What technology do I need for an online ADHD assessment?
Quick answer
You need very little. Any device with a camera and microphone, a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, plus a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space is enough. You join your appointment through a secure link in your web browser, with no special software, downloads, or technical skill required. If your connection drops, your clinician can usually continue the visit by phone.

You need a camera-enabled device, internet, and a quiet space
An online ADHD assessment is built to be low-barrier, so the technology you need is genuinely minimal. You don't need special software, a fast computer, or any technical skill, if you can make a video call to a family member, you already have everything required. At a minimum, you'll want the following:
- A device with a camera and microphone, a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop all work. Your clinician wants to see and hear you clearly, so video matters.
- A reliable internet connection, home Wi-Fi, wired broadband, or a strong cellular signal are all fine.
- A quiet, private space, somewhere you can speak openly without interruption for the length of the visit.
- An up-to-date web browser, a current version of Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox is usually all you need to join.
- A working email and phone number, so the clinic can send your secure appointment link and reach you if needed.
Helpful, but not essential
- Headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and added privacy.
- A charged battery or a nearby charger, since an assessment visit can run longer than a quick call.
- A notebook or your phone's notes app to jot down what your clinician recommends.
- Any documents you'd like to reference, more on that in how to prepare for an online ADHD assessment.
Here is how the video visit actually works
The visit itself is a face-to-face video conversation with a licensed Canadian nurse practitioner or clinician, just held over a screen instead of in a waiting room. Here's what to expect from booking to follow-up:
- Book your assessment online. You choose a time that suits you and pay up front, with transparent pricing that starts at $399, see the full breakdown on our pricing page. If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, you may qualify for 50% off your initial consultation, and affordable payment plans are available.
- Get your secure link. The clinic emails, and often texts, you a private link to join your video visit. No account setup or app-store download is typically needed.
- Complete any intake forms in advance. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms and history before the appointment, which keeps the live visit focused.
- Settle into a quiet space. A few minutes before your start time, open the link in your browser somewhere private and free of interruptions.
- Allow camera and microphone access. When prompted, tap "Allow" so your clinician can see and hear you clearly.
- Meet your clinician over video. They guide a structured, DSM-5-TR-based conversation about your symptoms, daily life, and history, there's nothing to memorize, just answer honestly.
- Review your next steps. After the visit you'll learn about your results and, where appropriate, a personalized treatment plan. For the full picture, read what happens during an online ADHD assessment.
Any device works, here's how to choose the best one for you
There is no "right" device, phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops all work for a video assessment. The best choice is simply the one you're most comfortable with and that gives you a stable connection. This table can help you decide:
| Device | Works well because | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | Always with you, has a built-in camera and mic, runs on Wi-Fi or data | Prop it up so your hands are free and the camera stays steady |
| Tablet | Larger screen than a phone with the same easy setup | Use a stand or lean it against something stable |
| Laptop | Comfortable screen size; easy for typing notes or viewing documents | Confirm the webcam works and you're charged or plugged in |
| Desktop | Stable wired connection and a large display | May need a separate webcam and microphone if none is built in |
Prefer to keep it simple and use the phone in your pocket? That's completely fine, see can I do the ADHD assessment on my phone? for the details.
If your tech isn't perfect, you can still get assessed
You don't need flawless technology to be assessed. Online ADHD care is designed to reach people across Canada, including those in rural and remote areas where in-person specialists can be hours away, so there are simple backups when things don't go perfectly:
- If your video drops, your clinician can usually continue the appointment by phone, so a shaky connection won't end your visit.
- If your internet is limited, a strong cellular signal, or a private room with reliable Wi-Fi, can work in a pinch.
- If you're not tech-savvy, the link does the work for you. There's nothing to install, and the clinic's support team can help you connect at 1-866-506-9203 or support@findfocusnow.com.
- If privacy at home is hard, a parked car or a closed room can serve as your quiet space. Your visit is private and confidential either way, see is the online ADHD assessment confidential and private?.
Because everything happens online, you skip the commute and the long public wait lists that can stretch 1–2 years or more, getting accessible and affordable assessment from wherever you feel comfortable. Note that adult assessment is available nationally, while youth assessment (ages 12–17) is currently available in Ontario only. When you're ready, you can explore ADHD testing and diagnosis to see how the full process fits together.
Common questions
Related questions, answered
Usually not. Most online ADHD assessments run through a secure link you open in your web browser, so there is typically nothing to install. You receive the link by email or text, click it a few minutes before your appointment, and allow camera and microphone access when prompted. If a clinic does use a specific platform, they will send simple connection instructions in advance.
A dropped connection will not necessarily end your visit. In most cases your clinician can call you by phone to continue, or you can rejoin the video link once your connection stabilizes. It helps to keep your phone nearby and charged and to share a good contact number when you book, so your clinician can reach you if the video fails.
A smartphone is perfectly fine for an online ADHD assessment, as long as it has a working camera and microphone and a stable connection. Many people complete their entire visit on a phone. Propping it up on a stand keeps your hands free and the camera steady. A tablet, laptop, or desktop works equally well if you prefer a larger screen.
Helpful next steps
References
- 1.CADDRA, Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance View source ↗
- 2.American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5-TR View source ↗
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, at any time.
