ADHD Care Expands to 43 States with New Neuroaffirming Model

FAIRHOPE, AL – April 30, 2026 – A Southern Alabama-based clinical psychology practice is leveraging interstate compacts and new technology to expand specialized ADHD assessments to residents in 43 states, a move that signals a significant shift in how mental healthcare can be delivered. Penry Psychology, led by Dr. Katie Penry, announced the expansion of its services via PSYPACT, targeting two demographics that are frequently missed by traditional diagnostic methods: women between the ages of 30 and 55 and college students.

The initiative aims to bridge a critical gap in mental health services, utilizing a combination of telehealth capabilities, artificial intelligence, and a diagnostic philosophy that champions neurological strengths over deficits.

Riding the Telehealth Wave with PSYPACT

The foundation of this national expansion is the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, or PSYPACT. This interstate agreement, now encompassing 43 states and territories, allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology across state lines without the cumbersome process of acquiring new licenses in each state. By obtaining an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT), a practitioner like Dr. Penry can offer services from her home base in Alabama to a client located in a participating state like Colorado, Virginia, or Texas.

This regulatory framework is a game-changer for specialized care. Patients in rural areas or states with fewer specialists can now access experts from anywhere in the compact. For Penry Psychology, it unlocks a national market for its highly specific ADHD assessment model, moving beyond the geographical constraints of a traditional brick-and-mortar practice.

Beyond the Label: A New Lens on ADHD

Central to the practice's approach is a move away from a purely deficit-based view of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The company is championing a “neuroaffirming” model, which aligns with the broader neurodiversity movement. This perspective reframes ADHD not as a simple list of impairments, but as a different style of cognitive wiring with its own set of inherent advantages, such as hyperfocus and divergent thinking.

To achieve this, the practice integrates its proprietary “Penry Inventory of Strengths and Impacts (PISI)” alongside gold-standard psychometric tools. While proprietary tools developed within a single practice are common, the stated goal is to create a more holistic picture. According to the company's press release, this dual approach ensures a diagnosis is not merely a label but a “roadmap that leverages an individual's inherent cognitive advantages.” This shift in focus aims to empower individuals by helping them understand and utilize their unique neurological makeup, rather than solely focusing on what needs to be “fixed.”

Addressing Critical Gaps in Care for Overlooked Groups

The expansion specifically targets two populations where ADHD is often misunderstood or missed entirely.

For women in their middle years (ages 30-55), ADHD symptoms can be masked by life's pressures and are often misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or simple burnout. Many women in this demographic report feeling perpetually overwhelmed or behind, a struggle they may have faced for decades. With research suggesting that as few as 20% of adults with ADHD are properly diagnosed, a strengths-based, accessible evaluation could provide long-awaited answers and strategies for women who don't fit the stereotypical image of a hyperactive young boy.

College students represent the second key focus. The transition to university life, with its demands for self-management and executive function, can be a crisis point for those with undiagnosed ADHD. Research indicates that college students with ADHD face a significantly higher risk of academic failure, including lower GPAs and increased dropout rates. Furthermore, the rate of co-occurring conditions like substance use disorders is alarmingly high. Penry Psychology aims to address this by using an AI-enhanced conversational intake to speed up the gathering of developmental history, allowing for a faster turnaround of actionable reports. These reports are often essential for students to secure necessary academic accommodations, such as extended time on tests, which can be pivotal for their success.

Technology, Price, and the Crowded Digital Marketplace

Penry Psychology enters a bustling and competitive telehealth market. Companies like Cerebral, Talkspace, and ADHD Online have already established a significant presence, offering virtual assessments and treatment. The cost of these online services varies, with some initial assessments priced between $189 and $300, a stark contrast to traditional in-person neuropsychological evaluations that can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $5,000.

By leveraging technology to automate data synthesis, Penry Psychology claims it can offer its specialized services at a price point that is “significantly more accessible” than its traditional competitors. The use of AI in the intake process, while promising for efficiency, also brings it into a broader industry conversation about the role of technology in mental health. Experts caution that while AI can process vast amounts of data, it cannot replace the empathy and cultural competency of a human clinician. Concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias remain paramount, and transparency is key for patient trust.

In this crowded field, the practice appears to be differentiating itself not just on technology or price, but on its specialized focus. By combining a neuroaffirming philosophy with a targeted outreach to underserved demographics, Penry Psychology is carving out a specific niche. The expansion represents a test case for whether a highly specialized, tech-enabled boutique practice can scale nationally and offer a meaningful alternative to both broad-based telehealth giants and costly traditional evaluations. As more services move online, this blend of targeted expertise and digital accessibility may represent the next evolution in mental healthcare delivery.