Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluation Basics

  • Assessment and diagnostic services at Inner Awareness Psychiatry (IAP) focus on adult autism and AuDHD. Services are designed for adults age 18 and older who suspect they may be autistic, have been told they may be autistic, or are seeking clearer diagnostic understanding of their neurodevelopmental profile.

    Many adults pursuing assessment have spent years feeling different, misunderstood, or unsure whether prior diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, C‑PTSD, borderline personality disorder, or bipolar disorder fully explain how they experience the world. Many individuals begin exploring autism only in adulthood after years of wondering why certain patterns or challenges have persisted despite prior treatment or diagnoses. The goal of the assessment process is to develop a clearer understanding of how your brain works in context.

  • Many adults seeking diagnostic autism or AuDHD evaluation already have prior mental health diagnoses. The evaluation process reviews your full clinical history and explores whether earlier diagnoses fully explain your experiences.

    In some cases, prior diagnoses remain accurate. In other situations, autism may provide additional context for long‑standing patterns. Sometimes both are present. The goal of the evaluation is to understand the full picture rather than replacing or dismissing previous diagnoses.

  • Yes. All evaluations are currently conducted through secure telehealth. In‑person evaluation is not available at this time.

    Services are not currently available in Lane County or to residents of Lane County.

Documentation & Reports

  • All Evaluations include:

    • A diagnostic verification letter confirming the diagnosis (when diagnostic criteria are met)

    • Resources for NeuroDivergent Adults

    Evaluation + Feedback session include:

    • Personal in-session recommendations

    If you purchase the comprehensive option or add‑on report, you will also receive a full written diagnostic report.

  • When a full report is purchased, it typically includes:

    • Clinical history summary

    • Assessment findings

    • Diagnostic reasoning

    • Neurodevelopmental profile

    • Personalized recommendations

  • The timeline varies depending on scheduling, individual needs, and how quickly intake materials are completed, but most assessments are completed within approximately 3–6 weeks from start to finish.

  • Inner Awareness Psychiatry provides adult autism and AuDHD evaluations only.

    Evaluations are available for individuals age 18 and older. Autism and AuDHD evaluations for children or adolescents are not offered.

  • Item desOften, yes — but requirements vary depending on the institution requesting documentation.

    Many universities accept a diagnostic verification letter confirming the diagnosis. Some schools and workplaces may request additional documentation describing functional impacts or recommended supports.

    If more detailed documentation is required (for example, a letter outlining specific accommodation recommendations), this can usually be provided as an additional service.

    Because requirements vary widely, individuals seeking accommodations are encouraged to check with their school, employer, or disability services office to determine what documentation they require.cription

  • Often, no.

    IAP evaluations are not intended for Social Security disability determinations, legal proceedings, or formal neuropsychological disability assessments. Those situations typically require a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment conducted by a psychologist or neuropsychologist using standardized cognitive and functional testing.

    If you are seeking documentation specifically for disability determination, it is recommended that you confirm the required assessment type before scheduling.

Privacy & Insurance

  • No. IAP evaluations are private‑pay services.

    A superbill can be provided upon request for possible out‑of‑network reimbursement. However, Inner Awareness Psychiatry does not work directly with insurance and cannot guarantee reimbursement.

    A credit card is required to remain on file. Half of the evaluation fee is charged at scheduling, and the remaining balance is due prior to the second assessment session.

  • A superbill is a detailed receipt for healthcare services that includes diagnostic and billing codes used by insurance companies. If you have out‑of‑network benefits, you may choose to submit the superbill to your insurance company to request reimbursement.

    Inner Awareness Psychiatry does not bill insurance directly. However, a superbill can be provided after services are completed if you would like to submit it yourself.

    Reimbursement amounts vary widely depending on your insurance plan. Some plans reimburse a portion of the fee for out‑of‑network mental health services, while others may not provide reimbursement.

    Because each insurance policy is different, it is recommended that you contact your insurance provider directly and ask:

    • Whether you have out‑of‑network mental health benefits

    • Whether autism assessment services are eligible for reimbursement

    • What percentage of the fee may be reimbursed

    Privacy & Insurance

    • A superbill is a detailed receipt for healthcare services that includes diagnostic and billing codes used by insurance companies. If you have out‑of‑network benefits, you may choose to submit the superbill to your insurance company to request reimbursement.

      Inner Awareness Psychiatry does not bill insurance directly. However, a superbill can be provided after services are completed if you would like to submit it yourself.

      Reimbursement amounts vary widely depending on your insurance plan. Some plans reimburse a portion of the fee for out‑of‑network mental health services, while others may not provide reimbursement.

