Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

By Emily Chane, LMFT · September 20, 2026 · Westlake Village and online across California

No. You can begin therapy without a formal diagnosis, and many people do. Waitlists for adult ADHD and autism assessments run long, and costs are often high, so waiting can mean going without support for a year or more.

What changes with a diagnosis

A formal diagnosis can open access to workplace and academic accommodations, some medications, and certain services. For some people it also brings a sense of legitimacy after years of uncertainty.

What it does not change is the value of the work. Therapy addresses what you are experiencing, whether or not a report names it.

Self-identification is common and reasonable

Many adults recognize themselves through research, community, or a relative's diagnosis. That recognition is frequently accurate, particularly among people whose traits were missed in childhood.

Doubting yourself is also common. Years of being told you were fine, or dramatic, or simply needed to try harder, leave a mark.

How I work with this

I do not provide formal assessments. If you want testing, your primary care physician or insurance plan is the usual starting point.

In therapy, we work with your experience directly: how you process information, where you struggle, what depletes you, and what supports you. That work does not require a diagnostic label.

Where to start

Bring what you have noticed about yourself and what prompted you to look into it. We build from there.

I work with neurodivergent and questioning teens and adults in Westlake Village and by telehealth throughout California.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988. This post is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a free 15-minute call. We'll talk through what you're looking for and see if we're a fit.