GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 11, 2025 (Newswire.com) –Mentavi Health, a leader in evidence-based digital mental health care, has launched Mentavi Concierge, its next-generation AI support assistant that enhances the digital health journey of visitors and patients while keeping human clinicians at the center of care.

Mentavi Concierge represents the company’s belief in the ethical use of AI: as a powerful tool for access, efficiency, and personalization – but never as a replacement for human clinical judgment or care. Mentavi continues to exclusively use licensed human psychologists for diagnosis and human clinicians for treatment.

“Our leverage of AI is aimed at providing enhanced customer efficiencies and experiences as we continue to scale – and complements, not replaces, the work of our staff,” said Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health. “This technology, the way we are implementing it, is patient-lifting, not job-replacing.”

Enhancing Patient Access and Confidence

Mentavi Concierge assists individuals at the earliest stage of their mental health journey – when they are exploring services, seeking clarity, and often waiting for human support. It provides immediate, accurate answers to questions such as:

• “What services are available in my state?”
• “How does the diagnostic process work?”
• “What happens if I find out I have ADHD?”

Mentavi Concierge offers patients an interactive, trustworthy experience on the Mentavi website, guiding them toward human-led evaluation and care while staying strictly within regulatory boundaries.

“Patients today want the easy access of online care,” Brophy added. “But they also want the reassurance that committed humans remain front and center. We built Mentavi Concierge to reflect that balance.”

Built for Trust, Safety, and Compliance

Mentavi’s development team designed Mentavi Concierge using proprietary, self-hosted AI infrastructure built on advanced agentic frameworks. The application runs within Mentavi’s secure environment, avoiding the risks associated with third-party AI integrations.

From the outset, the system was architected with patient safety and regulatory compliance as non-negotiable priorities. Mentavi Concierge does not engage in clinical dialogue, nor does it provide treatment recommendations, and it will defer to Mentavi’s human clinicians for diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.

“We are excited about taking a significant step toward improving healthcare journeys with a responsible AI framework,” said Angie Lillie, chief compliance officer at Mentavi. “This aligns with the growing body of state and federal regulations around the ethical use of AI in healthcare.”

A Proven Foundation of Clinical Rigor

The introduction of Mentavi Concierge follows Mentavi’s recently published peer-reviewed clinical trial in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, which validated the company’s asynchronous online diagnostic assessment for ADHD in adults. The study confirmed that Mentavi’s digital-first diagnostic approach delivers outcomes consistent with in-person evaluations – a landmark in the evolution of telehealth standards.

“Technology and human care must evolve together,” said Steve Goulet, VP of product and technology and Chair of Mentavi’s AI Ethics and Governance Committee. “Our long-term vision is to create a seamless, supportive digital experience – where AI enhances, but never replaces, the human connection.”

About Mentavi Health
Founded in 2018 as ADHD Online, and recognized as one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch,” Mentavi Health provides evidence-based, compliant online mental health care nationwide. Its clinically validated Diagnostic Evaluation for diagnosing adult ADHD serves as the foundation for assessing anxiety, depression, OCD, and related conditions. Mentavi delivers affordable, high-quality care through licensed clinicians, offering diagnostic evaluations, therapy, medical treatment, and mental wellness coaching. Guided by clinical rigor, accessibility, compliance, and trust, Mentavi is redefining how people connect to quality mental health care. Learn more at mentavi.com.

Contact Information

Tim Cox 
ZingPR for Mentavi Health
tim@zingpr.com

Source: Mentavi Health

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 14, 2025 (Newswire.com) – Sixty percent of counties in the U.S. do not have a single psychiatrist, and 77 percent report a severe shortage, according to a 2022 study in Psychiatric Times. Primary care clinicians often have to fill this gap, but only 10-30 percent of them say they are comfortable diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Mentavi Health offers a clinically validated diagnostic assessment for the diagnosis of ADHD in adults that closes the psychiatric care gap quickly, easily, and at an accessible price.

Mentavi Health is recognized as an innovator and national leader in online mental health diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2018 as ADHD Online, Mentavi Health now provides a broad spectrum of services, from mental wellness checks to diagnosis and treatment.

