QbTest enhanced ADHD services at multi-site provider Meridian Advanced Psychiatry

ADHD News


Meridian Advanced Psychiatry (MAP) has strived to provide specialized medical services in Idaho in particular, addressing the increasing demand for ADHD diagnosis and management. Recognizing a growing need for comprehensive ADHD services supported by effective diagnostic tools, Chief Executive Officer Kyle Ronnau and Chief Business Development Officer Kevin Hulsey set out to improve the clinic's capabilities.


The challenge: Ensuring quality ADHD care across sites

ADHD diagnosis often relies heavily on subjective measures like patient self-reports and questionnaires, which when combined with bias from both the patient and clinician, can lead to inaccuracies in diagnosis and treatment plans.


The primary challenge across MAP clinics was the limitations of the ADHD diagnostic tool they were considering using at the time, which fell short in offering comprehensive insights into patient symptoms. It only provided binary "yes" or "no" answers without any clinical context, which stopped clinicians from interpreting and understanding their patient's conditions thoroughly. With many patients attributing a lot of their issues to ADHD before a formal diagnosis, it's becoming increasingly important for clinicians to be able to get unbiased data into their performance.


Kyle commented:

They've come up with a conclusion that they have ADHD and then their brain fills in the gap.


When you ask questions, like on an ASRS, their brains are quickly saying if I say yes, it's supportive of any ADHD diagnosis, if I say no, it's not. Then they believe it, so I don't think you're getting honest answers out of them, but not on purpose.


Kyle noticed the amount of time his clinicians spent sifting through patients lived experiences to assess their condition, prompting the search for a better solution which gave clinicians confidence in their clinical decision making QbTest.


Solution: Integrating QbTest across Meridian Advanced Psychiatry clinics

MAP adopted QbTest to not only objectively measure attention, impulsivity, and activity to get a deeper understanding of its patient's symptoms beyond a simple binary result that alternative tools offered, but to reduce wait times and increase diagnostic confidence in their clinicians.


Integrating QbTest into MAP's diagnostic process involved several steps:


  1. Training and familiarization: Clinicians went through comprehensive training to understand the functionality of QbTest and how to interpret the results.
  2. Process integration: QbTest was seamlessly integrated into the clinic's diagnostic workflow across different sites, making sure that it bolstered existing practices and improved the overall diagnostic accuracy.
  3. Continuous evaluation: The clinic continuously monitored the effectiveness of QbTest, gathering feedback from clinicians and patients.


Outcome: Efficient ADHD pathways across multiple sites

Adopting QbTest into MAP's clinics resulted in a marked improvement in its ability to diagnose and manage ADHD. The tool's comprehensive data allowed clinicians to:


Make informed clinical decisions

Objective results that support clinical interviews provide a deeper understanding of each patient's condition, leading to more accurate diagnoses. It has reduced the reliance on potentially biased patient self-reports.


Currently, MAP doesn't diagnose or treat patients for ADHD without carrying out a QbTest assessment to corroborate their clinical decisions.


Kyle said:


At Meridian Advanced Psychiatry, it's our usual practice for all patients to undergo QbTest as part of their comprehensive ADHD treatment plan.


Consistency across clinics

By implementing QbTest across all MAP clinics, the organization has standardized its ADHD diagnostic process.


This consistency ensures that all patients receive the same high level of care regardless of which clinic they visit as well as demonstrates the impact their service has on symptom change and improvement.


Facilitated further expansion with more clinics

QbTest has helped with MAP expanding with further clinics as policy, procedure, and provider training is consistent across the board.


It has also felt confident in moving forward with the acquisition of an additional nearby clinic which was already using our tool.


Kevin commented:

The decision to acquire the ADD Clinic of Idaho was made much easier when we realized they were also using QbTest in their service. This gave us confidence that we were partnering with a group of providers seeking a higher standard of care.


Attracts patients seeking a robust ADHD evaluation process QbTest has now become integral to MAP's business model, influencing its standard operating procedures, clinic design, and patient care processes.


Each new clinic is designed with a dedicated QbTest room, highlighting its importance in the overall patient experience. It has found that by offering QbTest, it is differentiated from other providers, attracting patients seeking reliable and objective ADHD diagnostics.


Kevin said:

QbTest has become an integral part to all our providers at MAP. So much so that when we design new clinics and locations, we are designing a QbTest specific rooms to optimize the environment for test taking.


Increased efficiency

The cost-effectiveness and reliability of QbTest has allowed the clinic to serve more patients without compromising on diagnostic quality.


MAP can see patients within a few days if they aren't limited by specific providers or locations, which could have patients otherwise waiting up to only two weeks. Treatment is happening at a quicker rate and becoming an important part of its business development process.


Patient engagement and trust

Patients often come to MAP clinics with a preconceived belief that they have ADHD. QbTest helps to either validate or refute these beliefs objectively, building trust in the diagnosis and treatment plan.


Insurance and cost management

While not all insurance providers cover the QbTest, MAP emphasizes the significance of objective, computerized testing for all patients seeking ADHD treatment. This commitment highlights the essential role of the QbTest in delivering high-quality patient care.


