Ginny Estupinian PhD, ABPP

Adult ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis in Los Gatos, CA

photo of male at work feeling overwhelmed due to ADHD

Dr. Ginny Estupinian, PhD, ABPP, provides comprehensive adult ADHD assessments at her private practice located at 987 University Ave #20, Los Gatos, California. Her evaluation combines a structured clinical interview, standardized rating scales, cognitive testing, and differential diagnosis to distinguish ADHD from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other conditions that frequently mimic or co-occur with attention difficulties. Each assessment concludes with a detailed written report and a feedback session with specific recommendations for treatment, medication coordination, and workplace accommodations where applicable.

Dr. Estupinian is a board-certified clinical psychologist, a credential held by fewer than 5% of psychologists nationwide, with specialized expertise in psychological and neuropsychological assessment. Her practice serves adults across the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, with telehealth available to patients in California, Oregon, Illinois, and Florida. Adults who already carry an ADHD diagnosis are also welcome; ongoing management services are available independently of a new assessment.

How ADHD Shows Up in Adults

Adult ADHD often looks different than the stereotypical hyperactive child. While some adults do experience physical restlessness, many present with what we call “inattentive type” ADHD. Common experiences include:

At Work:

  • Chronic procrastination, especially on important tasks
  • Difficulty starting projects despite good intentions
  • Missing deadlines or rushing to complete work at the last minute
  • Trouble staying focused during meetings or while reading emails
  • Frequent job changes or feeling underemployed relative to your abilities
  • Overwhelming sense of “spinning your wheels” without making progress

In Relationships:

  • Forgetting important dates, conversations, or commitmentsPhoto of an adult with ADHD having challenges in their relationship. Dr. Ginny Estupinian assess ADHD in adults
  • Appearing distracted or not listening when your partner talks
  • Impulsive decision-making that affects the household
  • Emotional reactivity or difficulty regulating frustration

In Daily Life:

  • Chronic lateness despite your best efforts
  • Losing or misplacing important items (keys, wallet, phone)
  • Starting multiple projects but finishing a few
  • Difficulty with routine tasks like paying bills or managing the household management
  • Feeling mentally exhausted from trying to stay organized
  • Relying heavily on others to help you stay on track

Why Timely Assessment Matters

Dr. Estupinian firmly believes that early ADHD assessment can be life-changing. When diagnosis is delayed, adults often experience worsening difficulties at work, strained relationships, and declining overall functioning. Research consistently demonstrates that untreated adult ADHD increases healthcare utilization and decreases workplace productivity, with an estimated annual economic burden exceeding $120 billion in the United States alone.

Early identification makes all the difference. With prompt, evidence-based treatment, adults with ADHD see meaningful improvements in daily functioning, reduced risk of substance misuse, and enhanced quality of life across all domains.

Why Many Adults Are Diagnosed Late

Photo of hourglass with time passing to illustrate how important timely assessment of adult ADHD by Ginny Estupinian PhD

ADHD in adults often goes unrecognized for several reasons:

High Intelligence Can Mask Symptoms: Many adults with ADHD are very intelligent and developed compensatory strategies throughout school, so their struggles weren’t obvious until work or life demands exceeded their coping capacity.

Inattentive Type is Less Obvious: Without the hyperactivity component, teachers and parents may have missed the signs, especially in girls and women who were simply labeled “daydreamers” or “spacey.”

Previous Misdiagnosis: Many adults were diagnosed with depression or anxiety (which can co-occur with ADHD) but the underlying attention disorder was never identified.

Different Presentation in Women: Women with ADHD often internalize their symptoms as anxiety or low self-esteem rather than recognizing attention difficulties. They may have been praised for being “quiet” while struggling internally.

Life Structure Changes: College or early career may have provided enough structure, but as responsibilities increased (career advancement, family, managing a household), coping strategies broke down.