The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation provides critical support to primary care clinicians, in particular those whose patients are seeking diagnosis and treatment for ADHD or other mental disorders. Patients can complete the self-paced online evaluation on their own, without a clinician present. It takes one to two hours to complete, and assesses for mental health concerns including anxiety, ADHD, and depression. The cost is less than $200.

A licensed, doctorate-level psychologist reviews the assessment responses and renders a diagnosis to the patient and designated provider in five days or less. The diagnosis can be used to develop a treatment plan, which can include medication (as warranted), coaching, and therapy with a Mentavi clinician or the patient’s own healthcare provider.

“Primary care clinicians are becoming increasingly important in adult ADHD care, but they often lack the time, tools, and resources needed to accurately diagnose the condition,” said Mentavi Health Chief Medical Officer Barry K. Herman, M.D., MMM. “Clinically validated asynchronous assessments and telehealth clinicians, as available on the Mentavi Health platform, can provide primary care clinicians with this evidence-based, accessible resource for their patients.”

Research conducted by Mentavi and presented at the 10th World Congress on ADHD in Prague, Czech Republic, validated the accuracy and reliability of the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation for diagnosing ADHD in adults, when compared with traditional face-to-face, in-person clinical assessments that are typically the standard of care in the field. A publication of the study results in a peer-reviewed journal is expected in the next few months.

Among the study’s findings:

• The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation and the clinical interview have a diagnostic agreement of 78%.
• The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation has a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 94.9%
• The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation identifies ADHD-positive cases more accurately than the clinical interview, with a 12% false positive rate vs. 56% for the clinical interview.
• The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation is more conservative than the clinical interview, meaning it does not over-diagnose ADHD in adults.

The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation is based on the latest research and practices. It was developed using more than a dozen validated screening instruments and specific questions aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose a broad range of mental health conditions, including ADHD. Study results demonstrate that an online asynchronous assessment, such as the Mentavi Health tool, is a reliable, accurate, and trusted tool for diagnosing ADHD in adults.

“As value-based care becomes the norm, primary care teams need scalable tools that deliver measurable impact,” said Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health. “Our diagnostic solution helps practices identify and treat mental health conditions earlier, supporting better patient outcomes and stronger performance on quality metrics.”

Mentavi Health’s core mission is to increase access to accurate, efficient, and evidence-based mental health assessments. With ADHD in adults significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated, the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation will aid clinicians with their role in the diagnosis and treatment of this and related disorders.

For more information, visit Mentavi Health or ADHD Online.

About Mentavi Health
Established as ADHD Online in 2018, Mentavi Health has evolved to encompass a broader range of mental health services. With the mission to make high-quality ADHD assessments accessible to all, Mentavi has grown to address not only ADHD but also the most common related mental health conditions. The nationwide Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation and various treatment options showcase the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, compliant online mental health care. For more information, visit mentavi.com.

Just like beginning a school year or heading off to college, starting a new job brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It can be a blur of onboarding, training, meetings, new names and faces — an adjustment for anyone, especially those living with ADHD.

Part of those new-job jitters can involve when or if to disclose your ADHD diagnosis to your new manager. Predictably, the answer is complicated and personal.

As “the new person,” it’s natural to overanalyze every decision or interaction. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to informing your new employer about your ADHD diagnosis, but asking the right questions early can help you make the call that’s best for you and your future success in a new role.

Why disclose your diagnosis

Access to accommodations is a common motivation to disclosing an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means you may be entitled to workplace accommodations if you formally disclose.

Accommodations are considered any workplace adjustments that can help aid performance. They can range from flex time and telecommuting to noise-canceling headphones or access to an enclosed workspace. However, an ADHD diagnosis alone doesn’t entitle an employee to accommodations:

• The diagnosis must be documented in writing and must show that ADHD “substantially limits a major life activity” (such as a job).
• The accommodations shouldn’t place an undue hardship on the business.
• You must show that you are otherwise qualified to perform the job.
• The company must have at least 15 employees.

Another reason for disclosing could be the old adage that honesty is the best policy. Some might be tempted to inform their managers to get ahead of any potential issues, such as taking longer to complete tasks or missed deadlines. And while some managers may be understanding and accommodating, it’s no guarantee that all will be receptive to the news.

