ADHD Testing in West Michigan
ADHD, once thought to only affect “naughty little boys” is now a very common diagnosis for girls – and adults. In fact, it’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders.
Arriving at an ADHD diagnosis requires ADHD testing.
There are many places offering ADHD assessments in Grand Rapids. Getting a diagnosis as a child can give a kid a head start in many ways, including learning how their brain works and how to create coping skills for this world.
Getting an assessment completed can be hard work – testing centers are often booked months in advance and the process is often expensive. Add working withing your insurance network to the equation, and the road to ADHD testing can be daunting.
In this Article
Why Bother With ADHD Testing?
The modern world is not made for ADHD minds. School, work and even play is designed for linear minds, even though millions of people don’t think that way.
People with ADHD often feel “less than” just because they can’t sit still behind a desk all day or finish a project in one sitting. This can lead to low self esteem and even anxiety and depression.
It’s time to break the stigma that comes with ADHD. It’s time to make space for the ADHD kid.
If this sounds like your child (or maybe YOU? – you don’t outgrow ADHD), check out the ADHD symptoms we list below, and consider ADHD assessment.
A diagnosis can make all the difference in understanding yourself and learning how to thrive with ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in Kids
“The first step of the ADHD assessment process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other health issues with symptoms similar to ADHD,” says University of Michigan Health-West pediatrician Douglas O’Mara, MD.
After this, you will fill out a checklist to rate symptoms. Once these are complete, Dr. O’Mara says he typically gathers a history from parents and teachers, and talks to the child as well.
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and sometimes medication, according to Dr. O’Mara.
“For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy—particularly training for parents—is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried.”
Psst – All Kids are Active and Impatient
Kids with ADHD can’t turn it off
Adults know that certain behaviors from children are to be expected. These behaviors are a necessary part of a child’s growth and development.
Children test limits: they test their own physical limits, and they test your limits of patience. They are hyper and seem to never stop moving.
Kids are impatient and sometimes won’t sit still. We expect all that. Impulsivity, hyperactivity and being distracted are all normal behaviors.
So how do you know when the line has been crossed from normal to excessive, and when a child could use ADHD testing and extra help understanding how their brain works?
Symptoms of ADHD in Kids
You know that kid with the energy, big ideas, risk taking guts, ability to overcome obstacles and incredible powers of observation?
For more than 16 million children in the United States, those normal behaviors cross the line into attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood,” says Dr. O’Mara.
“Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or may be overly active.”
Dr. Omara goes on to say according to guidelines outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which is used to help diagnose ADHD, children under 17 must exhibit six or more of the following symptoms to be officially diagnosed through ADHD testing:
ADHD Doesn’t Look the Same for Every Child.
Some present as predominantly inattentive, others as hyperactive and impulsive, and some have a combination of both.
The severity of these symptoms also varies from mild to moderate to severe.
Dr. O’Mara understands that it can be difficult to know if your child’s symptoms meet the threshold for ADHD. While there’s no simple ADHD testing to diagnose, there is a clear process for getting there: start with an ADHD assessment.
What Happens During ADHD Testing?
ADHD assessment protocols vary from one practice to another, but they are all trying to measure attention-capacity and determine how much impact ADHD is having on a person’s life.
Assessments for kids look different than adult assessments, but all involve input from sources other than the person being assessed. Teachers or spouses may be asked to fill out questionnaires.
Computer or IQ-type questions may be administered to help measure attention-related details, as well as rule out other possible diagnosis.
The practitioner will spend time asking their client a lot of life questions or otherwise spend time getting historical information related to their evaluation.
Testing is often completed in several phases and can be done in person or virtually.
Financial & Logistical Aspects of ADHD Testing
Insurance companies vary greatly in their coverage of ADHD testing. Because testing can be anywhere from $700-$2000+, it is often important to see if your assessment center will work with your insurance.
Another consideration: testing availability.
Testing centers are experiencing high demand for their services, leaving many clinics no choice but to schedule 6-12 months down the road.
Where to Access ADHD Testing in Grand Rapids
Wondering if your child has ADHD? Check out one of the following top-rated ADHD testing places in Grand Rapids.
When we were certain our son had ADHD, we booked an ADHD assessment with one of the providers below.
