ADHD Management

Getting ADHD Medication at Mount Holyoke College

The clinical staff at MHC do not perform formal ADHD evaluations for initial diagnosis of ADHD.

If you have recently completed comprehensive testing and were diagnosed with ADHD or if you have an existing diagnosis of ADHD, have been prescribed stimulant medication for this condition, and wish for MHC Health Services to continue your medication management while you are here, you must submit documentation of a complete evaluation supporting the diagnosis of ADHD. This documentation can be office notes, copies of formal neuropsychological testing, or a letter from the diagnosing provider but must include:

1. A comprehensive diagnostic interview by a qualified physician, psychologist, or other provider whose scope of practice includes the diagnosis of attentional problems; this provider must not be a relative of the student requesting care
2. Evidence of symptoms before the age of 12
3. Evidence of impairment in two or more settings
4. Use of ADHD rating scales that have been completed by self-report AND third-party reporters (parent/guardian, teacher/school reports).
5. Assessment of possible comorbid conditions which may also cause attentional issues including learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders

If you have taken ADHD medication in the last year, you must also submit clinical records/office notes from current prescribing provider, including full medication list, from at least the past year.

All documentation must be received and reviewed before an initial ADHD appointment will be scheduled. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your documentation to be reviewed. It is strongly advised that all students who are currently on medication for ADHD arrange for on-going care with their current provider until the above process is completed.

Download the request form for ADHD medication management: PDF version  |  doc version

Accommodations for students with ADHD

All students with a diagnosis of ADHD, regardless of whether they are taking medications, are encouraged to contact AccessAbility Services to see if they qualify for accommodations. We also encourage those with ADHD to use non-pharmacological treatments such as academic coaching, group/individual therapy, daily exercise and mindfulness practice.

ADHD testing and evaluation

The clinical staff at MHC do not perform formal ADHD evaluations for initial diagnosis of ADHD.