Things to consider

At the end of the day, sharing your ADHD diagnosis is sharing personal information — and as is the case with sharing any type of personal information, there are things to think through before doing so:

• No going back – Once you’ve shared your diagnosis, you can’t take it back, so make sure you’re prepared for it to be documented.
• Misinformation abounds – There’s still a wide lack of knowledge and understanding around ADHD. Stigmas still exist, so before fully disclosing, it may be wise to broach the subject in a casual way and gauge the reaction.
• The rumor mill – People talk in the workplace, so when the information is out there, you can’t control who finds out and how they will react. 

Thinking it through

When you’re deciding on whether or not to disclose your ADHD diagnosis in your new role, it’s worth taking a beat to ask yourself a few questions that might help clarify your decision:

• Who do I need to tell and why?
• Do the people I am informing seem like they will handle the disclosure with confidentiality and without judgment?
• Can I manage my ADHD and make adjustments on my own or do I need additional support?
• Does this new environment feel ripe for distractions?

“It can change things for the better if the person receiving it understands what it means and is willing to help the person adapt the job to best suit their brain,” psychologist Marcy Caldwell, PsyD says. “Revealing [the diagnosis] also helps reduce stigma and allows people with ADHD to show up more wholly as themselves, not trying to change, blend, or assimilate.”

Succeeding without disclosing

Disclosing your ADHD diagnosis isn’t the only path to setting yourself up to best function in the workplace. 

“I encourage clients to frame it from the symptom lens versus the diagnosis,” says Darleshia Bibbins-Spikes, LCSW. For example, approach conversations by presenting not only the symptom, but also a solution:

• “I work best with short check-ins. Would it be okay to do a 10-minute sync twice a week?”
• “I really benefit from regular feedback on my performance. Can we schedule weekly meetings to touch base on how I’m doing while I get up and running?”
• “I get easily distracted near the break room. Could I move to a quieter spot?”
• “I’ve found that blocking off focus time in the morning helps me deliver better work. Can I block that time on my calendar?”

Finding creative ways to get accommodations should help you improve your job performance while keeping your ADHD diagnosis private.

Feel it out

Give yourself time to settle in. There’s no timeline for deciding whether or not to share your diagnosis. Learn the ropes, build relationships, and feel out what kind of support, if any, you might need. Then revisit the decision when you have all the information and feel ready to do so.

Whether you disclose immediately, later, or not at all, your success isn’t defined by your ADHD diagnosis. It’s shaped by how you advocate for your needs, build trust, and work in a way that works for you.

Sources

Should You Tell Your Boss About Your ADHD? – ADDitude Magazine

Your Rights to ADHD Accommodations at Work – ADDitude Magazine

Disclose Your ADHD? What to Consider First – CHADD

Disclosing Your ADHD Diagnosis – CHADD

“A healthy body is a healthy mind.” You’ve likely heard some variation of this sentiment before, but it’s more than just a platitude. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is not only critical for your physical well-being, it can also do wonders for your mental health, especially given that people with ADHD may be more prone to gaining weight.

Optimizing your diet for ADHD involves building lasting habits and strategies, while eating more of the foods that are helpful and avoiding those that aren’t.

Building healthy habits

It’s not just what you eat, it’s how you eat, and those living with ADHD may not always put a lot of thought into their nutrition habits—unintentionally consuming too many calories, opting for too-large portions, and choosing fewer healthy foods. Any good diet starts with a plan. Consider the following strategies to lay a strong foundation for better eating.

Set the table (and eat at one) – Start by getting in the habit of eating more mindfully. Keep track of everything you eat over the course of a week and reflect on it. Also, get consistent with when and where you eat. Aim to eat at regular times each day to avoid eating out of boredom and eat at a dinner table to keep your brain from associating food with every room in the house.

Plan your meals—Yes, it’s more work than ordering delivery, but cooking and meal planning have significant benefits. It gives you control over what goes into your meals (ideally fresh, nutritious ingredients) and what doesn’t (unhealthy additions like too much sugar, salt, or artificial ingredients). You’ll also be able to manage portion sizes and take the guesswork out of your meals for the week.

