North Texas DBT Associates Now Offering ADHD Assessments and Autism Assessments to Expand Neuro-Affirming Mental Health Care
At North Texas DBT Associates, our mission has always been to provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate care for individuals and families. As part of our continued commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community, we have expanded our clinical offerings to include formal psychological assessments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These ADHD and autism assessments are part of our broader effort to ensure that our approach to mental health care remains inclusive, affirming, and grounded in current best practices.
Many individuals who are neurodivergent remain undiagnosed well into adulthood. The absence of a formal diagnosis can delay access to the support, accommodations, and self-understanding that are often essential for well-being. Receiving an accurate and timely diagnosis can be life-changing, allowing individuals to better understand how they experience the world and equipping them with tools and strategies to navigate life more effectively. This can be particularly meaningful for those who have struggled silently or experienced trauma and emotional distress in environments that are not designed with neurodiversity in mind.
Diagnosing neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD and autism early in life can also reduce the long-term mental health burden. Research consistently shows that children and teens who receive timely, accurate diagnoses and appropriate interventions are better able to develop coping strategies that protect against anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms later in life.
A Thoughtful and Personalized Approach to Assessment
Assessments are conducted by Courtney Hicks, LMFT-S, DBT-LBC, one of only three DBT-Linehan Board Certified Clinicians in Dallas and the co-owner of North Texas DBT Associates. Ms. Hicks brings extensive clinical experience to the diagnostic process, ensuring each assessment is thorough, respectful, and tailored to the unique needs of the individual.
Each assessment begins with a 90-minute clinical interview to determine which assessments to administer based on each patient’s individualized need. Depending on the clinical presentation, assessments may include testing for ADHD, autism, learning disorders, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With consent, Ms. Hicks may also consult with parents, caregivers, teachers, or other providers to gain a full picture of each individual’s functioning across different environments.
In-person appointments are required for at least one component of the autism assessment process. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), is an observational measure that allows the clinician to evaluate critical areas such as eye contact, nonverbal communication, social reciprocity, and imaginative play. These observations provide invaluable insight that cannot be replicated through remote assessment and are an essential part of forming an accurate diagnostic impression.
Autism and ADHD Assessments are conducted in our Oak Cliff location, a short distance from Downtown Dallas.
Once all testing is complete, reports are returned within approximately four weeks unless additional time is needed to ensure a comprehensive and accurate evaluation. A final one-hour session is scheduled to review results, answer questions, and provide referrals and clinical recommendations when appropriate.
Neuro-Affirming Values in Practice
Our practice is rooted in respect for neurodiversity. We do not view autism or ADHD as problems to be “fixed,” but rather as natural variations in how people think, feel, and interact with the world. Our goal is to help clients better understand their strengths and challenges and to provide a roadmap for navigating a world that often overlooks or misunderstands neurodivergent individuals.
By offering high-quality, neuro-affirming assessments, we hope to help children, teens, and adults access the support and understanding they need to thrive. Whether you’re seeking greater clarity about yourself or your child, we are here to support that journey with professionalism, care, and clinical excellence.
To learn more about our assessment process or to schedule a consultation, please visit the “Our Fees” page on our website and review our Good Faith Estimate.