How to find a Dr? | ADHD Information

I suspect I've got ADD, but I've never done anything about it.
Now I'm taking the first step: finding a mental health specialist.
But this is easier thought than done, especially for someone as
distracted as I am.

I'm trying to find an ADD psychiatrist or psychologist/social
worker in the DC area. I want someone who is on my insurance
plan, but my insurance company does not provide "specialty"
information beyond things like "grief counseling" "Children"
"geriatric." I've talked to everyone I know about finding a doc,
but the ones people come up with are not in my plan. My plan
has hundreds of mental health professionals. Surely one of
them is an ADD specialist. I'm trying to avoid calling all of them.

None of the ADD groups recommend specific therapists.
Any advice?

Thanks.

Ok, I'll tell you what I just did this week.  First I've been reading lots of info, that's why I want to be diagnosed - too many recognitions in myself. 

Anyway, I saw my regular doctor when I took my son in for his checkup.  I mentioned to the doctor that I wanted to get checked for Adult ADD.  He said that he doesn't believe in that diagnosis.    But I could come in and talk to him if I wanted to - I don't think so....

I called my insurance company - they said that for them to cover anything for me, my doctor has to refer me or prescribe it - yea, the guy that doesn't believe in AD/HD...

Well, then I found out that my company has a EAP - employee assistance program - I contacted them and they said that they could cover 1 session with someone that they recommend.  So I called one of the names and made an appointment for next week.

Depending on what the woman says, I guess I'll go back to my regular doctor with her diagnosis/recommendation for me and then try to get a referral from him so that my insurance will cover whatever they decide to do for me.

That's the hoops I'm jumping through.  I read that a psychiatrist can diagnose someone, prescribe meds, and offer counseling - no one else can do all that for us.  Your insurance company should be able to give you local psychiatrists that are under their coverage.  Then you can call them up and ask for if they work with Adult AD/HD.

Good Luck!

Yeah, I guess insurance company workers get paid NOT to
provide the info, banking on us giving up. Thanks for your reply.