How Does An ADHD Coach Provide Support?
Affecting an estimated 6 million children and 8.7 million adults in the US, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common mental health condition—and one that can create significant challenges in an individual’s life. ADHD can impact children and adults.
Given the prevalence and effects of ADHD, individual demand for an ADHD coach who can provide solutions for managing its symptoms is growing. An ADHD coach is one such expert, trained to help individuals navigate many of the challenges this complex neurodevelopmental disorder can present.
Below, we’re providing an overview of what an ADHD coach does, how they work, their efficacy, and how to choose the right coach for you.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by trouble focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Typically developing in childhood, and often persisting into adulthood, ADHD can present significant challenges throughout an individual’s life, potentially affecting their professional and academic careers, relationships, and mental and physical health. ADHD is divided into three subtypes—inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, and combined type—each of which is described below.
- Inattentive Type – This subtype of ADHD is marked by trouble focusing, inattention to detail, difficulty completing tasks, and disorganization.
- Hyperactive/Impulsive Type – This subtype of ADHD is marked by fidgeting, pressured speech, frequent interruptions during conversation, and trouble with time management.
- Combined Type – This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms listed above.
Many of the symptoms associated with ADHD can be at least partly attributed to executive dysfunction. Executive function is our ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks; manage our emotions; and make decisions. Executive dysfunction refers to the impairment of this set of skills. Thought to arise out of alterations in the structure and function of certain brain regions, executive dysfunction is partially responsible for many of the common challenges of ADHD, including struggles with school, work, and relationships.
As we’ll explain below, ADHD coaching often focuses on these particular concerns, helping with communication skills, difficulty concentrating, chronic disorganization, impulse control, self-efficacy, and more during coaching sessions. However, mental health research is constantly evolving, so older sources may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date. Keep up to date on recent studies on children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to learn about the most current research available.
ADHD
Because of the above-mentioned difficulties ADHD can present, many people turn to experts, like an ADHD coach, to help them address their symptoms. ADHD coaches typically help individuals with areas like time management, goal setting, social skills, organization, and emotional control. While medication is the primary component of most treatment plans for ADHD, many people who take it still require guidance when it comes to some of the practical, everyday challenges of the disorder. ADHD coaches can provide that guidance, helping individuals improve their executive functioning, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem. ADHD coaching can be conducted in person or virtually and is usually offered in either a group or individual format.
ADHD coaches typically focus on behavioral change in various areas of an individual’s life. The coach and client might focus on time management, organization, planning, relationships, emotional control, and a host of other potential areas of concern. Some coaches work specifically with children, college students, or adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and some focus on certain goals, such as academic or professional success for their clients. In general, an ADHD coach helps individuals develop helpful skills and reach their personal goals.
Typically, the first session consists of a thorough discussion of the client’s life, their experience with ADHD, and the objectives they’d like to achieve through the coaching relationship. Together, the coach and client can set long-term goals and develop a general plan for completing them. For example, if an individual wants to make better grades, their coaching plan may focus on improving test preparation, developing time management strategies, and managing stress. Sometimes, a coach may offer a trial coaching session to determine whether they are a good match for the client.
Then, the coach and client can regularly set shorter-term goals that help the individual gradually make progress toward their long-term objectives. For example, they may set a series of daily goals that includes studying for two hours, waking up at 7 am, and implementing stress-management strategies for 30 minutes. Over time, the coach can monitor the client’s progress, provide encouragement, and adjust the goals as needed throughout the coaching process.
Unlike mental health fields like therapy and psychiatry, ADHD coaching is currently uncontrolled, meaning there are no qualifications an individual must fulfill before taking on clients. Therefore, not every ADHD coach is a licensed mental health professional, and they may not have gone through formal training. However, there are several different certifications that coaches can obtain through training programs and other organizations, and industry standards have been established to help legitimize the field. While certifications are generally not required, they can signal to clients that the coach has the proper knowledge and experience to help them achieve their goals.
