In crisis? Call 911, HealthLine 811, or call/text 988 for suicide crisis support.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers before you choose an ADHD service.

Use this page to understand screening, assessment, treatment, medication, fees, privacy and what the clinic can—and cannot—provide.

A clear limit is part of informed consent

The answer is not always “start treatment.”

When another service, urgent assessment or existing provider is the better first step, the clinic will say so rather than stretching its scope.

✓ Screening is not an automated diagnosis
✓ Medication is one part of a broader plan
✓ Coverage is confirmed rather than assumed
Getting started

Access and delivery

Most people can begin directly without already knowing which program applies.

Access

Self-referral

Adults and families can submit the secure intake without a physician referral. A referral letter is welcome when it clarifies the clinical question.

Delivery

Secure telehealth

Programs are delivered by secure video to clients located in Saskatchewan, subject to clinical appropriateness and provider scope.

Decision

Clinician-reviewed first step

The screening considers diagnosis status, functional impairment, distress, safety, goals and practical readiness before recommending what should happen next.

What care does not assume

Four common misconceptions

ADHD care works better when myths are corrected before a treatment plan is chosen.

01

ADHD is not a lack of effort

Many clients are already using extraordinary effort. Treatment targets regulation, activation and systems—not moral pressure.

02

A diagnosis is not the end of treatment

A label can explain the pattern, but skills, psychotherapy, sleep and environmental changes are often needed for daily life.

03

Medication does not teach every skill

Medication may improve the conditions for change, but it does not automatically build routines, communication or emotional regulation.

04

One strategy will not fit every brain

The plan is matched to developmental stage, context, co-occurring concerns and actual functional barriers.

Practical answers

Privacy, fees and coordination

Administrative clarity matters because uncertainty about cost or records can prevent people from starting.

Privacy

Confidential clinical care

Information is not shared without consent except where disclosure is permitted or required by law, professional duty or immediate safety obligations.

Fees

Transparent before care begins

Screening is $40. Psychotherapy is $150–$225 per session. Assessment is billed by required phase, and program-specific fees are reviewed before enrolment.

Coordination

Your existing provider can stay involved

With consent, reports or relevant updates can be shared with a family physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, school or another treating professional.

Clinical and practical questions

Detailed answers

Do I need an ADHD diagnosis before contacting SaskADHD?

No. The clinician-reviewed screening helps determine whether assessment, treatment or another route should come first.

Does the screening diagnose ADHD?

No. It is a structured clinical intake. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical assessment and consideration of alternative explanations.

What does an assessment include?

Assessment may include intake, developmental and functional history, validated psychometrics, differential screening, clinical integration, feedback and a written intervention plan. Only clinically required phases are completed.

Can you prescribe ADHD medication?

An STG nurse practitioner can provide medical assessment and medication consultation. Bridge prescribing may be available when a client lacks a prescriber, but ongoing management transitions to a family physician or continuing NP.

Is the Signal Group only skills training?

No. It is a structured clinical program combining ADHD-informed psychotherapy, practical skills, application between sessions and outcome review. Clinical eligibility and safety are reviewed before enrolment.

Will insurance cover the service?

Many extended health plans cover eligible counselling, psychotherapy, assessment or group services, but provider requirements and limits vary. Clients should confirm their own plan.

How does NIHB direct billing work?

Eligible First Nations clients may receive approved care without paying the clinic upfront. Authorization must be confirmed before direct billing begins.

What if I am in crisis?

SaskADHD is not an emergency service. Call 911 for immediate danger, HealthLine 8-1-1 for health guidance, or call/text 9-8-8 for suicide crisis support.

Still uncertain?

A clinical question is a valid reason to contact the clinic.

Use the secure screening for a clinical recommendation or contact the clinic for an administrative or coverage question.