If you’re exploring ADHD assessment options in Canada, you’ll very quickly notice two very different approaches:
What an ADHD Assessment Really Does
An ADHD assessment is more than checking off “I get distracted” on a form. It’s about understanding how attention, focus, memory, impulsivity, and emotional regulation are affecting your real life – at work, at school, and in relationships.
For general background information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches, visit CAMH’s ADHD resource page.
FasTreat ADHD: Quick and Virtual
FasTreat is an online ADHD service operating across Canada. It’s designed for speed and convenience – individuals complete an online questionnaire, meet virtually with a nurse practitioner or clinician, and may receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within days.
Appointments are short, and ongoing care is offered through a subscription model that includes medication management. The main appeal is accessibility and lower upfront cost.
If you’re confident that ADHD is the primary issue and your goal is to start medical treatment quickly, FasTreat’s model may suit you.
However, something to keep in mind is that many adults – especially those with undiagnosed ADHD – also experience challenges like anxiety or depression, which can make diagnosis or treatment a bit more complex. An article by the American Psychological Association and a study published in BMC Psychiatry highlight this link between ADHD and co-occurring conditions. In these cases, a comprehensive assessment and treatment approach is often more effective in the long run than a rapid, medication-first model.
Springboard Clinic: Comprehensive ADHD Assessment and Support
Springboard Clinic takes a more holistic approach. The team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, nurse practitioners, and therapists who specialize in ADHD and related conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and learning challenges.
Springboard assessments are available in-person in Toronto and Oakville, and virtually across Ontario, so you can choose the option that works best for you or your family.
How Springboard’s ADHD Assessment Works
- One-Day ADHD Assessment: A single-day option that provides a complete diagnostic picture and clear next steps by the end of the day. Appointments typically book within the month, making this a timely and comprehensive choice.
- Team-based Approach: You’ll meet with a psychologist for a detailed clinical assessment and, as part of the process, a medical professional (psychiatrist, paediatrician, GP or nurse practitioner) who specializes in ADHD to provide treatment and medication recommendations.
- In-Person or Virtual: Assessments can be completed virtually or in-person. While in-person appointments are strongly recommended for children and teens, many adults also find that in-person testing improves focus and engagement– particularly if attention challenges make it difficult to stay on track online.
- Insurance Coverage: Many private insurance plans cover a significant portion of the Springboard assessment. The clinic provides detailed receipts and documentation for reimbursement or workplace benefits.
- Beyond Diagnosis: After your assessment, Springboard offers therapy, ADHD coaching, executive function training, and ongoing medical care – building a long-term plan for real progress.
Choosing What's Right for You
If this sounds like you...
Consider FasTreat
Consider Springboard
The Bottom Line
FasTreat’s model prioritizes speed and convenience – a quick path to diagnosis and medication online.
Springboard’s assessments prioritize depth, collaboration, and long-term support, with in-person and virtual options across Ontario.
If you’re looking for a fast, low-cost online ADHD diagnosis, FasTreat may fit your needs. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, team-based assessment with both psychological and medical expertise – often available within a few weeks – Springboard Clinic is built for you.
If you’d like to learn more about national ADHD guidelines and standards of care, the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) provides clinician and patient resources used across Canada.