The Complexity of Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Photo of the complex neuros firing in an adult ADHD brain.  Ginny Estupinian PhD can test for adult adhd

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires specialized expertise. Unlike children, adults rarely display obvious hyperactivity. Instead, they typically struggle with inattention, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

The picture becomes even more complicated because symptoms often fluctuate over time, and many adults have developed sophisticated coping strategies that mask their difficulties during brief clinical visits. This is why a comprehensive, structured assessment is essential.

Our Comprehensive Adult ADHD Assessment

Dr. Estupinian provides each patient with structured, transparent feedback that clearly explains which symptoms meet diagnostic criteria and why. This approach helps individuals understand ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, not a personal failing, which fosters genuine engagement in treatment and long-term care.

Understanding your diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Research shows that informed patients are significantly more likely to follow through with both behavioral interventions and medication plans, leading to better outcomes and greater treatment satisfaction.

By combining validated assessment tools with patient-centered communication, Dr. Estupinian empowers you to become an active participant in managing your ADHD and reclaiming your potential.

What the Assessment Includes:

Detailed Clinical Interview:

  • In-depth discussion of your current symptoms and daily challenges
  • Exploration of childhood history (symptoms must have been present before age 12)
  • Review of academic and work performance patterns throughout your life
  • Assessment of family history of ADHD or related conditions
  • Discussion of previous diagnoses or treatments

Standardized Rating Scales:

  • Self-report measures of ADHD symptoms
  • Evaluation of how symptoms impact different life areas
  • Assessment of co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, mood disorders)

Cognitive Testing:

  • Objective measures of attention, concentration, and focus
  • Assessment of working memory (your ability to hold and manipulate information)
  • Evaluation of processing speed
  • Executive function testing (planning, organization, impulse control)
  • Measurement of sustained attention and distractibility

Collateral Information (when appropriate):

  • Partner, family member, or close friend observations
  • Review of school records, report cards, or previous evaluations if available
  • Work performance reviews (if relevant and available)

Differential Diagnosis:

  • Distinguishing ADHD from anxiety, depression, or stress-related problems
  • Identifying co-occurring conditions that need to be addressed
  • Determining if symptoms are better explained by other factors

What Makes Our Assessment Different

Many adults are concerned about being dismissed or not taken seriously. At Dr. Estupinian’s office, we understand that:

  • ADHD is a legitimate neurological condition, not a character flaw
  • Your struggles are real, even if you’ve developed ways to hide them
  • Late diagnosis is common and valid
  • You deserve answers and appropriate support

Understanding Your Results

After your assessment, you’ll receive:

Photo of a adult ADHD report provided by Ginny Estupinian PhD Los Gatos psychologist

Comprehensive Written Report:

  • Clear explanation of findings and diagnosis
  • Detailed analysis of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses
  • Specific recommendations for treatment and support
  • Documentation for workplace or academic accommodations, if needed

Feedback Session:

  • Review of all test results in plain language
  • Opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
  • Guidance on next steps, including treatment options
  • Recommendations for medication evaluation (if appropriate), therapy, coaching, or lifestyle modifications
Life After Diagnosis

An ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can be life-changingnot because anything about you has changed, but because you finally have an explanation for lifelong struggles. Many adults describe feeling a profound sense of relief: “It’s not that I’m lazy or stupid. My brain is just wired differently.”

With proper diagnosis comes access to:

  • Evidence-based treatments (medication, therapy, coaching)
  • Workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Strategies tailored to how your brain works
  • Self-compassion and understanding
  • A path forward that honors your strengths while addressing challenges

Workplace Accommodations

If your ADHD significantly impacts your work performance, our comprehensive assessment provides the documentation needed to request reasonable accommodations under the ADA. Common accommodations include:

  • Modified work schedules or deadlines
  • Written instructions for complex tasks
  • Private workspace to minimize distractions
  • Permission to use noise-cancelling headphones
  • Regular check-ins with supervisors
  • Task prioritization support

Support Beyond Diagnosis: Ongoing ADHD Management:

Photo of male receiving support from the office of Ginny Estupinian PHD Los Gatos Psychologist

You Don’t Have to Navigate ADHD Alone

Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a crucial first step—but it’s just the beginning. At Dr. Estupinian’s office, we don’t simply provide a diagnosis and send you on your way. We understand that adults with ADHD need ongoing support, practical strategies, and someone who truly understands how ADHD affects daily life.