Don’t eat emotionally – Sometimes when we’re bored, sad, or anxious, we reach for that pint of ice cream or slice of leftover pizza. To avoid that, have a few go-to activities for moments of boredom that otherwise might lead to eating: grab a book, take a walk, or call a friend. 

What to eat and what to avoid

Ultimately, eating healthy for ADHD isn’t at all different from doing so for physical well-being. It’s the why behind the choices that’s important. Tailoring your diet to reduce symptoms of ADHD is all about focusing on the foods that are best for the brain.

Lean meats high in protein, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support brain health. Complex carbohydrates are another powerful source of energy for the brain and nervous system (think lentils, beans, carrots, etc.).

As for what to avoid, that list is full of the usual suspects. Try to stay away from caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and foods high in additives, all of which can interfere with the brain and impact focus.

Dig into eating better

If you think your ADHD symptoms could be alleviated by adopting healthier eating habits, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or mental health care provider for further guidance on improving your diet.

Sources:

Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review

Nutrition and ADHD – CHADD

Why Sugar is Kryptonite: ADHD Diet Truths – ADDitude Magazine

Food Therapy: The Right Nutrition for ADHD Symptoms – ADDitude Magazine

Foods that Feed Your ADHD Mind – UCLAHealth 

But while winter-pattern SAD gets more attention, summer-pattern SAD (also called reverse SAD) is very real and just as disruptive. Both types of SAD often show up alongside ADHD and share overlapping causes, symptoms, and treatment options— each with its own season-specific spin.

Blame the sun (mostly)

When looking at the causes of SAD patterns, one culprit stands out: sunlight, or lack thereof.

During winter, when the days get shorter and darkness sets in before the workday is done, moods drop. Reduced sunlight exposure can increase melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns and throwing off your body’s internal clock, which can lead to depression. A lack of sunlight can also lead to decreased vitamin D levels, which reduces serotonin activity, further impacting mood and sleep.

“These changes, combined with the stresses of holiday travel, sensitive family dynamics and managing expectations can build a recipe for depression during the winter months” says Andrea Rogers, Supervisor for Intensive Outpatient Programs in the Department of Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai.

But the long, bright days of summer can also be disruptive. Just as fewer sunlight hours can result in an overabundance of melatonin, increased sunlight can alter our sleep-wake patterns and disrupt circadian rhythms. Factor in heat, late nights, and even body-image issues, and it’s easy to see how summer-pattern SAD can also take a toll. It should come as no surprise that summer-pattern SAD is more prevalent in the southern U.S. than in the north.

Even FOMO (fear of missing out) can play a role in bringing on bouts of summer-pattern SAD. You may be scrolling social media and seeing everyone else having fun, causing you to wonder why you’re not out doing the same. Cue the anxiety and sadness about not making the most of the season.  

How SAD shows up

While both types of SAD have similar root causes, their symptoms vary. Winter-pattern SAD tends to manifest through a lack of energy and the urge to hibernate—increased sleep, social withdrawal, cravings, and weight gain.

Summer-pattern SAD presents as a more manic or agitated set of symptoms. Insomnia, restlessness, reduced appetite, and weight loss can all be signs. These opposite symptoms—lethargy in winter and agitation in summer—are reflective of how we react to extreme temperatures. Psychiatrist and professor Norman Rosenthal (originator of the term “seasonal affective disorder”) states that those easily discomforted by heat may find cooler temperatures to be calming, making them less prone to winter-pattern SAD and more likely to experience the summer variant.

Not everyone experiences these symptoms the same way. If you experience seasonal patterns in your mood or energy, it’s worth bringing them up with your doctor or therapist.

Reclaim the seasons

Fortunately, there are adjustments you can make to your routine to help manage your symptoms so you can get back to embracing every season.

• Try bright light therapy – Shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin, this treatment can provide some much-needed light to dark winter days. Even just getting outdoors when weather permits can be helpful.
• Balance summer stimulation – Avoid too much sun and heat. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take plenty of breaks.
• Set a sleep schedule – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to keep your circadian rhythm in check.
• Limit your alcohol intake – Alcohol can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, so it’s best to keep intake to a minimum during bouts of SAD symptoms.

