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(512) 471-2255

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ADHD Resources at U.T. Austin

512-471-3515
Student Services Building - 5th Floor

The condition called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a number of symptoms, such as impaired concentration, poor attention, restlessness, fidgeting, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms could be the result of a variety of factors or disorders. Therefore, it's really important to have a thorough evaluation from a trained professional in order to find out what might be causing your symptoms and how best to address them.

What is a "thorough evaluation"?

A thorough evaluation for ADHD will include several steps and may take several hours. Usually, it involves completing psychological tests, filling out some questionnaires, and participating in a comprehensive interview process to get a history of relevant areas in your life and to learn more about your symptoms. In some cases, other people who know you well may be asked for input so that an accurate conclusion may be drawn.

Should I get this evaluation?

Good question! If you have a doctor or a therapist who knows you well, you may want to ask that person if he or she believes an assessment is in order. If you are uncertain, specialists at the UT Learning Center will consult with you about the possible benefits and appropriateness of seeking an evaluation. They can help you decide whether or not it would be helpful to you to get a complete evaluation. The UT Learning Center is located in Jester Center, Room A332A. The phone number is 512-471-3614 and the office is open M-F, 9-5.

What is the cost of an evaluation?

A comprehensive evaluation can cost several hundred dollars, though there are professionals in the Austin area who may be able to offer a somewhat reduced rate or help you with a payment plan.

Whom can I contact about getting an evaluation?

If you know you would like to have a comprehensive evaluation, contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office for information about some of the professionals who conduct these evaluations. The SSD office is located on the 4th floor of the Student Services Building; its phone number is 512-471-6259.

Do I need an evaluation in order to receive medical treatment from a UHS or Counseling and Mental Health Center physician for ADHD?

The physicians at University Health Services (UHS) do not provide medications for ADHD. These medications may be prescribed by the psychiatric staff at the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC); however, specific documentation is needed. The required documentation includes:

complete documentation of a formal assessment with objective psychological testing for ADD/ADHD within the last three years and
past records from any doctors who have prescribed this medication for you in the past.

What if I am already on medication and want to transfer my care to a psychiatrist at CMHC?

You may be able to transfer your care to the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), but you will need to provide the CMHC psychiatrist with the specific documentation mentioned above. Contact CMHC at 512-471-3515 for more information.

What about accommodations?

The Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office assists students who qualify by providing appropriate accommodations. A comprehensive assessment completed within the last three years is required in order to be considered for these services.

Documentation that meets SSD documentation guidelines

What else can I do to help myself?

There are many useful steps you can take to address the symptoms you think might be related to ADHD. One resource is the UT Learning Center on campus. The staff there works with students to build reading skills, address test-taking problems, develop better study skills/habits, and also provide tutoring services. Many students with ADHD also experience anxiety, depression, or just general life stress as they cope with the challenges they face. The Counseling and Mental Health Center has counselors available to talk with you about these and other concerns that you might have. The Services for Students with Disabilities office also offers skills building workshops for students who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD Resources on The University of Texas at Austin Campus

The University of Texas at Austin recognizes that some students with ADHD face a range of challenges that affect their progress toward their academic and personal goals. The UT agencies listed below offer a wide range of services that address these needs.

Sanger Learning and Career Center

The Sanger Learning and Career Center is the primary resource on campus for questions related to the learning process. Learning specialists are available Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. to speak with you privately about your learning needs and the most effective ways for you to study for UT courses. No appointment is needed, and our main office is located on the first floor of Jester in JES A115A.

If you are concerned that you might have an undiagnosed learning disability or attention deficit disorder, meeting with a learning specialist is recommended and may help you decide whether or not to pursue full diagnostic testing in the community.

The Sanger Learning and Career Center offers the following services to assist you:

Tutoring. Drop-in or private appointment tutoring for nearly 100 undergraduate courses as well as graduate writing assistance.

Peer Academic Coaching. Trained undergraduates available to meet weekly with any student wanting peer input on how to study effectively for UT classes.

Classes and Workshops. Brief classes and workshops on study-related topics such as Algebra/Trig/Calculus Refresher Courses, Chemistry for Biology is not being offered, Secrets of Academic Success, Speed Reading, and GRE preparation.

Location and Contact Information:
Main office is on the first floor of Jester in JES A115A. Open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For additional information, call 512-471-1217 or consult their website at:

www.lifelearning.utexas.edu

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

Mission: Based on the philosophy that all students should be assured equal access and opportunity, Services for Students with Disabilities works to eliminate physical, instructional, and attitudinal barriers by providing reasonable accommodations and fostering awareness within the University community.
SSD offers the following services:

Review documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations

Meet individually with students to create accommodation plans based on documentation and specific to the students' needs

Consult and educate faculty and staff regarding accommodations and working with students with ADHD and Learning Disorders

Workshops addressing stress management, time management, and academic skills,

Walk-in services Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Programming to reduce barriers on campus

Referrals to both on- and off-campus resources and providers

Location and Contact Information:
Our office is located in the Student Services Building (SSB) 4.206 and is open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment at 512-471-6259 or by Video Phone 866-329-3986. Questions can also be forwarded via email at ssd@austin.utexas.edu. Please feel free to reference their website at:

www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/

Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)

Students who are experiencing difficulties with attention, concentration, and/or other aspects of ADHD may also experience anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, self-criticism, lack of self-confidence, and other challenges. CMHC helps students with these and other personal concerns so they can meet the daily challenges of student life.

CMHC offers a number of services that may be helpful to students with ADHD, including individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, the MindBody Lab for stress management (walk-in service; no appointment necessary), and mindfulness-based stress reduction classes.