Child and Teen ADHD Evaluation and Treatment in Red Bank, NJ
What does a child ADHD evaluation at Kolli Psychiatric involve?
A child ADHD evaluation at Kolli Psychiatric & Associates is a 60-minute assessment with a child psychiatrist for children and teens up to age 17. It includes a detailed parent interview, time with your child, a review of report cards and teacher feedback, and standardized rating scales from home and school.
Your psychiatrist works out whether your child has ADHD, another condition that looks like it, such as anxiety, a learning disability, or a sleep problem, or both. Most families leave the first visit with a clear answer and a treatment plan, which may include behavior strategies, school support, medication, or a mix.
We offer ADHD testing for children and teens in person at our Red Bank office and by secure telehealth across New Jersey. For adults, see our adult ADHD evaluation, and for an overview of all our ADHD care, see ADHD treatment in Red Bank.
Book your child’s ADHD evaluation or call 732-655-4568.
Child ADHD evaluation at a glance:
- Ages: children and teens, ages 3 to 17
- First visit: 60 minutes
- Who you see: A child psychiatrist
- Fee: $500 for the evaluation; follow-ups $315 (up to 25 minutes) or $420 (up to 45 minutes)
- Insurance: out-of-network, with a superbill for reimbursement
- Where: Red Bank office, or telehealth anywhere in New Jersey
- School letters: documentation for 504 plans and IEPs
- Wait time: usually 1 to 2 weeks
Does your child need ADHD evaluation?
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists
Your child will be evaluated by a physician psychiatrist who trained specifically in child and adolescent mental health.
Dr. Sireesha Kolli
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist
Fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at UPMC, following her psychiatry residency at UPMC. Medical degree, Drexel University College of Medicine. Over 20 years in practice.
Dr. Kolli founded Kolli Psychiatric & Associates and has practiced child, adolescent and adult psychiatry for more than two decades. Her focus in ADHD is diagnostic clarity and medication management: establishing whether ADHD is genuinely what's driving your child's difficulties, and then finding the medication and dose that works without unwanted effects.
She also built the practice's integrated model, so families who need more than medication can access therapy and executive function coaching from the same team rather than starting over somewhere else. For many children with ADHD, that combination is what changes the school year.
Dr. Neha Naqvi
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist
Fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Residency in adult psychiatry at the same institution. Medical degree, University of Missouri, Kansas City.
The largest part of Dr. Naqvi's practice is children and teenagers, with ADHD among her core clinical areas alongside anxiety and depression. Much of her expertise lies in reading behavior, and trouble focusing does not always mean ADHD. Anxiety, a learning difference or poor sleep can look much the same, so she takes the time to work out what is actually going on rather than settling on the first explanation that fits.
She leads the practice's school-related evaluations, reviewing report cards, teacher feedback and any existing IEP or 504 documentation, and produces the documentation schools need for accommodations. Dr. Naqvi will not push or rush your family toward medication. She explains what she has found, talks through the options, and if medication is the right step you will understand exactly why.
Dr. Noah Schwartzman
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist
Fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Psychiatry residency at Delaware Psychiatric Center. Medical degree, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Over eight years Dr. Schwartzman has treated children, teenagers and adults in outpatient, inpatient and crisis settings, and he still runs an inpatient psychiatric unit in South Jersey. That range matters in ADHD, because the children whose symptoms are hardest to read are usually carrying more than one thing at once.
His clinical areas include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, anxiety and trauma, so he is at home with the child who has already been treated for ADHD without much improvement. He has taught medical students and residents as faculty at several medical colleges, and it shows in how clearly he explains what he found and what he ruled out.
All three physicians see children and teens at our Red Bank office and by telehealth
across New Jersey, and all three are currently accepting new patients.
To book with Dr. Naqvi or Dr. Schwartzman, choose a time in the scheduler
below. To book with Dr. Kolli, or if you are not sure which of them is
the right fit for your child, call 732-655-4568 and we will
match you to the earliest suitable appointment.
Book Appointments with Psychiatrist in Red Bank, Freehold, New Jersey
Serving Red Bank, Freehold, Rumson, Lincroft, Tinton Falls, Middletown, Manalapan, Marlboro, Ocean county, Monmouth county, Little Silver, NJ and NYC
Conditions We Treat
Our experienced New Jersey psychiatrists specialize in treating a wide range of mental health issues, from simple to complex concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety OCD, ADHD, corporate work stress, and personality disorders.
Does my child need an ADHD evaluation?