That’s why Dr. Estupinian offers comprehensive ADHD management services to help you move from diagnosis to actually living better with ADHD.

What ADHD Management Includes

Personalized Treatment Planning

After your diagnosis, we work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific challenges and goals. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your ADHD affects your life in unique ways—your career, relationships, home management, and personal goals—and your treatment plan should reflect that.

We’ll discuss:

  • Your primary areas of struggle (work performance, organization, relationships, time management, etc.)
  • Your goals for treatment (What would “better” look like for you?)
  • Treatment options that align with your preferences and lifestyle
  • Creating realistic, achievable steps forward

Medication Management Coordination

While Dr. Estupinian does not prescribe medication herself, she works closely with your prescribing physician (psychiatrist, primary care doctor, or nurse practitioner) to:

  • Provide comprehensive diagnostic documentation to support medication decisions
  • Help you understand medication options and what to expect
  • Track how medication is working through ongoing assessment
  • Identify side effects or concerns that should be communicated to your prescriber
  • Adjust behavioral strategies as medication effects change your functioning
  • Coordinate care to ensure all providers are working together

Many adults find that medication alone isn’t enough—it helps with attention and focus, but doesn’t teach organizational skills or time management. That’s where our ongoing management makes a real difference.

Behavioral Strategies & Skills Training

ADHD management focuses on building practical skills and strategies that work with your ADHD brain, not against it:

Executive Function Skills:

  • Time management techniques designed for ADHD brains
  • Organizational systems that you can actually maintain
  • Planning and prioritization strategies
  • Task initiation techniques (overcoming procrastination)
  • Working memory supports

Workplace Strategies:

  • Managing deadlines and multiple projects
  • Reducing distractions in your work environment
  • Using technology and tools effectively
  • Communication strategies with supervisors and colleagues
  • Energy management throughout the workday

Home and Life Management:

  • Systems for paying bills and managing finances
  • Household organization and maintenance routines
  • Reducing clutter and creating functional spaces
  • Managing family responsibilities

Relationship Skills:

  • Communication strategies with partners and family
  • Managing emotional reactivity
  • Following through on commitments
  • Addressing how ADHD affects your relationships

Emotional Regulation:

  • Understanding ADHD-related emotional challenges
  • Techniques for managing frustration and overwhelm
  • Building resilience and self-compassion
  • Addressing shame and negative self-talk that often accompanies undiagnosed ADHD

Accountability and Support

One of the biggest challenges of adult ADHD is following through on good intentions. Regular sessions provide:

  • Accountability for implementing strategies
  • Troubleshooting when things aren’t working
  • Celebrating progress and building momentum
  • Adjusting approaches as your life circumstances change
  • A consistent touchpoint to prevent backsliding

Accommodation Planning and Documentation

If your ADHD significantly impacts work performance, we can help you:

  • Identify which accommodations would be most helpful
  • Provide documentation for workplace accommodation requests under the ADA
  • Prepare for conversations with HR or supervisors
  • Advocate for yourself effectively
  • Navigate the accommodation process

Common workplace accommodations include:

  • Modified work schedules or flexible deadlines
  • Written instructions for complex tasks
  • Private workspace or permission to work remotely
  • Noise-cancelling headphones or other environmental modifications
  • Regular check-ins with supervisors for prioritization support
  • Task management tools or assistive technology

Progress Monitoring

ADHD management is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regular appointments allow us to:

  • Track what’s working and what isn’t
  • Adjust strategies as needed
  • Identify new challenges as they emerge
  • Reassess when life circumstances change (new job, relationship changes, increased stress)
  • Measure progress objectively
  • Prevent relapse into old patterns

You Need More Than Coaching.