In addition to these behavioral changes, a mental health professional can provide options for  the seasonal blues through medication, counseling, or other treatment methods.

Clinically reviewed by Amy Marschall, PsyD. Dr Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents and does psychological evaluations and also provides ADHD assessments through ADHD Online.

Sources:

Seasonality of mood disorders in adults with lifetime attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – PubMed

Seasonal Affective Disorder and the ADHD Brain – ADDitude Magazine

Heading Off Seasonal Depression When You Have ADHD – CHADD

Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder: SAD in the Summer – Psychology Today

It’s a Cruel Summer with Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder – Relational Psych

In today’s world, prioritizing mental well-being is more important than ever. So we asked our team members to share their personal strategies for managing stress, overcoming challenges, and taking care of their mental health.

Movement

Expected? Yes.

The importance of physical movement is a sentiment that echoes loudly in any conversation surrounding mental health — and our team is no exception.

“Lifting weights really helps me to center myself and process my emotions,” shares Kyle Dougherty, QA Engineer. “I go to the gym every day — I don’t necessarily go hard every day, but having that routine keeps me centered.”

But as we’ve mentioned before (and love to reemphasize), our bodies and minds do not discriminate movement. Our CEO, Keith Brophy, cites, “I love to run, swim, do yoga …any movement. But I have to confess that flinging my dog’s squeaky toy through the air and then racing him to it is one of my favorites!”

We like that it’s beneficial for both man and his four-legged companion(s).

Intentional pauses

Another one that may be as commonly recommended as physical movement though perhaps less practiced. Research shows that mindfulness is directly related to stress levels and our ability to manage negative thoughts and emotions. Lauren Vandenberg, Interim Data Analyst, highlights the importance of pausing to tune into your mental state throughout the day. “It’s important for me to take five minutes periodically throughout the day to recognize how I am feeling. This prevents me from overthinking at night because I was able to process my feelings as they surfaced during the day.”

Visualization

Sr. Director of Business Growth, Corey Hart uses visualization or “mental imagery,” a technique in which the imagination creates images to achieve a desired feeling or outcome, like relaxation or stress reduction. Call it a mental mood board.

“Positive visualization works really well for me. I imagine what it feels like when I’ve overcome my anxiety or stress about an issue or obstacle. I include a reward in the visualization, like being on a bike ride or sitting on a sunny patio reading my new book.”

Small wins

Neurotypical or neurodivergent, the feeling of overwhelm is a common thread that connects all human beings—admittedly, some more than others—and it can manifest as physical, mental, and/or emotional symptoms. When facing challenges, Kyle Dougherty recommends “just doing something to break the malaise.” He says, “If I’m struggling, I attempt to get just one thing done, even if it’s small, because it can snowball.”

This approach of starting with manageable, bite-sized tasks can create momentum toward larger accomplishments. Sometimes, even adding already-completed tasks to a seemingly growing to-do list and crossing them off can be encouraging.

Channeling creativity

Whether in song, in brush strokes, or any form in between, some of the most notable creations historically are products of mental or emotional struggles. For Keith Brophy, it’s more of a 5-7-5 thing: “I take some time to write a haiku. I don’t try to make it a great work of art, but I do attempt to infuse some sense of positive energy into it.”

Embracing connections

This one needs no lead-in.

Brianne Moore, Lead Medical Assistant at ADHD Online, emphasizes the value of relationships. “I have a few close friends and family that I reach out to on occasion to share feelings, seek advice, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or getting together for dinner, opening up with them can help regain perspective and offer comfort during challenging times.”

She also recognizes workplace connections:

“I reach out to colleagues to discuss work-related challenges, seek guidance, or collaborate on solutions, and we share experiences and strategies to navigate professional hurdles. Knowing that you are not alone in navigating work stressors and having someone to brainstorm with can lighten the load and increase resilience and adaptability.”

These insights from our team members remind us that mental health strategies are deeply personal. What works for one person may not resonate with another — the key is finding approaches that work for you and incorporating them into your routine. 

Whether it’s physical activity, creative expression, mindfulness practices, or leaning on your support network, taking consistent steps toward mental well-being makes a difference.

