Anyone 17+ in British Columbia can get a private ADHD assessment online with Cognito, with no referral needed. Assessments are done by Nurse Practitioners licensed in BC, follow Canadian clinical practice guidelines and cost $499. Most clients get their results 1–3 days after their assessment appointment, and if you're diagnosed, the same team can start medication, CBT or both.
Adults in BC have three main routes to an ADHD assessment. Here's how they compare.
| Compare | Public route (MSP) | Private psychologist | Cognito |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who assesses you | Your family doctor, or a psychiatrist they refer you to | A registered psychologist | A Nurse Practitioner licensed in BC |
| Referral needed | For a psychiatrist, yes, from your family doctor or NP | No | No |
| Cost | Covered by MSP (MSP) | Up to $3,000, as reported in 2022 (CBC) | $499, or interest-free instalments with Klarna |
| How long it takes | Not published. In 2022, CBC reported a 1.5–2 year wait for a first appointment at BC's public adult ADHD clinic (CBC) | Varies by clinic | Results typically 1–3 days after your assessment |
| Medication if diagnosed | Yes, from your doctor or psychiatrist | No, psychologists can't prescribe | Yes, from the same NP |
| Ongoing support | Usually back to your family doctor | Usually a report to take to your doctor | Medication management, 1:1 CBT and groups, on one team |
Vancouver Coastal Health runs a publicly funded adult ADHD clinic at Vancouver General Hospital, but it only serves people aged 17 to 35 who live in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. You also need a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner (VGH Foundation, Jan 2026). If you're outside that region or age range, or don't have a family doctor, a private assessment is often the fastest option.
An assessment can help if focus, organization or follow-through have been a struggle for as long as you can remember. It's worth looking into if these patterns affect your work, school or relationships:
Not sure yet? Start with our free self-assessment or book a free 15-minute discovery call.
There's no referral needed.
They'll go over your history and what's bringing you in.
Your nurse may also ask for lab work or an ECG.
It follows Canadian clinical practice guidelines.
Most clients get their results 1–3 days after their assessment appointment. If you're diagnosed, you'll get a proof of diagnosis letter.
In BC, family doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and psychologists can all diagnose ADHD. Doctors and nurse practitioners can also prescribe ADHD medication, but psychologists can't. Nurse practitioners can prescribe controlled substances such as stimulants once they meet the BC College of Nurses and Midwives' requirements (BCCNM). Cognito's NPs are also trained in ADHD assessment and follow Canadian clinical practice guidelines.
If you're diagnosed, you can start treatment with the same team that assessed you. Plans have no fixed terms.
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD Medication | $109/month | NP prescribing and monthly check-ins; needs an ADHD diagnosis |
| ADHD Skills-Based Therapy (CBT) | $139/month | 1:1 CBT twice a month; no diagnosis needed |
| ADHD Medication & Skills-Based Therapy (CBT) | $189/month | Medication management and twice-monthly CBT; needs an ADHD diagnosis |
Every plan includes self-paced courses and daily affirmations by text. In BC, every plan also includes psychiatrist-led group sessions. The cost of the medication itself isn't included. Prescriptions are ready for pickup the same day as your appointment, at your nearest or preferred pharmacy. You can also start ADHD CBT without a diagnosis.
Cognito is fully virtual, so the process is the same whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George or Fort St. John. All you need is a phone or computer and an internet connection. Learn more about our ADHD assessment process, medication and CBT from one team, plans and pricing or our FAQs.
Cognito's ADHD assessment is a one-time $499, or you can split it into interest-free instalments with Klarna. Private psychologist assessments in BC can cost up to $3,000, according to a 2022 report (CBC). Assessments by a family doctor or psychiatrist are covered by MSP, but waits can be long.
Not for a private assessment with Cognito. On the public route, you need a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner to see a psychiatrist or the VCH Regional Adult ADHD Clinic.
With Cognito, most clients get their results 1–3 days after their assessment appointment. Public wait times aren't published, but in 2022 CBC reported a 1.5 to 2 year wait for a first appointment at BC's public adult ADHD clinic (CBC).
Yes. Nurse practitioners in BC can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication, including stimulants, once they meet BCCNM's requirements for controlled substances (BCCNM).
No referral, no waitlist. Get assessed online by a licensed Nurse Practitioner, with results typically 1–3 days after your assessment.
