Q: Can you tell us about what Qbtech does?
A: Founded in 2002, Qbtech provides clinicians with FDA-cleared technology that enables outcome-focused ADHD care. The standard diagnostic process for ADHD has always been quite complex and time-consuming, consisting of subjective tools that lack quantitative data. Since that time, we have adapted and advanced our innovation as a leading behavioral health technology company not just in the US, but globally, upending a system of care that has historically been antiquated. Our founders saw the need for a data-driven solution and created our objective ADHD assessments – QbCheck and QbTest.
At Qbtech, we believe that everyone, everywhere should have access to reliable and effective ADHD care. That’s why we offer both in-clinic and remote testing solutions. Our objective testing technology aligns with our three key goals – aiding diagnosis, improving quality and standardization, and providing treatment optimization. Our tests are the only objective solutions that measure the three core symptoms of ADHD—hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity—offering greater clarity regarding the diagnosis. A systematic review of our technology demonstrated that these tests could determine the effects of pharmacological treatment within hours of titration. Based on the clinician’s recommendation, tests can be repeated to assess and optimize treatment outcomes. Quantifying treatment response has never been more meaningful than it is today.
Clinicians worldwide have implemented Qbtech’s objective ADHD tests and training modules into their standard assessment process. Combining objective data with subjective tools provides clinicians and patients with a more robust and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan.
Q: What is your role at Qbtech, and how would you describe your day-to-day at the company?
A: I currently serve as the Head of Strategic Market Development at Qbtech. In this role, I develop and implement Qbtech’s strategic vision for US commercial operations, encompassing everything from revenue growth strategies, partnerships and go-to-market for new products, to managing our public and government relations. A significant highlight of my career at Qbtech has been advocating for improved ADHD care and virtual care safeguards. I’ve had the valuable opportunity to present before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to demonstrate how solutions like objective ADHD testing enhance virtual care and significantly impact ADHD patients. Having worked directly with clinicians and advocates in the field for the last 12 years, I was taken aback by the stigma and misappropriation of information on ADHD. Despite the commitment and expertise I witnessed, there’s an undersupply of time that care providers have to speak up about things that matter to them. It is because of this that I worked to establish the ADHD Expert Consortium, a group of clinicians and advocates dedicated to standardizing ADHD care.
Q: What do you think will be the main points of conversation around ADHD in 2025?
A: The past three to four years have brought ADHD into a very interesting spotlight. While there is more awareness about this condition than ever, it is still largely misunderstood. When you look at different population segments, the condition is still grossly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I can’t tell you how many middle-aged professional women I have spoken with over the last year who just now received an ADHD diagnosis. Moving into the new year, I believe we should focus conversations on the following areas:
- Virtual care and innovations in ADHD care: Virtual care has become not only critical but “table stakes” to many patients, especially those seeking mental and behavioral health services. This includes those in need of Schedule II medications to treat ADHD and other conditions. As telehealth policies evolve, it will impact these patients and their access to life-saving care and treatment.
- Guidelines for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment: The US currently has no formal guidelines for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) is expected to re lease its guidelines in 2025. These will provide clinicians with much-needed clarity on diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. The hope is that they are also being designed to help providers, regardless of specialty, which will help support those with less experience with ADHD.
- Advancing research on women and girls with ADHD: This population is one that is most often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed within the ADHD community. Many women have historically been questioning anxiety or depression, while ADHD usually isn’t something that clinicians and patients consider. New studies continue showing disparities in diagnosing females versus males, with the most recent highlighting hyperactivity, something not often thought of as a “classic” symptom for females with ADHD.
Q: How will the current extension of telehealth waivers impact ADHD patients next year?
A: I am encouraged and cautiously optimistic to see that we have another extension of telehealth waivers. But to be bold, this latest extension felt like a very last-minute decision by lawmakers who could not reach an absolute consensus. Mental and behavioral health accounts for 55% of virtual care appointments, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The Health Resources and Services Administration also released data showing that more than half of the U.S. population lives in an area facing a shortage of mental health providers. This information alone should be reason enough to continue allowing access to virtual care solutions.
ADHD patients specifically benefit from telehealth waivers because of the unique symptoms they face due to their condition. Executive functioning is impaired in people with ADHD, meaning they have difficulty staying organized – including keeping up with appointments. They are less likely to avoid missed appointments when receiving virtual care from the comfort of home. Allowing their providers to prescribe via telehealth also allows them easier access to treatment.
Q: What do you feel is technology’s role in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis?
A: I have had a front-row seat to technology in behavioral health since I was using QbTest in practices I helped to establish back in 2012. With that, I would say change was slow for the first 10 years and has gained traction like a rolling stone since the public health emergency. Technology plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health crisis from a number of points. Much of this revolves around virtual care and ensuring its accessibility for patients. ADHD is one of the most addressable and treatable conditions yet it continues to be scrutinized and questioned. Every patient, regardless of age, location, or socioeconomic status should have the means to access high-quality, effective healthcare. To make this a reality, we must create a pathway for digital equity for all, including those in underserved communities and care deserts. There must also be supportive telehealth policies with backing from all sides of the aisle. Safeguards such as objective testing are available to ensure quality care.
Q: What’s your vision for the future of ADHD care?
A: This relates back to my statement in the previous question. I firmly believe we need to establish a system where high-quality, effective, and safe care is accessible for all mental and behavioral health patients. I look forward to continuing my advocacy for ADHD patients and hope to garner the attention of more opinion leaders who can help make a more equitable healthcare system a reality. I urge everyone to educate themselves more about ADHD and current policies and take a stand to help us work toward this vision for the future. One easy way to show support is to sign the ADHD Expert Consortium’s Consensus Statement for improved ADHD care.