Consider an evaluation when attention, impulsivity, or restlessness is clearly harder for your child than for other kids the same age, and it is affecting school, friendships, or family life. Common signs parents and teachers notice include:
- Teachers keep raising the same concerns about focus or behavior
- Homework takes hours and ends in a battle most evenings
- Report cards say “bright but not working to potential”
- Lost assignments, forgotten books, and finished work that never gets handed in
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Interrupting, blurting out answers or struggling to wait their turn
- Big emotional reactions over small frustrations
- Falling out with friends because of impulsive behavior
For a diagnosis, these patterns must show up in more than one setting, such as home and school, last at least six months, start before age 12, and interfere with daily life (CDC). One difficult term or one stressful change is not enough on its own.
At what age can a child be diagnosed with ADHD?
ADHD can be diagnosed from age 4, and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance covers children from 4 to 18 (AAP guideline). In preschoolers, it takes extra care, because high energy and short attention spans are normal at that age. We evaluate children from age.
Can girls have ADHD?
Yes. Girls are diagnosed less often than boys, partly because they more often have inattentive symptoms, such as daydreaming and disorganization, rather than disruptive behavior. They may be described as quiet, spacey or anxious, and the struggle can go unnoticed until school demands increase. Read more about ADHD in girls and women.
Should my teen have an ADHD assessment?
ADHD in teens often looks different from ADHD in younger children. Hyperactivity tends to fade into inner restlessness, and the bigger problems become planning, time management, and follow-through. Grades may slip in middle or high school as workloads grow and parents step back from managing homework.
Some teens were never diagnosed as children because they were bright enough to keep up. Others are first seen for anxiety, low mood, or conflict at home, and ADHD turns out to be part of the picture.
An ADHD assessment for teens follows the same five steps described below, and teens take part in their own evaluation, because their view of what is hard matters as much as yours.
The assessment also looks closely at anxiety, low mood, and sleep, which are common reasons a teen’s focus drops. We offer ADHD testing for teens in person in Red Bank and by telehealth across New Jersey, and ADHD treatment for teens is covered in the treatment section below.
How much does an ADHD evaluation for children cost?
The 60-minute child ADHD evaluation is $500. Follow-up appointments are $315 for up to 25 minutes or $420 for up to 45 minutes.
We are an out-of-network practice. Insurance panels limit how long appointments can be and how often a child can be seen, and staying out of network lets us give your child a full hour and keep follow-ups close together while medication is being adjusted.
You pay us directly, and we give you an itemized superbill to submit to your insurer. ADHD evaluations and medication management are often covered as out-of-network mental health benefits, but reimbursement depends on your plan, so call your insurer before the first visit. See our fees page for details.
Call 732-655-4568 or book online. We see families in person in Red Bank and by telehealth throughout New Jersey.
How do you test kids and teens for ADHD?
There is no single blood test or computer test for ADHD. A reliable diagnosis comes from a psychiatrist putting together information from parents, teachers, and your child, which is how the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends ADHD be diagnosed (AAP guideline). At Kolli Psychiatric, the evaluation has five parts.
- Rating scales before the visit. Parents and, when possible, teachers complete standardized questionnaires that compare your child’s behavior with other children the same age.
- Parent interview. We go through your concerns, your child’s development, school history, behavior at home, sleep, and family history.
- Time with your child. Younger children are observed through play and conversation. Teens talk with the psychiatrist about school, friends, and what feels hard.
- School records. We review report cards, teacher comments, test scores and any existing IEP or 504 plan, because patterns across years often tell us more than a single term.
- Ruling out other causes. We check for anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, sleep problems, hearing or vision issues and stress at home, which can all affect attention or occur alongside ADHD.
How long does an ADHD evaluation for children take?
The first appointment takes about 60 minutes, split between time with parents and time with your child. Most families receive a clear diagnosis and treatment plan at the first visit. [Confirm: how the 60 minutes is split between parents and child. The current page lists 30 to 40 minutes plus 20 to 40 minutes plus discussion, which adds up to more than 60.]
How should we prepare for the visit?
Bring recent report cards, teacher emails or comments, any previous evaluations, and your child’s current IEP or 504 plan if there is one. A list of medications and any notes from your pediatrician also help.
For younger children, it helps to explain that they are going to talk and play with a doctor who helps kids with school and feelings, and that there are no shots. Teens usually do better when they know the visit is about making things easier for them, not about being in trouble.
What does ADHD treatment for kids and teens include?
ADHD treatment for kids and teens is built around your child’s age, symptoms and school needs. Most families leave the first visit with a clear answer and a written plan.
- A clear diagnosis. Your psychiatrist explains whether your child has ADHD, which type, and whether anxiety, a learning issue or another condition is also involved.
