Athletes · Testing and TUEs

Psychological Testing for Athletes

Testing from a psychologist who is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). We evaluate ADHD, autism, learning, and mood with your sport in mind, and provide the documentation athletes need for therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs), NCAA medical exceptions, and academic accommodations.

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At a glance

For athletes 8 and older at every level, from high school and club sports to college, Olympic-⁠pathway, and professional.
Dr. Walker is a licensed psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
Same-⁠day results are available for an additional $600, helpful when a season or deadline is close.
No referral is required.

Why test with a sport psychologist

Athletes face demands most evaluations don't account for: training loads, travel, competition stress, and rules about which medications are allowed. Dr. Walker understands those demands, so your results and recommendations fit your sport, your schedule, and the people who support you, from coaches to athletic trainers and team physicians.

What we evaluate

ADHD

Attention, focus, and impulse control, with the documentation needed for a TUE or NCAA medical exception if you take stimulant medication.

Learning disabilities

Reading, writing, and math, with documentation for academic accommodations, including for college student-⁠athletes.

Autism

Social communication, sensory needs, and routines, which can shape how you handle teams, travel, and changes in schedule.

Anxiety, mood, and performance

Anxiety, depression, and how you respond under pressure, with recommendations for treatment and mental performance work.

Testing can also map your cognitive strengths and relative weaknesses, such as processing speed, working memory, and executive functioning, to guide performance work.

Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs)

A therapeutic use exemption lets an athlete use a prohibited medication to treat a diagnosed medical condition. The most common example in psychology is ADHD: medications such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta are stimulants prohibited in competition under World Anti-⁠Doping Agency (WADA) rules. Without approval, a positive test can lead to a sanction even if the medication was prescribed.

Olympic, Paralympic, and national team athletes apply for a TUE through USADA. Some international federations have their own process.
College athletes use the NCAA medical exception process through their school's sports medicine staff, usually updated every year.
Professional and high school athletes follow their league's or state association's rules.

Why ADHD applications get denied

USADA notes that many ADHD applications don't include enough supporting documentation. ADHD can't be confirmed from a brief office visit or self-⁠report alone. Reviewers look for:

A diagnosis that meets DSM-⁠5-⁠TR criteria
Standardized rating scales, ideally from more than one person who knows you well
Objective testing of attention and executive functioning
Evidence that symptoms started in childhood
A clear explanation of why other causes, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or concussion, were ruled out

How our evaluation helps

Our ADHD evaluation is built to answer those questions. It includes a clinical interview, standardized rating scales from you and someone who knows you, computerized attention testing, and cognitive testing, along with screening for conditions that can look like ADHD. Your report puts the diagnosis, codes, and supporting scores on the first pages, so a team physician or reviewer can find them quickly.

For USADA and international TUEs, the diagnosis usually has to be confirmed by a physician, such as a psychiatrist. With your written consent, we send your report to your prescriber to support their application. For NCAA medical exceptions, your report goes to your school's sports medicine staff.

Need a prescriber? Peak Sports Psychiatry provides telehealth psychiatry for athletes and high performers in 25+ states. See all of our preferred prescribing providers.

How the evaluation works

The process has three steps: an intake session, a testing session of 2 to 5 hours, and a feedback session to review your results. With same-⁠day results, testing and feedback happen in one visit. Do not take any stimulant medication the day of testing. More about the testing process.

Testing for athletes questions

What is a therapeutic use exemption (TUE)?

A TUE is permission from an anti-⁠doping organization to use a prohibited medication, such as an ADHD stimulant, to treat a documented medical condition. In the United States, Olympic and Paralympic athletes apply through USADA. College athletes go through the NCAA medical exception process instead.

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD for a TUE?

USADA asks that the diagnosis come from a physician who specializes in ADHD, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, and athletes in international competition may need a psychiatrist. Dr. Walker's evaluation gives that physician the objective testing, rating scales, and rule-⁠outs a strong application needs. For NCAA medical exceptions, requirements vary by school, so check with your team physician or athletic trainer.

Why are TUE applications for ADHD denied?

USADA reports that many ADHD applications lack enough supporting medical documentation. A diagnosis based only on a brief office visit or self-⁠report is not enough. Applications are stronger with standardized testing, rating scales from more than one source, and a clear explanation of why other conditions were ruled out.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Do I need new testing?

Often, yes. If your records are old, thin, or don't include objective testing, an updated evaluation can fill the gaps. Bring any past evaluations and school records to your intake.

Do I have to be an elite athlete?

No. We test athletes at every level, from high school and club sports to college, professional, and masters athletes, as well as performers in the arts.

Do you do concussion testing?

No. Concussion and baseline concussion testing are best done through your sports medicine team or a board-⁠certified neuropsychologist. New or worsening symptoms after a head injury should be checked by a doctor first.

Can you guarantee my TUE or accommodations will be approved?

No. Approval is decided by USADA, the NCAA, your school, or your sport's governing body. Our role is to provide thorough, objective documentation.

TUE rules change. Confirm current requirements with USADA, the NCAA, or your governing body before you apply.

Contact the practice

Book a testing intake through the scheduler. For therapy, sport and performance, or a free 15-⁠minute consultation, send a secure inquiry, call, or text.

Book a testing intake Ask a question (720) 446-⁠9438 Text us Make a referral