Formal eval is generally gonna be expensive; you should look towards figuring out what public programs you qualify for, and then work towards getting diagnosed after you have coverage.

Instead, what you can do in the short term is go to a primary care doctor, tell them exactly what you put in your post body, and ask if they would be willing to prescribe any non-stimulant medications to help manage your cognitive symptoms while you work towards getting coverage and specialist care. Very few will say no, but if they do, it’s a reflection of what they consider their wheelhouse rather than you asking anything untoward.

https://www.prosperhealth.io/

they provide assessments and/or therapy fully online and the pricing is hugely discounted compared to many in-person mental health providers. for example, for my state, psychologytoday.com provider directory is about double the price on avg of those in Prosper.

if your state has health care coverage for low/no income people, the cost could potentially be reduced to almost zero out-of-pocket. as with everything, proceed cautiously, YMMV

edit: do not confuse with https://prosperhealth.ca/ (a Canadian rehab center)

I found a psychiatrist who not only had experience with ADHD but also had it. He pointed it out to me in my late 30s and before that I didn’t really ever consider it.

If you want medication, you’ll need a psychiatrist. But if you just want evaluation and therapy then a therapist is enough (and a little cheaper if no insurance). I will say mental health providers are generally spread pretty thin these days, so expect a waiting list to get in with a good one.

Anyway, make sure it’s one who has experience with ADHD because a lot do not and tend to discount it or default to assuming people are just trying to get drugs.