC can sometimes feel impossible, especially when you're not sure where to start.
This guide is based on our experience with clients as they navigate Canada’s scattered mental health system.
What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how the brain manages executive functions such as attention, activity levels, impulse control, etc.
Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed when they were younger and have developed coping mechanisms that masks their ADHD.
Adult ADHD can look like:
Trouble staying organized
Difficulty starting (or finishing) tasks
Forgetfulness
Emotional reactivity
Feeling easily overwhelmed
Chronic procrastination
So, why is it that some adults grow up without ever getting diagnosed? ADHD is highly stigmatized. In the 80’s, when ADHD was formally named, media panic questioned whether the disorder was real. Instead, they blamed ADHD on poor parenting or laziness. This caused many parents to be hesitant in seeking ADHD diagnosis for their children. This stigma continues today. As well, ADHD presents differently in women than men, meaning many girls with ADHD are either misdiagnosed or missed.
Undiagnosed for Years: Why ADHD Assessment in BC Feels Impossible
Unfortunately, getting assessed for ADHD as an adult in British Columbia isn't always straightforward. Many people are left navigating a confusing system with no clear path. Your experience can depend on several factors:
Where you live – Rural and remote communities often lack mental health services or ADHD-specific providers.
Who your doctor is – Some GPs or NPs are open to discussing ADHD and may offer support or even a prescription, while others may dismiss symptoms or insist on a formal diagnosis.
What services are available nearby – Not all areas have access to ADHD assessment clinics or specialists, especially those covered under MSP.
Cost of private assessments – Many adults are pushed toward private evaluations, which can range from $300 to $3,000.
Long waitlists – Public options often involve waitlists of 1 to 2+ years, and ADHD is frequently triaged as a low-priority concern. Sometimes, care providers outright refuse to put adult ADHD assessments in queue.
These are only a few reasons why adults may feel discouraged or stuck - especially when they've already waited years just to realize ADHD might be the issue. The reality is that mental health care is scattered in Canada. There is no standardized approach and there is rarely support for Adult ADHD diagnosis through public systems.
How to Get Diagnosed With Adult ADHD in BC
There are few routes available, each with pros and cons depending on your needs, budget, and access to a family doctor.
Private Adult ADHD Assessment
Fastest option, with wait times ranging from 1 month to 6 months.
Do not need a referral from a primary care provider.
Often conducted by a nurse practitioner.
Not covered by MSP, but may be covered by extended health benefits.
Costs typically range between $300–$1,000.
Public Psychiatry
Requires a referral from a family doctor.
Covered by MSP.
Very few options available and wait times can be long.
One of the few known clinics I know that offers adult ADHD assessments in BC with a referral covered by MSP is InFocus Counselling. Others exist but they tend to fluctuate in their acceptance of clients.
Do You Need a Formal Diagnosis?
You need a diagnosis if:
You want to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
You need Student Aid Disability Grants
You do not need a diagnosis if you are:
Looking for counselling, coaching, or therapy support
Wanting strategies to manage symptoms without medical treatment
You may need a diagnosis if you:
Have a cautious GP who requires a formal diagnosis before even discussing treatment options
Don’t have a primary care provider and want to start medication via a walk-in clinic
You require accommodations in school or work*
*You should only need information from your doctor about any restrictions or limitations affecting you to receive accommodations but a doctor may want a formal diagnosis before they do this.
What About Counselling and Therapy?
Even without a diagnosis, working with a therapist or counsellor can be a helpful first step. While we can't diagnose ADHD, many of us are trained to:
Use screening tools like the ASRS-v1.1 to explore symptoms
Help you build routines, reduce overwhelm, and understand your nervous system
Offer validation and structure while you explore next steps
Support you emotionally while you wait for a formal assessment—or even if you decide not to pursue one.
Between long waitlists, high private costs, and inconsistent care, many adults continue to fall through the cracks of our healthcare system, especially in smaller communities like the Comox Valley.
If you think you might have ADHD and feel confused and overwhelmed with where to start, know that you're not alone. There are still pathways to support, even without a diagnosis.
If you are struggling with adult ADHD in the Comox Valley and would like extra support, consider booking a free 15-minute consultation.