- A treatment plan for home and school. It may include parent strategies, school supports, therapy, medication or a combination, chosen around your child’s age and needs.
- Medication only if it is the right step. If you and your psychiatrist agree medication makes sense, it can be prescribed the same day after you have talked through options, dosing and side effects. There is no pressure to start medication.
- School documentation. We write letters for 504 plans, IEPs and classroom accommodations (see below).
- Close follow-up. Children starting medication are seen again within 1 to 2 weeks to check how it is working, then regularly while the dose is adjusted.
- Coordination. With your permission, we work with teachers, school counselors and therapists so everyone is following the same plan.
Will my child need ADHD medication?
Not always. The approach depends mostly on age, following CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations (CDC):
- Ages 4 to 5: parent training in behavior management, plus classroom strategies where available, comes first. Medication is considered only if these do not help enough and symptoms are still causing serious problems.
- Ages 6 to 11: FDA-approved ADHD medication along with parent training and classroom supports, which often work best together.
- Ages 12 to 17: medication with the teen’s agreement, along with behavioral and skills-based support.
If medication is part of the plan, options include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) and amphetamine-based medicines (Adderall, Vyvanse), and non-stimulants, such as Strattera, Intuniv and Qelbree. Your psychiatrist starts low, checks appetite, sleep, mood and growth at follow-ups, and adjusts from there. Read more about ADHD medication treatment.
Is it ADHD, or is my child just being a kid?
Every child is distracted, wound up, or forgetful some of the time. ADHD is different in four ways: the symptoms are clearly stronger than in other children the same age, they show up in more than one place, they have lasted at least six months, and they are getting in the way of learning, friendships or family life.
A useful test is cost. A busy, energetic child who still finishes work, keeps friends, and settles when needed is usually just energetic. A child who works twice as hard as classmates for half the result, or whose behavior keeps costing them friendships or trust at school, deserves a closer look.
Could it be anxiety, a learning disability, or something else?
Yes, and that is why a psychiatric evaluation matters. Anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, poor sleep, and trauma can all look like ADHD, and many children with ADHD also have another condition, such as anxiety, depression, or autism (CDC).
Treatment differs depending on what is driving the symptoms, so getting this right comes first.
Our evaluation is a psychiatric assessment, not neuropsychological testing. It is enough to diagnose and treat ADHD in most children. When a learning disability is suspected or the picture is unclear, we refer for neuropsychological or educational testing and keep managing care in the meantime. Read more about neuropsychological testing for ADHD.
Can you help with a 504 plan or IEP?
Yes. After the evaluation, we write a letter for your child’s school that explains the diagnosis, how ADHD affects your child’s learning, and which accommodations we recommend. With your permission, we can also speak with the school team. Dr. Naqvi leads our school-related evaluations.
A diagnosis does not by itself guarantee a 504 plan or IEP. The school district decides eligibility after its own evaluation, which it must provide at no cost when it has reason to believe a student has a disability and needs support, even if the problems are behavioral rather than academic. The school also cannot deny support because medication is already helping (U.S. Department of Education).
Accommodations we often recommend include:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Testing in a quieter room
- Seating near the teacher and away from distractions
- Breaks during long tasks, and permission to move
- Long assignments broken into smaller parts
- Daily planner checks and copies of class notes
For teens who need documentation for the SAT, ACT or college, see ADHD evaluations for accommodations.
School Accommodations Every Child with ADHD Should Consider
Yes. Families can choose an in-person visit at our Red Bank office or a secure video visit from anywhere in New Jersey. Your child needs to be in New Jersey at the time of each visit. Many families do the first evaluation in person and switch follow-ups to telehealth.
Which Monmouth County towns do families come from?
Our Red Bank office is a short drive for families in Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls, Middletown, Holmdel, Freehold, and Marlboro, and we see children from across Monmouth County. Families elsewhere in New Jersey can be seen by telehealth.
What should parents in Red Bank and Monmouth County know after an ADHD diagnosis?
We know that parenting a child with ADHD can be exhausting. Families in Red Bank, Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Middletown, Holmdel, and throughout Monmouth County often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and worried about their child’s future. Here’s what we want you to know:
ADHD is not your fault. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic components. You didn’t cause it through parenting, diet, screen time, or anything else.
ADHD doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart. Many children with ADHD are highly intelligent, creative, and capable. ADHD affects their ability to show what they know, not their intellectual capacity.
Treatment works. With proper diagnosis, medication, school support, and behavioral strategies, children with ADHD can and do succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Early intervention prevents years of frustration and failure.
