Own Your Neurodivergent Story: Empowering Paths to Self-Discovery
I understand that embarking on the journey of self-discovery and seeking clarity about your neurodivergence can be a challenging process. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I am deeply familiar with the emotions and questions that arise during this exploration. If you are curious about whether you have neurodivergent traits and seeking professional guidance, allow me to provide the support you need on this path.
I am James Reling (he/him), a mental health therapist specializing in working with "late-diagnosed" Autistic and/or ADHD adults. Many individuals I have worked with have previously been misdiagnosed by professionals, while others have a sense that they might be neurodivergent based on their own research or conversations with others. I recognize some neurodivergent people are comfortable with self-diagnosis, while many yearn for the clarity and validation that comes from a professional assessment.
In response to the challenges many face in accessing timely and affordable diagnostic services, I have launched a program tailored to individuals like you. This program is designed to bridge the gap and provide comprehensive support for those seeking a diagnosis or a deeper understanding of their neurodivergent traits.
My program offers:
Comprehensive Intake Assessment: Together, we will delve into your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. Your perspective is at the heart of this process, guiding us toward a greater understanding of your neurodivergence.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Testing: I am committed to providing you with a thorough evaluation that affirms your neurodiversity, highlighting your strengths and areas of challenge. This testing will offer insights into your traits and help shed light on your neurodivergent journey.
Individualized Support: Every individual's experience is unique, and I am here to provide personalized guidance and support. We will explore how your neurotype impacts various aspects of your life such as determining whether sensory sensitivities and masking are affecting your relationships, mental and physical health, and life satisfaction. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge to increase your self- and other awareness.
Recommendations for Follow-Up Care: Beyond the diagnosis, my aim is to provide you with a roadmap for your near future. I will offer a PDF report of all assessment findings, as well as recommendations for further steps, resources, and areas where you can seek assistance and growth.
My dedication extends beyond the professional realm; it's rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the resources they need for understanding and managing their mental health. I am committed to removing the stigma around seeking professional help and providing you with a safe and compassionate space to explore your neurodivergent identity.
Navigating neurodivergence is a transformative journey, and my goal is to empower you to embrace your strengths and navigate the challenges with confidence. Together, we can break down barriers and celebrate your unique identity. You are not alone in this process – I am offering support and guidance.
Please know that you are not just seeking a diagnosis; you are embarking on a voyage of self-discovery and self-acceptance. I am honored to be a part of this journey with you, and I look forward to providing you with the resources, understanding, and care you deserve.
Understanding Fees and the Autism/ADHD Assessment Process: Your journey toward self-discovery is important to me. I strive to make the assessment process as convenient and accessible as possible. Here's an overview of the fees and steps involved in Autism and ADHD assessments:
Flexible Online Components: To make things easier for both of us, I've designed parts of the assessment to be completed online so I don't have to charge you for the time to go through them together. This way, you can take your time without worrying about extra costs.
Transparent Fees: For the assessment services that do require my time, the fee is $200 per hour. A comprehensive assessment typically involves 4 in-person (over video) meetings of 1-2 hours each. One meeting for background information, two for testing, and one for reviewing the results. This totals approximately 5–7 hours. Beyond our sessions, I'll spend around 4 hours organizing, analyzing data, and crafting your report. Additionally, there's a material cost of $100.
Insurance: I am not able to accept insurance. I collect fees after each meeting and can provide you with a “superbill” to submit to your insurance. You are responsible for checking with your insurance about whether they will cover services.
Flexible Meeting Schedule: I understand that budgets can vary, so if spreading the meetings over a couple of months works better for you, we can arrange that to accommodate your budget needs.
Confidentiality: Your privacy and confidentiality are paramount in this journey. I assure you that your assessment results and diagnosis are exclusively for your benefit, and they will never be stored within medical records accessible to anybody without your explicit written consent. Your personal information remains safeguarded, ensuring that your neurodivergent exploration remains a private and personal experience, shared only as you choose. I often recommend sharing the report with your therapist to help guide their treatment planning for your benefit; however, it is totally your decision.
Support Beyond Assessment: Please note that this service is distinct from my therapeutic practice. If you're seeking ongoing therapy, I sometimes have openings for new clients. As part of the assessment recommendations, I can help you find a mental health therapist if needed. If you already have a therapist, feel free to share the assessment recommendations for collaborative work.
Limitations and Focus: While I'm here to support your journey, I don't prescribe or manage medication. It's essential to know that I'm not a psychologist with a Ph.D., so my diagnosis may not be accepted for disability claims, social security benefits, school/work accommodations, or legal cases. Additionally, I can't assess for learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, or neurological conditions. If these concerns arise, I'll guide you toward professionals specializing in those areas. Currently, I am only meeting with clients via video. I am now only working on assessments with adults over the age of 23.