Turns out he does NOT have ADHD, but a different diagnosis. Their super thorough testing process really helped us to understand our son and make sure we were getting him the support he needs.
If you’re curious about ADHD testing for your child, contact one of these specialists.
Top Voted ADHD Testing Practitioners (2025 Results)
Every year, we ask our readers to vote for the area’s best doctors and other health professionals. Get started learning more about ADHD with 2025’s top-voted picks.
Dr. Christina Warholic at Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA Psychological Services
2851 Charlevoix Dr SE Suite 323, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
At Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA, each ADHD assessment is tailored to address the concerns discussed during the intake.
They select your child’s testing battery to examine areas of functioning which lead to understanding your child’s emotions and behaviors. Some parents have specific questions about a diagnosis (“Does my child have ADHD?”) while other parents have questions about behaviors (“Why does she seem to struggle with change more than other children?”).
ADHD Assessment is more complicated than taking a test and doing well or not. This team wants to get a good picture of your child’s abilities while also understanding their development and successes over time.
Dr. Warholic’s clinical expertise includes neuropsychological assessment of toddlers through adolescents presenting with a wide variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
She specializes in complex/developmental trauma, prenatal drug exposure, prematurity, autism, ADHD, medical/genetic conditions, and learning differences.
2 – Jennifer Maurer at Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA
2851 Charlevoix Dr SE Suite 323, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 – website
Dr. Maurer is a licensed psychologist/pediatric neuropsychologist and co-founder of the Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA.
Dr. Maurer strives to make the assessment process low-stress and fun for the child/adolescent while ensuring best practices of care.
She was rated as one of the Top Docs in multiple categories by GRKIDS readers in 2025 including ADHD Testing, Mental Health Professional, and ADHD therapist.
3 – Dr. Shana Rush at Rush Pediatric Neuropsychology
412 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 – website
Shana Rush, PhD, CCC-SLP is a Speech Language Pathologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
She has nearly 30 years of clinical experience with cognitive, behavioral, and communication disorders.
Added bonus: Dr. Rush has a black lab facility dog to help patients feel safe and confident.
4 – Dr. Crystal Young at Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health
3230 Broadmoor Ave SE Suite D, Kentwood, MI 49512 – website
Providing both ADHD assessment and intervention services, Dr. Crystal Young helps children and families to address concerns related to learning, development, mood, behavior, and other factors.
Dr. Young believes in the importance of collaborating with other providers including schools, physicians, and other therapists to help you effectively advocate for your child’s needs.
She will also work closely with your child’s physicians to provide guidance in treatment planning.
5 – Dr. Michael Wolff at BRAINS
3292 North Evergreen Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – website
Dr. Wolff enjoys working with children and families experiencing medical complications and a variety of other factors that may influence their ability to reach their potential. Dr. Wolff has been faculty at Grand Valley State University, Calvin College, and Azusa Pacific University.
Dr. Wolff has awards for his contributions to the field of psychology and has a history of committee participation through the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association as a graduate student.
Author of several professional publications and an extensive public speaking career, Dr. Wolff is here to help your family navigate ADHD.
6 – Dr. Tracy Kroeger at Anchored Families Psychology and Counseling Associates
7086 8th Ave, Jenison MI 49426 – website
Voted one of Grand Rapids’ “Top Docs” three years in a row by GRKIDS readers, Dr. Kroeger works hard to support both patients and their families in her practice.
7 – Dr. Trevor Essique at Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health Services
Offices in Grandville, Holland and Grand Rapids – website
Dr. Essique and the staff at Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health Services work hard to ensure clients are well supported and have access to the tools they need to problem solve and work towards a solution.
Best ADHD Testing Centers in Grand Rapids
If it’s not so much about who does the testing so much as where your child gets tested, consider one of these three Testing Centers:
Top Voted ADHD Testing Center (2025 Results)
1 – Pine Rest
300 68th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 – website
Pine Rest is one of the big names in mental health in West Michigan.
ADHD testing services are included in their offerings, as are assessments for autism, learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. They also have locations throughout Southwest Michigan.
2 – Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health
Clinics in Grand Rapids, Grandville and Holland – website
Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or need a skilled professional to engage your child in therapy, Development Enhancement is ready to support your journey, understand the unique nuances of your child’s needs, and craft personalized treatment plans.