Your child isn’t lazy or unmotivated. They have a neurological condition that makes focus, organization, and impulse control harder than it is for their peers. When they’re struggling, it’s not because they aren’t trying—it’s because their brain works differently.
Medication doesn’t change who your child is. Parents often worry medication will make their child into a “zombie” or change their personality. Properly prescribed ADHD medication at the right dose should help your child focus and control impulses while still being themselves—often more so because they’re not constantly frustrated and failing.
You’re not alone. ADHD affects millions of children. Many successful adults have ADHD. With support, your child can thrive.
Ready to book your child’s ADHD evaluation?
Call 732-655-4568 or book online. New patients are usually seen within 1 to 2 weeks, in Red Bank or by telehealth anywhere in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child ADHD Evaluations
Where can I find a child ADHD evaluation near me in Red Bank or Monmouth County?
Kolli Psychiatric & Associates provides expert child and adolescent ADHD evaluations in Red Bank, NJ, serving families throughout Monmouth County including Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Middletown, Holmdel, and surrounding areas. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children and teens. We offer both in-person appointments at our Red Bank office and telehealth throughout New Jersey.
How long does a child ADHD evaluation take?
The initial ADHD evaluation typically takes 60 minutes total. This includes a detailed parent interview (30-40 minutes), assessment with your child (20-40 minutes), and time for discussion and treatment planning. We also review school records and rating scales as part of the comprehensive evaluation. Follow-up medication management visits are typically 20-30 minutes.
How is ADHD diagnosed in children?
ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation, not through a single test or brain scan. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your child’s symptoms meet DSM-5 criteria for ADHD by gathering information from parents, observing your child, reviewing school performance and teacher feedback, using standardized rating scales, and ruling out other conditions. ADHD must be present in multiple settings (home and school), cause significant impairment, and have been present since early childhood.
Where can I get ADHD testing for my child near me?
Kolli Psychiatric & Associates provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children and teens in Red Bank and throughout Monmouth County, NJ. While we conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations including clinical interviews, rating scales, and behavioral observations, we’re not a neuropsychological testing center.
Our evaluations are sufficient for ADHD diagnosis and treatment in most cases. If formal neuropsychological testing is needed (for complex cases or additional documentation), we can provide referrals while managing ADHD treatment.
Can ADHD be diagnosed in young children?
Yes, ADHD can be reliably diagnosed in children as young as 4-5 years old when symptoms are clear and cause significant impairment. However, diagnosis in preschoolers requires careful evaluation because high energy and short attention spans are developmentally normal at this age.
We look for symptoms that are significantly more severe than expected for the child’s age and that persist across settings. For very young children, we may recommend starting with behavioral interventions and monitoring development before pursuing medication.
What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term that’s no longer used in formal diagnosis. Today, all presentations are called ADHD. What used to be called ADD is now “ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation”—meaning the child has primarily attention problems without significant hyperactivity. This is common in girls and children who appear daydreamy or “spacey” rather than physically hyperactive.
How do I know if my child has ADHD or is just active and energetic?
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are more severe than expected for your child’s age, occur in multiple settings (home and school), persist for at least 6 months, and significantly impair functioning.
All children are occasionally distractible or energetic, but children with ADHD struggle consistently with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in ways that affect their school performance, social relationships, or daily functioning. If teachers report concerns, homework is a daily battle, or your child’s behavior is significantly different from peers, evaluation is warranted.
Does my child need ADHD medication, or can we try other approaches first?
For moderate to severe ADHD that’s significantly impacting school performance and functioning, medication is typically the most effective first-line treatment. Research shows that ADHD medication is more effective than behavioral interventions alone for core ADHD symptoms.
However, medication works best when combined with school accommodations, organizational support, and behavioral strategies. For very mild ADHD, some families choose to start with accommodations and behavioral approaches, but most children with clear ADHD benefit significantly from medication.
What ADHD medications do you prescribe for children?
We prescribe all FDA-approved ADHD medications for children, including stimulants (Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Quillivant) and non-stimulants (Strattera, Intuniv, Qelbree). Stimulant medications are considered first-line treatment because they work quickly and are highly effective. We’ll discuss which medication and formulation is best for your child based on their symptoms, schedule (school day only vs. all-day coverage), and any concerns about side effects.
Are ADHD medications safe for children? What about side effects?
ADHD medications have been used safely in children for decades with extensive research supporting their safety and effectiveness. The most common side effects of stimulants are decreased appetite and difficulty falling asleep, which often improve after the first few weeks or can be managed with timing or dose adjustments. We monitor growth, blood pressure, heart rate, mood, and side effects at every follow-up visit. When prescribed and monitored appropriately by a psychiatrist, ADHD medications are very safe.