Living with mental health challenges can make traditional goal-setting feel overwhelming at best and impossible at worst. At the same time, setting and working toward meaningful goals can be a great way to improve mental health overall. If you’re stuck in this very common catch-22, this guide offers practical strategies to help you take some steps, make some goals, and feel better.

Start where you are

On days when brushing your teeth feels like scaling a mountain, setting a long-term goal to save more money or drink more water feels defeating and out-of-reach — and that’s okay. Your starting point is perfect, exactly as (and where) it is.

Sometimes the smallest steps create the biggest changes. Getting out of bed before noon or sending the one text you’ve been putting off aren’t irrelevant changes but important steps in the right direction.

The “Minimum Viable Goal” approach

Instead of setting one big goal, aim for the smallest possible version of success. 

For example, if you want to start exercising more, you might set a goal to just put on your workout clothes in the morning, period, with no pressure to actually exercise. Often you’ll find that you want to do more once you’ve started — but if not, you’ve still succeeded.

The 2-minute rule with a twist

When you’re struggling with mental health, even a five-minute task can feel overwhelming. So instead,: commit to just two minutes of any activity. Want to clean your room? Two minutes. Need to start a project? You guessed it (two minutes).

This approach respects your energy levels while still moving you forward. Some days you’ll stop after two minutes, and that’s a win. Other days you might find yourself naturally continuing.

Celebrate without shame

Got out of bed today? Yeah you did! Sent that anxiety-inducing email? Best regards! When mental health is a challenge, these aren’t small victories — they’re proof of your resilience.

When things don’t go as planned

Some days you’ll feel like you’re moving backward. But progress isn’t linear, especially when managing mental health. A “failure” is not a failure, but an opportunity to collect data, and each setback offers information you can use to adjust your approach moving forward.

Maybe morning goals don’t work for you. That’s useful information!

Building your support system

Goals don’t have to be a solo journey. Share your minimum goals and progress with someone you trust. Having someone say, “hey, great job getting dressed today!” can make a world of difference when you’re struggling.

Consider working with a psychotherapist or mental wellness coach who can help you set realistic goals and celebrate your progress. They can provide valuable perspective on what’s realistic and achievable given your current challenges.

Moving forward

Remember: You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re working with different challenges than some others, and that means your goal-setting approach needs to be different, too. That’s not just okay — it’s exactly right for you.

Start small. Celebrate often. Be gentle with yourself. You’ve got this, one tiny step at a time.

Looking for help with goal-setting while also managing mental health challenges? Our coaches are standing by.

Mentavi Health, a leader in evidence-based mental health solutions, today announced the results of its pioneering real-world validation study for the Mentavi Health Diagnostic Evaluation, commonly known as the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation, an online asynchronous mental health assessment platform. This industry-first research documents the accuracy and reliability of the assessment, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of digital mental health care.

“This landmark study reaffirms our dedication and leadership in advancing accessible, evidence-based mental health care,” said Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi Health. “By validating the accuracy and reliability of our asynchronous ADHD diagnostic approach, we are enhancing access to safe and high-quality care, ensuring more people get the support they need when they need it.”

The Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation is an online, asynchronous (can be taken without a clinician present), dynamically modeled platform that was developed utilizing more than a dozen validated screening instruments and specific questions aligned with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose a broad range of mental health conditions, including ADHD. Patients can access the Assessment on their own time for as long as needed. On average, it takes one to two hours to complete and each patient journey through the assessment platform is unique, reflecting the patient’s responses to the questions. A licensed, doctorate-level psychologist reviews the patient responses and renders a diagnosis, a report of which is provided to the patient within five days. 

Study Highlights

The real-world observational study compared the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation (Diagnostic Evaluation) to the current gold standard for ADHD diagnosis of adults, a face-to-face clinical interview by a trained mental health clinician applying DSM-5 criteria. Participants were recruited from a population of adults seeking online ADHD assessment; 345 participants completed both a virtual face-to-face clinical interview conducted by a doctorate-level psychologist and the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation. 