2 – ADHD Center of West Michigan
2025 East Beltline Ave SE #301, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 – website
The ADHD Center of West Michigan helps people like you not only understand how ADHD affects your life, but also how to cultivate the skills you need to be the best version of yourself.
Whether you’re looking for ADHD coaching or therapy, assessments or speech pathology services, The ADHD Center is ready to walk with you on this journey together.
Best ADHD Therapists in Grand Rapids
Your kid scored high on their ADHD assessment. Now what?
You might want to find an ADHD therapist or coach to help build your kid’s confidence and teach them techniques for coping with ADHD. They can also help you learn how to best support your child.
Does your kid have ADHD plus another condition? Find more therapy providers in the therapy and disability resources guide.
To get started, look through this list of top-voted ADHD therapists in GR (honors were earned in our annual Top doctors awards contest.)
Top Voted ADHD Therapists (2025 Results)
sponsored listings
FCP Guide
Jennifer Hayden at Leadlight Counseling
At Leadlight Counseling we love kids. Our team of therapists specializes in child and adolescent mental health. Not only do we specialize in the work – we love the work!
At Leadlight we have the joy of bringing some of the best child therapists to Holland and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Our team has built careers on our hope to bring healing and joy back into the lives of children and families.
"The team at Leadlight is an amazing group of humans who do good work with those they are invited to journey with. The experience you will have here is one of connection, authenticity, and healing."
(616) 217-9934 | Visit Website
5360 Cascade Rd SE Ste 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-6404 | Map It
217 East 24th St, Suite 201, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It
Jennifer Hayden at Leadlight Counseling
At Leadlight Counseling we love kids. Our team of therapists specializes in child and adolescent mental health. Not only do we specialize in the work – we love the work!
At Leadlight we have the joy of bringing some of the best child therapists to Holland and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Our team has built careers on our hope to bring healing and joy back into the lives of children and families.
5360 Cascade Rd SE Ste 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-6404 | Map It
217 East 24th St, Suite 201, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It
FCP Guide
Noelle Lynn, LMSW at The ADHD Center Of West Michigan
The ADHD Center of West Michigan is your dedicated partner in understanding and navigating the impact of ADHD on your life.
Focused solely on ADHD, our expert team, many with personal experiences, offers tailored support. We recognize the nuances and challenges of ADHD, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you are seeking coaching, therapy, assessments, educational therapy, or speech pathology services, we begin where you are and guide you towards your desired destination.
(616) 217-9477 | Visit Website
2025 East Beltline Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Map It
Noelle Lynn, LMSW at The ADHD Center Of West Michigan
The ADHD Center of West Michigan is your dedicated partner in understanding and navigating the impact of ADHD on your life.
Focused solely on ADHD, our expert team, many with personal experiences, offers tailored support. We recognize the nuances and challenges of ADHD, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you are seeking coaching, therapy, assessments, educational therapy, or speech pathology services, we begin where you are and guide you towards your desired destination.
2025 East Beltline Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Map It
Kaylie Stearns at Sensational Steps Therapy
17216 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456 – website
Kaylie is the owner of Sensational Steps Therapy, Inc. She is a registered, licensed pediatric occupational therapist. She uses a play-based, child-led approach to treating developmental delays and sensory processing differences.
She has experience in various environments including in-home, private practice, early intervention, and school-based therapies. She continues to work as a contract therapist and provide in-person pediatric OT services in/around the tri-cities area of West Michigan and teletherapy to the entire state of Michigan (and beyond).
2 – Dr. Jennifer Maurer at Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA Psychological Services
2851 Charlevoix Dr SE Suite 323, Grand Rapids, MI 49456 – website
Dr. Maurer is a licensed psychologist/pediatric neuropsychologist and co-founder of the Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA. Her clinical expertise includes neuropsychological assessment of school-age children/adolescents presenting with a wide variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
She has a special interest in helping families understand neurodiverse children, using flexible assessment batteries.
3 – Jennifer Hayden at Leadlight Counseling
217 E 24th St STE 201, Holland, MI 49423- website
Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience in Social Work. She utilizes a blend of traditional talk therapy, art and play therapy techniques, CBT and other active and creative interventions.
She is also a believer in getting parents involved in treatment to support the best outcome for the child. She provides support for parents navigating this space with their children.
