In Canada, if you suspect you may have ADHD, you may have a very difficult time accessing care. Over 1 million people in Canada are living with ADHD symptoms (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and almost half that amount go undiagnosed. Even when patients are diagnosed, patients can run into issues with providers being reluctant (or just too overwhelmed) to provide adequate adhd care.
In British Columbia, patients have three primary avenues for ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. These options vary widely in terms of cost, accessibility, and availability, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
MSP Coverage (Provinicial Health Plan)
One option is to utilize your provincial health coverage, typically the starting point for most Canadians seeking ADHD treatment. This system offers assessments by either primary care providers or specialists. However, navigating this route can be less than ideal due to potential lengthy wait times and limited accessibility. The BC healthcare system is unfortunately extremely overwhelmed, and ADHD assessment wait times have been known to exceed two years. This is not ideal for many patients, as accessing an ADHD diagnosis can be a catalyst in improving quality of life and general wellbeing. The "plus" of using your MSP coverage is that there are no out-of-pocket costs associated with this option.
Private Psychologists
Alternatively, you can opt for a private clinic or psychologist, which offers faster appointments compared to the public system. This is particularly advantageous if you're facing daily challenges with ADHD symptoms. However, the major drawback here is the out-of-pocket expense, which can run into several thousand dollars. Most private psychology clinics charge $2000+ for the assessment process. While some private health insurance plans may cover part of these costs, there are often limitations, especially regarding medication prescriptions, which are crucial for many ADHD patients.
Virtual Care Health Providers like Sparrow ADHD & Wellness
The third option is an online virtual ADHD specialty clinic, like Sparrow ADHD & Wellness. We offer affordability, accessibility, and the convenience of scheduling appointments within days, not months. Sparrow ADHD & Wellness is especially beneficial for those looking for efficient ADHD care without the steep costs associated with private psychologists. While there is an out-of-pocket cost associated with Sparrow, the cost is merely a fraction of the cost of other private clinics.
Sparrow ADHD & Wellness is built on the desire to bring accessible ADHD services to all of BC, and the most effective way to achieve this is to offer services on a virtual platform. Provinicial plans like MSP typically cover in-person assessments, they often do not extend coverage to virtual health services like Sparrow ADHD & Wellness. As a Nurse Practitoner led program, the public system does not reimburse NPs under the current provinical regulations.
If you have more questions about Sparrow ADHD & Wellness' Online ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis services, get in touch with us today! Book an appointment online!