The sample was predominately female, with an average age of 35. Results revealed a high level of agreement between the clinical interview and the Diagnostic Evaluation, particularly for ADHD positive cases. Additionally, the Diagnostic Evaluation was significantly more accurate at identifying ADHD positive cases, with a false positive rate of 12 percent relative to 56 percent for the clinical interview. Sensitivity was 80.6 percent, with a Positive Predictive Value of 94.9 percent. The Diagnostic Evaluation was more conservative in diagnosing ADHD than the clinical interview, suggesting that overdiagnosis of ADHD is not a concern with this platform. In those cases where a diagnosis could not be confirmed by the Diagnostic Evaluation, a recommendation was made for further clinical evaluation. 

The study demonstrates that online asynchronous assessment is a reliable, accurate and trusted tool for diagnosing ADHD in adults. This is the first study to validate and demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of an online ADHD assessment among individuals seeking online behavioral healthcare. The full study results will be presented at a scientific conference later this year. 

“This research validates our innovative approach, proving that online diagnostic tools can be as effective as traditional methods when developed with scientific rigor and clinical oversight,” said Barry K. Herman, MD, MMM, Chief Medical Officer at Mentavi Health. “These results highlight a breakthrough in ADHD diagnosis via telehealth and represent a major advance in delivering on the promise of accessible mental health care.”

A Milestone for Digital Mental Health Care

Validation of the Mentavi Diagnostic Evaluation addresses a critical gap in the mental health landscape. Historically, online assessments have faced skepticism due to concerns about accuracy and rigor. This study reinforces that evidence-based, thoughtfully designed digital tools can deliver reliable results, paving the way for broader adoption of telehealth solutions.

“The results of this study will move the field forward for telehealth by setting a standard for evaluating telehealth diagnoses,” said Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, who was a consultant on the study. “ADHD in adults is still significantly underdiagnosed in some regions, and telehealth offers one solution to improving access to diagnosis and treatment in underserved patient populations.”

About Mentavi Health

Founded in 2018 as ADHD Online, Mentavi Health is dedicated to transforming mental health care through innovation, accessibility, and evidence-based practices. Offering a range of assessments and treatments, including the validated Diagnostic Evaluation, Mentavi Health empowers patients and providers to address mental health challenges with confidence and care.

Source: Mentavi Health

About Mentavi Health

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With our proven model of separating assessment from treatment, holding ourselves to rigorous clinical standards, and streamlining care, we help patients take control of their lives across a spectrum of mental health needs.

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Ever wonder why you feel down more often during these short, dark, cold days? 

It’s all about your body’s natural rhythms. 

Your body’s light sensors, located in your eyes, help regulate a delicate balance between melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (a mood booster). They’re particularly sensitive to the bright morning light that signals your brain to start the day. 

This natural wake-up call is disrupted by fewer daylight hours and darker mornings. That means more melatonin, less serotonin, and the general chaos you feel in your internal clock.

These mood changes, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affect millions, especially people living farther from the equator where winter days are shortest.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms of SAD between now and the spring equinox. 

First, aim to get outside within two hours of waking up, even on cold, cloudy days. The morning light tells your brain, “It’s daytime!” which helps regulate your sleep and mood. A 15-minute walk around the block can make a surprising difference.

Then, flood your space with as much light as possible. Open those curtains wide and position yourself near windows where you can. Consider getting a light therapy lamp. Turning it on and sitting next to it for 20-30 minutes while having your morning coffee can help boost your mood and energy.

Movement is medicine and any kind of movement will do. You don’t need to walk or run for miles or stress about intense workouts. Dance to your favorite music, stretch, or do some gentle yoga. Find a kind of movement you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to do it and experience the benefits.

Though our tendency might be hibernation, social connections matter more than ever in winter. Text a friend, schedule a weekly video chat, or join a local club. Even brief social interactions can lift your mood significantly.

Structure helps too. Try to wake up and go to bed at consistent times. Plan one thing each day to look forward to, even something small like a favorite podcast or hot bath.

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Winter blues are real, and you’re not “just being lazy.” If you’re struggling, contact a mental health professional – they can provide additional strategies tailored to you.

Spring will come again. Until then, these small daily actions can help make winter more manageable. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone in this journey.

Looking for a mental health professional to help you navigate the winter blues? Explore our psychotherapy with us.