Coaching is not clinical intervention, coaching is support, Patients with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, should be referred to a mental health professional.

Why Ongoing Management Makes the Difference

Many adults with ADHD have the insight to know what they should do, but struggle to actually implement and maintain changes. Having a knowledgeable provider who:

  • Understands how ADHD brains work
  • Doesn’t judge you for struggles
  • Helps you develop systems tailored to your specific brain
  • Provides regular accountability and support
  • Adjusts strategies when life changes

…makes the difference between a diagnosis that sits in a drawer and actual improvement in your daily life.

What Makes Dr. Estupinian's Approach Different

She Understands the Whole Picture: With expertise in both assessment and treatment, Dr. Estupinian understands not just that you have ADHD, but specifically how your ADHD manifests and what your unique challenges are. This continuity of care means you don’t have to start over explaining yourself to a new provider.

Evidence-Based but Practical: Treatment is grounded in research about what actually works for ADHD, but adapted to real life. We focus on strategies you can actually implement, not idealized systems that work on paper but not in practice.

No Shame, No Judgment: Dr. Estupinian understands that ADHD behaviors aren’t character flaws or lack of effort. You’ll never hear “just try harder” or “why can’t you just…” Instead, we work with how your brain actually functions.

Long-Term Partnership: ADHD is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need intensive treatment forever. As you develop skills and strategies, sessions may become less frequent. Some clients meet weekly initially, then monthly, then check in a few times per year as needed. We adjust the level of support to match where you are in your journey.

Getting Started with ADHD Management

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD (whether recently or years ago) and are struggling to manage symptoms on your own, or if you’re completing your assessment with Dr. Estupinian and receive an ADHD diagnosis, management services are available to you.

The first management session focuses on:

  • Understanding your specific ADHD challenges
  • Identifying your goals for treatment
  • Creating an initial action plan
  • Establishing a schedule that works for your needs

From there, we build a treatment plan that evolves with you.

ADHD is Manageable—You Just Need the Right Support

You’ve likely spent years trying to force yourself to function like someone without ADHD. It’s exhausting, demoralizing, and ultimately doesn’t work. ADHD management is about learning to work with your brain instead of against it, developing systems that actually stick, and having expert support when you need it.

You don’t have to keep struggling alone.

Take the Next Step

If you’re wondering whether ADHD is behind years of frustration, underperformance, or exhaustion, a comprehensive assessment can finally give you answers.

Contact Dr. Estupinian’s office to schedule your adult ADHD evaluation and take the first step toward understanding how your brain actually works.

Contact Us

Call the office with any questions you may have. Our team will provide the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Ready to move forward? Get in touch!

Have questions or want to learn more? We’re here to help. Reach out to us today and let’s start talking about how we can assist you. Your next step is just a call away—let’s connect!

FAQ

How long does an adult ADHD assessment take?

A comprehensive adult ADHD assessment at Dr. Estupinian’s office is typically completed over 1 to 2 appointments. The total time varies depending on the complexity of your presentation, including whether co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression need to be evaluated alongside attention difficulties. During your initial consultation, Dr. Estupinian will give you a clear sense of what to expect for your specific case.

How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost?

Assessment fees vary based on the scope of evaluation required. Because adult ADHD assessments often involve ruling out co-occurring conditions, the time and testing involved differs from person to person. Dr. Estupinian’s office operates on a private-pay basis, and fees are discussed transparently before your evaluation begins. Contact the office at 844-802-6512 for current fee information.

Do you accept insurance for ADHD testing?

Dr. Estupinian does not accept insurance directly. Her practice operates on a private-pay basis, accepting major credit cards and HSA/FSA accounts. Upon request, a detailed superbill can be provided for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans may reimburse a portion of the cost of neuropsychological assessments depending on plan benefits. We recommend calling your insurance carrier in advance to ask about your out-of-network benefits.

Can I get an adult ADHD assessment via telehealth?