Kyle said:

QbTest is essential to our providers and we strive to eliminate any obstacles to taking it. To achieve this, we offer QbTest at most of our locations, provide convenient testing times, minimize the need for physical office visits, and are mindful of financial constraints.


While most insurances will reimburse for the test, for those that don't, we work closely with our patients to ensure that financial constraints don't limit access to this important test. Our goal is to make the test both accessible and affordable for everyone.


Speak to one of our experts to learn how our ADHD tests can transform your ADHD services

New Brain Research Suggests ADHD Isn't One Condition

September 22, 2026
Why Movement Might Be One of Psychiatry's Most Underused Tools For decades, exercise has been recommended as a nice complement to mental health treatment, something to add on if you have the energy for it. New research suggests it deserves a much bigger role, and the size of the evidence behind it is hard to ignore. A large-scale review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in February 2026 pooled results from more than 800 depression studies covering nearly 58,000 participants, along with 258 anxiety studies involving over 19,000 people, spanning ages 10 to 90. The conclusion: exercise produced a medium-sized reduction in depression symptoms and a small to medium reduction in anxiety symptoms, effects the researchers noted were comparable to, or in some cases exceeded, standard medication and psychotherapy. The details matter here, because not all exercise works the same way. For depression, aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and dancing produced the largest benefits, particularly when done in supervised or group settings, suggesting the social component may be doing real work alongside the physiological one. For anxiety, shorter programs of eight weeks or less, using lower-intensity activity, were most effective. Young adults and postpartum women showed some of the strongest improvements of any group studied. A separate umbrella review in Frontiers in Psychiatry reached a similar conclusion from a different angle, finding that of all lifestyle interventions studied for depressive and anxiety disorders, structured exercise had the most consistent evidence behind it, more so than dietary changes or mindfulness programs on their own. None of this means exercise replaces medication or therapy, and for moderate to severe depression and anxiety, it rarely should stand alone. But the evidence is now strong enough that psychiatrists are beginning to treat physical activity less like a lifestyle suggestion and more like a clinical intervention, one worth prescribing with the same intentionality as anything else in a treatment plan, and worth tracking alongside symptoms at follow-up visits. Your psychiatry provider should look at the whole picture, medication, therapy, sleep, and yes, movement, when we build a treatment plan with a patient. If you have been managing depression or anxiety and have not talked to your provider about where exercise fits into your plan, it may be worth raising at your next visit. Kevin Kevin Hulsey, BDO, PT, DPT | Business Development Officer O: 208-515-2273 F: 208-515-2274 C: 208-870-8548 Meridian Advanced Psychiatry | www.map-clinic.com 1672 S. Woodsage Ave Suite 120 Meridian, ID 83642 [cid:image001.jpg@01DD45CB.900EF580] CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this transmission is privileged and confidential and/or protected health information (PHI) and may be subject to protection under the law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 as amended (HIPAA). This transmission is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this transmission is strictly prohibited and may subject you to criminal or civil penalties. If you have received this transmission in error, please contact the sender immediately by replying to this email and deleting all copies.

Why Movement Might Be One of Psychiatry's Most Underused Tools For decades

September 22, 2026
Why Movement Might Be One of Psychiatry's Most Underused Tools For decades, exercise has been recommended as a nice complement to mental health treatment, something to add on if you have the energy for it. New research suggests it deserves a much bigger role, and the size of the evidence behind it is hard to ignore. A large-scale review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in February 2026 pooled results from more than 800 depression studies covering nearly 58,000 participants, along with 258 anxiety studies involving over 19,000 people, spanning ages 10 to 90. The conclusion: exercise produced a medium-sized reduction in depression symptoms and a small to medium reduction in anxiety symptoms, effects the researchers noted were comparable to, or in some cases exceeded, standard medication and psychotherapy. The details matter here, because not all exercise works the same way. For depression, aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and dancing produced the largest benefits, particularly when done in supervised or group settings, suggesting the social component may be doing real work alongside the physiological one. For anxiety, shorter programs of eight weeks or less, using lower-intensity activity, were most effective. Young adults and postpartum women showed some of the strongest improvements of any group studied. A separate umbrella review in Frontiers in Psychiatry reached a similar conclusion from a different angle, finding that of all lifestyle interventions studied for depressive and anxiety disorders, structured exercise had the most consistent evidence behind it, more so than dietary changes or mindfulness programs on their own. None of this means exercise replaces medication or therapy, and for moderate to severe depression and anxiety, it rarely should stand alone. But the evidence is now strong enough that psychiatrists are beginning to treat physical activity less like a lifestyle suggestion and more like a clinical intervention, one worth prescribing with the same intentionality as anything else in a treatment plan, and worth tracking alongside symptoms at follow-up visits. Your psychiatry provider should look at the whole picture, medication, therapy, sleep, and yes, movement, when we build a treatment plan with a patient. If you have been managing depression or anxiety and have not talked to your provider about where exercise fits into your plan, it may be worth raising at your next visit. Kevin Kevin Hulsey, BDO, PT, DPT | Business Development Officer O: 208-515-2273 F: 208-515-2274 C: 208-870-8548 Meridian Advanced Psychiatry | www.map-clinic.com 1672 S. Woodsage Ave Suite 120 Meridian, ID 83642 [cid:image001.jpg@01DD45CB.900EF580] CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this transmission is privileged and confidential and/or protected health information (PHI) and may be subject to protection under the law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 as amended (HIPAA). This transmission is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this transmission is strictly prohibited and may subject you to criminal or civil penalties. If you have received this transmission in error, please contact the sender immediately by replying to this email and deleting all copies.