4 – Kendra Kerbs at Paper Plane Therapies
4670 Fulton St E Ste 201, Ada, MI 49301 – website
Kendra is an Occupational Therapist familiar with a range of pediatric diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays and neuromuscular disorders.
Kendra has a passion for kids and helping all children lead happy and functional lives.
5 – Lauren Hunt at Caya Therapies
2922 Fuller Ave NE Ste 105, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 – website
Lauren is an occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience working with the pediatric population in both private practice and school-based settings. She builds strategic treatment plans to address functional skills, from the inside out.
6 – Hannah Olsen at Paper Plane Therapies
4670 Fulton St E Suite 201, Ada, MI 49301 – website
Hannah Olsen is an Occupational Therapist with experience in working with children both in the school and inpatient rehabilitation settings, as well as in general acute and subacute rehabilitation.
Hannah is passionate about working with the pediatric population and collaborating with families and schools to ensure a child’s success in all aspects of life.
7 – Noelle Lynn at ADHD Center of West Michigan Health
2025 East Beltline Ave SE #301, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 – website
Noelle is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in treating ADHD and related disorders. She believes that through targeted therapeutic interventions, people with ADHD can see significant improvement in their lives.
8 – Amy Piscopink-Taylor at Pine Rest Zeeland
8333 Felch St Ste 201, Zeeland, MI 49464 – website
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor at the Pine Rest Zeeland Clinic where she works with all ages.
Her specialties include Adoption/Foster Care issues, anxiety disorders, childhood behavior problems, PTSD and more.
9 – Dave Eilers at Hello Pediatric Therapy
701 68th Street SW, Bryon Center, MI 49315 – website
Dave taught kindergarten for five years prior to returning to school to specialize in pediatric speech, language, and feeding. He has worked in Outpatient Pediatrics for 9 years and earned Michigan’s Speech-Language Pathologist of the year in 2022-23.
10 – Annalise Hammerlund at Expressive Explorations
1845 R W Berends Dr SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 – website
Expressive Arts Therapy loves to work outside the typical patterns, to approach creatively, to process feelings outside of the constraints of verbal language.
Annalise offers individual and group support, as well as caregiver support. She has a special place in her heart for neurodivergent people, like those with ADHD.
ADHD Support in Grand Rapids
ADHD support comes in many forms. Doctors and specialists can give an understanding of the condition. Therapists can teach tools for success. Area organizations can offer enrichment opportunities that affirm these children and provide them with space to be themselves.
The following organizations and individuals are dedicated to helping kids with ADHD around Grand Rapids.
Life with ADHD – Both Kids and Adults Have It
ADHD in children can last into adulthood for at least one-third of children.
Finding out as an adult that you still have ADHD can be quite a shock, since it’s commonly assumed that you’ll outgrow it.
Getting an ADHD assessment for your child is one of the most important steps to helping them, especially if this is a lifelong diagnosis.
If they can learn how their brain works differently, and that they are not broken, they can start learning how to live a healthy life with ADHD.
Kids with ADHD who are never treated often struggle.
“Children with untreated ADHD may face problems at home and at school,” Dr. O’Mara explains.
“The child may not learn everything they’re taught and fall behind and get poor grades. They may struggle to control their emotions, which can lead to social problems and low self-esteem or even depression. The problems may only get worse as the child enters his or her teens.”
Dr. O’Mara encourages families to work with a team to help their child once you have an ADHD assessment. This team includes health care providers, teachers, behavioral therapists and other adults who care for your kid.
“Your role as a parent is critical,” Dr. O’Mara emphasizes.
“You are an important part of the team that will monitor your child’s response to medications and behavior therapy.”
Dr. O’Mara encourages any parents who wonder if their child’s behavior is just a part of normal growing up, or if it could be ADHD, to discuss it further with their child’s healthcare provider.
He also points to the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization as a great place for parents to go for information, resources, advice and support
Getting tested for ADHD and exploring treatment options can be a life-changing step towards better focus and well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support if you suspect you or a loved one may be dealing with ADHD
The Tutoring Center’s Rotational Approach to Learning was designed to help children with attention disorders or that struggle with focus. Through 1:1 instruction and development of academic skills, students increase confidence and build the concentration needed to reach their potential.