Telehealth availability for ADHD assessments depends on the components of your evaluation. Portions of the assessment, including the clinical interview, rating scales, and feedback session, can often be conducted remotely. Dr. Estupinian is licensed to provide telehealth services to patients in California, Oregon, Illinois, and Florida. Contact the office to discuss which elements of your evaluation can be completed via telehealth versus in person at the Los Gatos office.

What's the difference between an ADHD assessment with Dr. Estupinian and talking to my regular doctor?

A primary care physician or general practitioner can screen for ADHD and may prescribe medication, but they typically do not conduct comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological evaluations. Dr. Estupinian’s assessment goes significantly deeper using standardized cognitive testing, structured clinical interviews, validated rating scales, and differential diagnosis to distinguish ADHD from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other conditions that can look identical to ADHD. The result is a detailed written report with specific, actionable findings rather than a checklist-based screening.

What happens after I receive my ADHD diagnosis?

Your assessment concludes with a feedback session in which Dr. Estupinian reviews all findings in plain language, answers your questions, and walks you through the next steps. You receive a comprehensive written report documenting your diagnosis, cognitive profile, and specific treatment recommendations, including whether medication evaluation, therapy, behavioral coaching, or workplace accommodations are warranted. If ongoing ADHD management is needed, Dr. Estupinian also provides that directly, so you don’t have to start over with a new provider.

Can you provide documentation for workplace accommodations?

Yes. If your assessment confirms an ADHD diagnosis that affects your work performance, Dr. Estupinian provides the documentation needed to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This documentation is prepared as part of your written report and is accepted by HR departments, employee assistance programs, and academic institutions. Common accommodations supported include extended deadlines, modified work schedules, reduced-distraction workspaces, and written instructions for complex tasks.

What if I did fine in school — can I still have ADHD?

Absolutely. Many adults with ADHD performed well in structured school environments, particularly those with high intelligence who developed compensatory strategies early. ADHD often goes undetected until the demands of adult life, career advancement, managing a household, and raising a family exceed those coping mechanisms. Academic success does not rule out ADHD; in many cases, it is precisely what delayed diagnosis for so long.

I'm successful in my career. Could I really have ADHD?

Yes. Many high-achieving adults with ADHD have simply worked twice as hard to compensate for their challenges, often at significant personal cost. The exhaustion, the constant sense of almost-but-not-quite, the feeling of underperforming relative to your potential despite outward success, these are common experiences for adults with undiagnosed ADHD. A comprehensive assessment can clarify whether ADHD is contributing to that gap between effort and outcome.

What if my symptoms are just anxiety or stress?

That is exactly what the assessment is designed to determine. Anxiety and ADHD share many surface symptoms: difficulty concentrating, restlessness, trouble completing tasks, and they frequently co-occur. Without a thorough evaluation, it is easy to treat one condition while the other goes unaddressed. Dr. Estupinian’s differential diagnosis process distinguishes between anxiety-driven attention difficulties and neurologically based ADHD, ensuring that any treatment plan targets the right underlying cause.

I wasn't hyperactive as a child. Can I still have ADHD?

Yes. Inattentive-type ADHD does not involve hyperactivity. If you were the quiet child who daydreamed, had difficulty staying on task, or seemed to be “in your own world,” you may have had ADHD that simply didn’t fit the stereotypical profile. This presentation is especially common in women and girls, who are historically underdiagnosed because their symptoms were mistaken for personality traits rather than recognized as a neurodevelopmental condition.

I already have an ADHD diagnosis. Can I still work with Dr. Estupinian?

Yes. If you have an existing ADHD diagnosis from another provider, whether a psychiatrist, primary care physician, or previous psychologist, you do not need to repeat a full assessment to access ongoing management services. Dr. Estupinian can work with your existing documentation and, where appropriate, conduct a focused review to confirm or clarify the diagnosis before building a treatment plan. Many adults come to her practice years after an initial diagnosis, having never received the structured support needed to actually manage their ADHD in daily life. If you’re unsure whether your previous evaluation is sufficient, contact the office, and Dr. Estupinian’s team can advise you before your first appointment.