      Because each insurance policy is different, it is recommended that you contact your insurance provider directly and ask:

      • Whether you have out‑of‑network mental health benefits

      • Whether autism assessment services are eligible for reimbursement

      • What percentage of the fee may be reimbursed

    Inner Awareness Psychiatry cannot guarantee reimbursement from insurance companies.

  • Some individuals intentionally choose a private‑pay autism or AuDHD evaluation for privacy and control over how their diagnostic information is used.

    When services are billed to insurance, diagnostic information typically becomes part of the insurance and medical record systems used by insurers and healthcare networks. With a private‑pay service, the evaluation is conducted outside of insurance billing systems.

    This means the evaluation and diagnosis are provided directly to you. You decide if and when you share that information with others such as a school, employer, therapist, medical provider, or family member.

    In some healthcare systems and states, certain diagnoses may be reported through insurance or medical record systems. Inner Awareness Psychiatry does not report autism diagnoses to insurance companies or government registries. Information is only shared with others when you request it and provide permission. Your information is protected under standard healthcare privacy laws (HIPAA), and documentation is only released with your written authorization.

    Private‑pay assessments can also allow for:

    • Greater privacy and discretion regarding your diagnostic information

    • More flexibility in the assessment process, without insurance billing requirements dictating structure or time limits

    • Control over who receives your documentation and how it is used

    Some individuals prefer this option if they want greater discretion about whether an autism diagnosis appears in their medical record or insurance history. Others simply prefer a service focused entirely on the evaulation process rather than insurance billing requirements.

Location & Availability

  • Inner Awareness Psychiatry is based in Bend, Oregon. Stasha is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in the state of Oregon.

    Services are not currently available in Lane County or to residents of Lane County.

  • At this time, Inner Awareness Psychiatry offers autism and AuDHD (co‑occurring autism and ADHD) assessments.

    Standalone ADHD assessments are not currently offered but may become available in the future.

Clinical Approach

  • Autism assessments are offered by several types of clinicians, including psychologists, therapists, and psychiatric providers. Each discipline brings a different clinical perspective.

    A PMHNP is trained in both psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and psychiatric treatment, including psychopharmacology treatment of mental health conditions (medication management). Many neurodivergent or autistic adults also experience anxiety, depression, executive dysfunction, or mood‑related concerns.

    For individuals who already take psychiatric medications, have complex mental health histories, or may want access to medication support in the future, having an assessment conducted by a psychiatric provider can allow for more integrated care over time.

  • Slow psychiatry refers to an approach that prioritizes depth, context, and collaboration rather than rapid diagnosis and medication management as often experienced in traditional high‑volume care settings.

    The goal is to understand how neurodevelopment, life history, environment, and individual differences interact rather than focusing only on symptom checklists or medication adjustments.

    This approach allows time for careful evaulation and thoughtful integration of the information gathered during the assessment process.

  • Inner Awareness Psychiatry combines clinical psychiatric evaluation and treatment with a broader understanding of neurodevelopment, lived experience, and personal context.

    Rather than focusing only on diagnosis and symptom management through medication, the goal is to help neurodivergent individuals understand how their brain and nervous system work and how they interact with the world around them.

    This perspective emphasizes awareness, self‑understanding, and practical strategies that support long‑term functioning and well‑being, with medication being one of many tools available when appropriate.

  • Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how human brains function.

    Within this, people may be described as neurodivergent (when cognitive patterns differ from typical expectations, such as ADHD or autism) or neurotypical (when cognitive patterns fall within typical ranges).

    The term neurotype is sometimes used to describe an individual’s overall cognitive profile—how their brain processes information, attention, and sensory input.

    These terms are used throughout the assessment process to support a more nuanced and contextual understanding of neurodivergence.

Evaluation Process

  • Autism and AuDHD evaluations at IAP include a review of developmental history, current concerns, screening measures, structured clinical interviews, and a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Additional questionnaires or assessment tools may be used when helpful to clarify the diagnostic picture. Evaulations are conducted using established clinical diagnostic criteria and structured assessment methods appropriate for adult autism and ADHD evaulation.

    The goal is to understand patterns across development and context rather than relying on a single test or score.

  • Childhood information can sometimes be helpful but is typically not required.

    Many adults seeking autism diagnostic evaluation do not have access to childhood records or may not wish to involve family members in the process. A thorough developmental interview and clinical evaluation can usually gather sufficient information to evaluate lifelong patterns.

  • An evaluation does not guarantee a specific diagnosis.

    Not every evaluation results in an autism or AuDHD diagnosis. If diagnostic criteria are not met, the assessment process can still help clarify other factors that may be contributing to a person's experiences.

    When relevant, recommendations may include resources, supports, or referrals that better match the individual's needs.