The ADHD coaches organization
ADHD coaches can become certified through different organizations, such as the ADHD Coaches Organization, International Coaching Federation, the ADD Coach Academy, or the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches. These credentials are often earned when a coach has completed required educational courses, gained a certain amount of experience, and passed exams. Coaches may also be part of their local CHADD chapter (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a nonprofit organization). While a coach may not be a licensed mental health provider, they may still be a degreed professional who has certifications through these organizations.
One of the most well-regarded certification programs for life coaches is the Professional Certified Coach credential through the International Coach Federation (ICF). This certification requires an individual to complete at least 125 hours of education, attain 500 hours of experience, and pass a credentialing exam. The International Coach Federation oversees this coach training process for an individual to become a certified international coach. It could be said that the best ADHD coach has been certified through the ICF.
Most coaches also have educational qualifications, such as degrees in counseling or related mental health fields. Many ADHD coaches have backgrounds in healthcare, education, business, life coaching, or other industries—experience which may help inform their practice and dictate what type of coaching they provide. For example, a coach with a business background may focus on helping executives or students in business school with goal setting, management training, and other areas of business. It may also be helpful to note that many coaches have had personal experience with ADHD, which may have been a big part of their choice to become a coach and begin working with ADHD clients.
Is ADHD coaching effective for guidance and skills support?
Research suggests that coaching can improve executive function, emotional control, and other facets of life that ADHD may affect. In a broad-based review of studies, researchers concluded that coaching can be beneficial for individuals living with ADHD. The review included studies linking coaching to improved self-esteem, healthier relationships, and even higher student GPAs. In a similar review, researchers concluded that ADHD coaching can lead to greater executive functioning in participants, including improvements in areas like organization, time management, and planning. Coaching can be helpful for children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults with ADHD, although adult ADHD often requires different symptom management strategies than ADHD in children.
Strategies for finding the right ADHD coach
If you’ve decided to work with ADHD coaches, there are several considerations to keep in mind as you search for the right person for you. You might first want to decide whether you’d like to participate in coaching remotely or in person. If you live in a sparsely populated area, you may be best served by meeting with a coach virtually.
Additionally, while you will be able to set goals during sessions, consider outlining some of the objectives you’d like to achieve before searching for a coach. Take some time for introspection and self-discovery as you determine which psychological issues you’d like to tackle through coaching. Are you looking to better manage your time? Do you want help staying on task? Do you need a coach for school, work, or another specific activity? Because many coaches are specialists, knowing which facets of life you’d like to address can help you narrow down your options.
The ADHD Coaches Organization provides a directory of ADHD coaches that allows you to filter options based on your location, areas of concern, and meeting preferences (e.g., in-person, remote). When browsing the directory, you can view any certifications each coach holds, along with their education, specialties, and location. You can also get a referral for a coach from a primary care physician or another healthcare professional. Some people may be able to find a coach through an event like the Conference on ADHD held by the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).
Getting results like increased focus and motivation
As you narrow down your list of potential coaches, in addition to researching their qualifications, look for testimonials or reviews. These may help you learn more about how well you’ll work with a coach and ensure you choose someone who has the knowledge and experience necessary to find solutions for your specific concerns. You may wish to seek out a coach who is a certified teacher, a trained professional, or a licensed mental health professional, according to your preferences.
Additionally, the success of your collaboration with a coach will typically depend on how aligned the two of you are when it comes to goals, approach, personality, etc. Prior to signing up with a coach, you can typically request a consultation so that you can become acquainted with them, learn more about the techniques they use, and get a feel for how well you’ll work together. You may want to get a prospective coach’s answers on how many clients they already have and what specific training they completed to become a coach.
Managing ADHD with online therapy
The results of an increasing number of studies show that online therapy is an effective way for individuals to manage symptoms of ADHD. For example, in a study on the effects of online cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD, participants reported experiencing improvements in symptoms that were sustained for a year post treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely utilized method of addressing ADHD that focuses on helping the individual reframe negative thought patterns that may contribute to their symptoms.
