ADHD is a psychiatric condition that may involve difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The condition begins before age 12 and can persist into adulthood. However, sometimes it is not diagnosed in childhood but is later detected in adulthood in a college setting. An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation. Academic and organizational difficulties may look like ADHD but instead may be related to other causes.
There are a number of options available both at UCSB and in the community to help you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Some of the options will depend on whether or not you were formally diagnosed and treated as a child. If you have never been evaluated for ADHD and have concerns about possible symptoms of ADHD, there are resources to guide you in the right direction. The goal is for you to become educated about where to seek the assistance and information you need to make an informed choice about assessment and treatment options. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the treatment options may include medication, education, and psychotherapy.
Student Health Social Work Services Provides Free Screening
You may receive a free screening from Student Health Social Work Services as an initial step to obtain information about your symptoms and what options you have for obtaining an evaluation for ADHD and other issues that may be of concern to you. The social worker can also connect you with appropriate services on campus and in the community. Call (805) 893-3087 if you have any questions or to schedule a social work services appointment.
Psychoeducational/Psychological Evaluation
Obtaining a psychological evaluation “best practice” for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. This means being obtaining:
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clinical interview to include current concerns and past history
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psychological assessment testing
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an assessment report with diagnosis and treatment recommendations
If a student is covered by Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and they wish to seek treatment within 50 miles of UCSB, they will need a referral from either a SHS or CAPS provider.
Regardless of your insurance coverage, you can schedule an appointment with a SHS Social Worker.
- Academic Accommodations and Support: Disabled Student Program
- Academic Support: study skills, tutoring, time management - CLAS
- Alcohol and Drug Program.
- Medication may prescribed after a comprehensive evaluation.
- Psychoeducation and Psychotherapy: Become educated on ADHD symptoms and management; Behavioral, cognitive, and stress management -
- CAPS
Getting an accurate diagnosis is vital to determining the best treatment for you. As you may be aware, there is significant abuse of medication for ADHD, and students sometimes think because it seems to help they may have this condition or it is worth the risk to continue taking medication that has not been prescribed for you. We hope this information will deter you from treating your own symptoms with non-prescribed stimulant medication. It is very important to your health and safety that ADHD and related conditions be properly evaluated and treated.
Student Health Service (SHS), (805) 893-3371.
- SHS Social Work Services screens and links students with ADHD to clinical services on campus and in the community.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Bldg 599, (805) 893-4411.
- Provides individual and group services, including cognitive behavioral treatment for ADHD.
Disabled Students Program (DSP), Rm 2120, Student Resource Bldg, (805) 893-2668.
- Provides academic support services for students with documented disabilities.
- Can provide referrals for further assessment if needed.
Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS), (805) 893-4248.
- Offers free tutorial services including: individual academic skills consultations, tutorial groups, drop-in tutorial labs and skills workshops.
- Assists with time management and organizational skills.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
Children & Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD
Understanding ADHD