Thomas E. Pollack, PsyD in Baltimore: Psychologist for Adults with ADHD and Anxiety

Thomas E. Pollack is a licensed psychologist in Baltimore who focuses on diagnostic evaluation and therapy for adults dealing with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders. He maintains a private practice in the Federal Hill area and accepts both insurance and self-pay patients. His clinical approach centers on a combination of diagnostic precision and cognitive-behavioral techniques, making his practice relevant to Baltimore adults seeking evaluation for adult ADHD, a diagnosis often overlooked until later in life.

What he actually does

Pollack holds a doctorate in psychology (PsyD) and is licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through psychotherapy. Unlike psychiatrists, he does not prescribe medication, but he frequently collaborates with physicians and psychiatrists who manage the medical side of treatment. His practice emphasizes comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, particularly for ADHD in adults, a condition that often goes undiagnosed through high school and into working life. Once diagnosis is established, he provides ongoing therapy to address the behavioral and emotional aspects of ADHD and co-occurring anxiety. Sessions are individual and typically last 50 minutes.

Services and costs

Pollack's fees for initial diagnostic evaluations (typically two to three sessions) range from $300 to $400 per session, depending on the complexity of the assessment. Ongoing therapy sessions are billed at approximately $300 to $350 per hour, though exact rates should be confirmed when calling. Many insurance plans cover a portion of psychotherapy under mental health benefits, though copays and deductibles vary widely; verification of your plan's coverage is necessary before the first visit. For uninsured or out-of-pocket patients, some practices offer sliding-scale arrangements, but you should inquire directly about availability.

How Pollack compares to other Baltimore psychologists

Baltimore has numerous licensed psychologists, but few maintain Pollack's specific focus on adult ADHD combined with anxiety treatment in a private practice setting. Larger practices and community mental health centers such as those affiliated with the University of Maryland Medical System often have longer wait times for initial appointments (four to twelve weeks) and may assign clinicians based on availability rather than specialization. Sheppard Pratt, one of Baltimore's largest behavioral health systems, offers psychiatry and therapy with shorter specialized waiting lists for ADHD evaluations but typically operates through clinic models with rotating providers rather than continuity with one psychologist. Pollack's private practice structure allows for more consistent care with the same clinician, which many adult patients with ADHD find valuable for continuity. However, if medication management is your primary need, a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist may be more efficient, since psychologists must refer out for prescriptions.

Who should see him and who should not

Pollack suits Baltimore adults seeking diagnostic clarity around ADHD or anxiety and preferring ongoing therapy with behavioral strategies rather than medication as a first step. Patients with good insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket find private practice accessible. Those without insurance and unable to meet his standard fees may find community mental health centers or sliding-scale clinics more feasible. Families seeking child or adolescent ADHD evaluation should look elsewhere, as his scope is adults only. If you need immediate crisis intervention or psychiatric hospitalization, a community emergency service or hospital psychiatry department is appropriate; Pollack's practice is for ongoing outpatient care.

What the first visit involves

The initial appointment typically lasts 90 minutes and includes a detailed intake interview covering personal and family psychiatric history, educational background, work history, symptom onset, and life functioning. Pollack will administer structured questionnaires and may request academic or employment records to understand how symptoms have appeared over time. If an ADHD diagnosis is being pursued, he may use standardized rating scales such as the Conners or Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. After evaluation, he provides a written summary of findings and recommendations, including whether a psychiatric referral for medication evaluation is warranted. A second or third appointment may be needed to complete testing and formalize the diagnostic impression.

Hours, location, and logistics

Pollack's practice is located in Federal Hill, accessible by car or public transit. Street parking is generally available in the neighborhood, though it can be tight during weekday business hours. Office hours vary; confirm current availability by phone or email when scheduling. Insurance verification and parking details should be addressed when booking your first appointment.

His focused practice on adult ADHD and anxiety diagnosis, combined with a continuity-of-care model in a busy urban market, makes Pollack a practical choice for Baltimore adults who have struggled with undiagnosed attention or anxiety symptoms and want thorough evaluation paired with ongoing psychological support.