Online therapy platforms can provide you with comprehensive, convenient mental health care as you address ADHD or other mental health-related concerns. With BetterHelp, your therapist can motivate you and help you reach your goals for ADHD treatment remotely through video calls, voice calls, or in-app messaging. BetterHelp works with thousands of mental health professionals—who have a range of specialties—so you’ll have a good chance of matching with someone who can help you navigate your specific challenges regarding ADHD.
Coaching can be a beneficial component of a treatment plan for ADHD. ADHD coaches can provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance that may lead to improvements across a range of symptoms. If you’d like additional support navigating ADHD or other mental health-related challenges, consider getting matched with a licensed therapist online. With the right help, you can manage ADHD symptoms and take the next steps on your mental health journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about finding a coach for ADHD.
What is the primary role of an ADHD coach?
An ADHD coach helps individuals with ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms, improve organizational skills, and achieve personal and professional goals. The coaching process is personalized to address the unique challenges of ADHD.
How does ADHD coaching differ from traditional therapy?
Unlike traditional therapy, which may focus on emotional or psychological issues, ADHD coaching is action-oriented and focuses on practical strategies to improve daily functioning and productivity. Coaching emphasizes skill-building and goal achievement.
What types of individuals might benefit from working with an ADHD coach?
Individuals struggling with time management, organization, or maintaining focus can benefit from ADHD coaching. This includes students, professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their ability to navigate ADHD-related challenges.
How can ADHD coaching improve one's daily life?
ADHD coaching provides tools and techniques to manage distractions, prioritize tasks, and establish routines, leading to increased efficiency and reduced stress in daily life. Coaches work with clients to implement habits that foster long-term success.
What should you look for in a qualified ADHD coach?
A qualified ADHD coach should have specialized training in ADHD coaching, experience working with individuals with ADHD, and a coaching style that resonates with the client. Certification from reputable coaching organizations is also a good indicator of competence.
How does the process of ADHD coaching typically work?
ADHD coaching usually begins with an assessment of the client's needs and goals. The coach and client then work collaboratively to create a plan, with regular sessions to monitor progress, adjust strategies, and celebrate achievements
What does an ADHD coach cost?
The cost of professional ADHD coaches and their coaching services will vary quite a bit. Since the ADHD coaching practice is a relatively new field, there is not yet a controlling body that offers coach training or certification, or that sets the pricing standard for ADHD coaches and what they charge. Think of ADHD coaches like life coaches – each coach is in essence operating their caseload in which they get to decide on how to charge you for coaching per session.
ADHD coach cost comparison
In general, ADHD coaching services are comparable to standard therapy or life coaching session: ranging anywhere from $65 to $250 a session with an ADHD coach. There are ways to offset the cost of adult ADHD coaching. College students and adults struggling with ADHD-related challenges can ask potential coaches for first session pro bono coaching, a sliding scale fee, or a trial coaching session. If ADHD coaching is offered as a type of business coaching for entrepreneurs or business owners, it can be partially claimed as a business expense.
How effective is ADHD coaching?
ADHD coaches are making headway in a relatively new coaching career field, so the quality of coach services, cost, and relevant experience of each professional coach will vary. It’s important to remember the distinction between ones of these coaches and a licensed mental health professional or therapist. ADHD coaches are not licensed by a professional association or ADHD coaches organization that offers formal training. But many have years of specialized training and experience working specifically with ADHD clients.
Does insurance pay for this type of service?
A health insurance company will rarely offset any of the costs for an ADHD coaching session. That is because ADHD coaches are not considered licensed mental health providers or medically degreed professionals who can diagnose or prescribe medication for mental illnesses. But some ADHD coaches offer a sliding scale fee for ADHD clients that can offset costs. You might also be able to claim your ADHD coaching as a medical expense on your taxes if your doctor writes you a prescription for ADHD.
For examples of questions that might be beneficial to explore in counseling, please see below.
How is ADHD coaching different from therapy?
What activities help with ADHD?
What is the most effective intervention for ADHD?
What are ADHD coping skills?
What questions should I ask ADHD coaches?
Do you need to be accredited to bean ADHD coach?
What benefits do ADHD students get?
What therapy is best for ADHD children?
Is ADHD treated differently than anxiety?
How long does ADHD therapy last?
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