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Should You Use AI for Counseling?

April 9, 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life—and mental health is no exception. From chatbots that offer emotional support to apps that guide cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, many people are now turning to AI for help with stress, anxiety, and depression. But is this a good idea? The answer is: AI can help—but it has clear limits. On the positive side, AI tools are making mental health support more accessible than ever. You can access them anytime, anywhere, often at little or no cost. Research shows that AI-based mental health tools can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially in the short term. For example, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine AI journal found that conversational AI tools were associated with meaningful improvements in mental health symptoms and user engagement (NEJM AI, 2024). This is especially helpful for people who are not yet ready to talk to a provider, are on a waitlist, or simply need support between appointments. However, AI is not a replacement for real counseling. Mental health is deeply human. It involves relationships, trust, and the ability to interpret nuance—things that AI still struggles with. While AI can simulate empathy, it does not truly understand you, your history, or your unique circumstances. Researchers at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence have warned that AI systems lack the clinical judgment and ethical grounding required in therapy, which can lead to incomplete or even harmful guidance (Stanford HAI, 2024). There are also concerns about accuracy and safety. AI tends to be “agreeable,” meaning it may reinforce what a person is saying rather than challenge unhealthy thinking patterns. A review published in the National Institutes of Health database (PubMed Central) noted that AI tools can sometimes validate distorted thinking instead of helping correct it, which may slow or complicate recovery (NIH, 2024). So where does AI fit? The most promising role for AI is as a supporting tool—not a primary provider . It can help with: Tracking mood and symptoms Practicing coping strategies Providing immediate, low-level support Reinforcing skills learned in therapy But when it comes to diagnosis, medication, trauma, or complex life challenges, working with a trained mental health professional remains essential. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to replace human care—it’s to enhance it. The future of mental health will likely be a combination of both: technology that improves access and efficiency, paired with clinicians who provide insight, accountability, and genuine human connection. If you’re using AI for support, that’s okay. Just make sure it’s one piece of your care—not the whole plan.

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When someone you love is living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition, it’s natural to hope for a “turning point.”

Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions Through a Mental Health Lens

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As a new year begins, many people feel renewed motivation to set goals for self-improvement. Common resolutions often focus on productivity, fitness, or finances—but mental health deserves a central place in this annual reset.

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December 1, 2025
As we reflect on another meaningful Thanksgiving celebration, it’s a perfect moment to pause and recognize the profound impact that gratitude can have on our mental and emotional well-being. Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you”—it is a mindset, a daily practice, and a scientifically supported tool that can transform how we feel, think, and connect with others. In today’s fast-paced world, many people carry heavy emotional loads—stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, or the chronic pressures of work and family life. While gratitude does not erase these challenges, it provides a powerful counterbalance that helps strengthen resilience. When we focus intentionally on what is going right, who is supporting us, or the blessings we sometimes overlook, we train the brain to notice hope, progress, and possibility rather than only stressors. Research consistently shows that gratitude is one of the most effective and accessible ways to improve mental health. Studies from the University of California, Davis found that individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience greater happiness, improved sleep, lower levels of stress, and stronger connection with others (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Gratitude acts as a natural mood stabilizer by activating the brain regions associated with empathy and emotional regulation. Gratitude also strengthens relationships. When we express appreciation to others, we reinforce trust and connection. When we practice private gratitude (journaling, meditation, prayer, reflection), we cultivate emotional steadiness and clearer perspective. Even brief moments—such as mentally listing three positive things at the end of the day—can shift the entire tone of our mental health journey. A second study, published in Clinical Psychology Review, found that gratitude practices can band promote overall psychological well-being across diverse age groups and populations (Wood et al., 2010). What makes gratitude especially powerful is its accessibility: no cost, no equipment, no appointment needed—just a few intentional minutes each day. As we move forward from Thanksgiving into the holiday season, we invite you to make space for gratitude. Celebrate the small wins. Recognize the people who lift you up. Notice the peace that comes from focusing on what is already good. Gratitude won’t solve every challenge, but it creates room for healing, hope, and emotional renewal —one grateful moment at a time. References :
Emmons, R.A., & McCullough, M.E. (2003). Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Wood, A.M., Froh, J., & Geraghty, A. (2010). Gratitude and Well-Being: A Review and Theoretical Integration. Clinical Psychology Review.

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October 6, 2025
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October 6, 2025
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