Will ADHD medication change my child’s personality?
No. Properly prescribed ADHD medication at the right dose should help your child focus, control impulses, and regulate behavior while still being themselves—often more authentically because they’re not constantly frustrated and failing. If medication makes your child seem flat, “zombie-like,” or significantly changes their personality, the dose is likely too high or it’s not the right medication.
We adjust treatment to find the medication and dose that provides symptom control without negative effects on personality.
Can my child take ADHD medication only on school days?
Yes, some families choose to give ADHD medication only on school days, especially if symptoms primarily impact academics. However, many children benefit from all-day, everyday treatment because ADHD also affects homework completion, family relationships, social interactions, and extracurricular activities. We’ll discuss what approach makes sense for your child based on where ADHD symptoms cause the most problems.
How long will my child need to take ADHD medication?
This varies by child. Some children take ADHD medication throughout their school years and into adulthood because ADHD is a chronic condition. Others may take medication during academically demanding years (elementary through high school) and decide in adulthood whether they still need it. Some families try “medication holidays” during summer breaks to reassess whether medication is still needed. ADHD doesn’t go away, but symptoms may become more manageable with age and maturity in some individuals.
Can you provide documentation for school accommodations and IEP meetings?
Yes. We provide comprehensive documentation for 504 plans and IEPs, including specific ADHD diagnosis, how symptoms impact learning and classroom behavior, and recommended accommodations. Our letters meet school requirements for formal accommodations. We can also participate in IEP meetings via phone when needed, though there may be an additional fee for extended school consultation.
My child’s teacher says they don’t pay attention, but they do fine at home. Do they have ADHD?
Possibly. ADHD symptoms must be present in multiple settings, but they may be more obvious in certain environments. Structured classroom settings with 25 other students and high attention demands make ADHD symptoms more apparent than one-on-one situations at home.
However, if your child has no attention problems at home and only at school, other factors like learning disabilities, anxiety, boredom (if work is too easy), or classroom environment issues should be explored.
Can girls have ADHD, or is it mostly a boy thing?
Girls absolutely have ADHD, but they’re often underdiagnosed. Girls more commonly have inattentive-type ADHD without obvious hyperactivity, so they may appear as daydreamers or “spacey” rather than disruptive. They’re often labeled as “not working to potential” or anxious perfectionists. Girls with ADHD may struggle silently for years before getting diagnosed. We’re experienced in recognizing ADHD presentations in girls.
My child does well in some subjects but struggles in others. Can they still have ADHD?
Yes. Children with ADHD often do better in subjects that interest them or with teachers who provide more structure and support. They may excel in hands-on subjects or when material is highly engaging but struggle with subjects requiring sustained attention, reading comprehension, or organization.
Variable performance doesn’t rule out ADHD—in fact, it’s common for children with ADHD to show inconsistent performance based on interest level and environmental supports.
How soon can I schedule an ADHD evaluation for my child?
We typically have availability for new patient ADHD evaluations within 1-2 weeks. Call our office at 732-655-4568 or request an appointment online, and our team will schedule you with a psychiatrist who specializes in pediatric ADHD—either in-person at our Red Bank office or via telehealth.
Is child ADHD evaluation covered by insurance?
Kolli Psychiatric & Associates is an out-of-network practice. Child ADHD evaluations and medication management are typically covered as out-of-network mental health benefits. We provide detailed superbills you can submit to your insurer. How much you receive back depends on your plan’s out-of-network deductible and reimbursement rate, so we recommend calling your insurer before your first appointment to ask what they cover.
What if my child has already been diagnosed with ADHD but the medication isn’t working?
We frequently see children who were diagnosed with ADHD but aren’t responding well to treatment. Sometimes the diagnosis is correct but the medication type, dose, or timing needs adjustment. Other times, co-occurring conditions like anxiety or learning disabilities are interfering with treatment effectiveness.
We conduct a comprehensive re-evaluation, optimize medication management, and address any co-occurring conditions to help your child get the full benefit of treatment.
Our Blogs
ADHD Accommodations: A Guide to School, College, Testing, and Work
Neuropsychological Testing for ADHD: When It Helps and What to Expect
How Do You Safely Taper Off Psychiatric Medication?
Frequently Asked Questions about TMS
TMS vs. Medications: How Do They Compare?
What Does TMS Feel Like? A Patient’s Guide to Treatment, Side Effects, and What to Expect
Why Am I on So Many Psychiatric Medications — and Why Do I Still Feel Terrible?
How an Adolescent Psychiatrist Can Help Your Teen Thrive
Does Anxiety Medication Work?
