Columbia University Health Services

Attentional issues may create academic difficulties as well as adversely affect work, social activities and relationships with friends and loved ones. Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) provides support for students in managing issues related to ADHD in an academic environment. 

In order to provide thoughtful, high-quality care, we review symptoms, current functioning and past history of problems with all students who are concerned they might have ADHD, or who have been previously diagnosed with ADHD. This is an opportunity to review whether attentional problems stem from ADHD, other factors, such as anxiety or stress, or from some combination of factors.

No two evaluations are precisely the same; we seek to be as efficient and at the same time as comprehensive as possible. Even if you are currently being prescribed medication for ADHD by a physician outside Health Services, we follow this careful evaluation process, since your situation can change over time. Your functioning may improve or worsen with changes in life circumstance and in age. Similarly, the effectiveness of treatment interventions, including medications, may change over time, and need to be reviewed periodically.

Depending on your circumstances, an evaluation at CPS may involve:

• Meetings with a psychologist or social worker to obtain a detailed account of your experience, as well as a detailed history of your functioning since childhood
• Requests for corroborative information, such as report cards and school records from elementary, middle and high school
• Information from your parents, guardians or partners
• Standardized questionnaires

Once the evaluation process is complete, students can use, as clinically appropriate, the full range of services at CPS, including short-term counseling, time management and procrastination workshops and medication. We will also assist with referrals for ongoing care, if needed. 

If diagnostic interviewing proves inconclusive or raises questions that can best be answered by neuropsychological or psychoeducation testing, we can assist with referrals to those off campus resources as well.

To schedule an appointment, please contact CPS at (212) 854-2878, during scheduled clinical hours or (212) 854-9797 for a clinician-on-call after hours.