Tips To Find A Local ADHD Psychiatrist
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children and adults worldwide. While there is no cure, an effective treatment plan may help individuals manage the symptoms to reduce their impact on daily life and relationships. Learn how to find a local ADHD psychiatrist and other specialists to receive support in managing the disorder.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and form of neurodivergence typically presenting through inattentive, impulsive, or hyperactive characteristics. Symptoms begin in childhood and continue throughout life. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people with ADHD may have trouble with focus, organization, realistic planning, thinking before acting or speaking, adapting to changes in a new situation, being noisy, fidgeting, defiance, aggression, and social ineptitude.
Behavioral therapy, medication management, and other treatments
Treatment for ADHD typically consists of therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Behavioral therapy may alleviate the mental, practical, and behavioral challenges of ADHD. A therapist can help clients develop useful organizational skills, provide them with emotional support, and work with them to address any comorbid mental health disorders. Medication may also be recommended by an individual’s doctor for symptom relief, improving focus, emotional control, and other concerns. Consult a healthcare professional prior to starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
Whether you’re looking for adult ADHD treatment, parent training and therapy, or treatment for your child, finding a specialist may seem overwhelming. However, with an idea of what you need and some research, finding the right ADHD mental health professional may be easier than you think. To start, you can discuss your concerns with your doctor to see if you or your child may benefit from getting psychoanalysis testing. An evaluation may include a medical exam to rule out other causes and a series of tests to determine if ADHD is present.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with ADHD, knowing which ADHD subtype is present may help you start searching for a psychiatry specialist. You may have an informed knowledge base for the services you need by this point in the process. If not, it can be helpful to educate yourself about ADHD.
Below are some ADHD subtypes to consider when looking for a specialist.
- Predominantly inattentive (ADHD-PI): Symptoms center on inattention.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI): Symptoms center on hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined: Symptoms involve inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
ADHD specialties
Once you have an ADHD diagnosis and know the ADHD subtype, who do you talk to next? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), various professionals have specialized credentials and experience to support clients with ADHD. Depending on your needs, you might see one of the following ADHD specialists.
Pediatrician
Your child’s pediatrician is a specialist in child and adolescent health and may be able to provide medical treatment for ADHD. However, in some cases, ADHD requires additional services. In those cases, your pediatrician may refer you to the appropriate professional.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and provide therapy. For some people with ADHD, a psychiatrist can be an integral part of the treatment team. These professionals can help you manage symptoms, develop coping skills, and learn to identify and process emotions and behavior patterns through therapy.
Psychologist
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees but are not medical doctors. They can provide a variety of therapy treatments but cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists can help you learn to cope with and manage ADHD symptoms.
ADHD coach
An ADHD coach is trained to help people with the disorder learn to manage daily life so they can work toward their goals. A coach can offer guidance and support while helping you or your child stay on track toward your desired objectives. However, a coach is not a doctor or therapist and is not qualified to offer medical or mental health advice.
Counselors, clinicians, and therapists
These mental health professionals have a masters-level education and can provide various therapy treatments to help clients manage ADHD symptoms and stress.
Pediatric neurologist
Neurologists specialize in brain disorders commonly seen in children. These doctors may not only diagnose ADHD and address how ADHD affects brain function but may also refer you to another specialist for ongoing treatment.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients. Though most nursing professionals have not completed medical school, nurse practitioners may be able to prescribe medication when providing psychiatric care.
Other professionals who treat ADHD
Below are some other mental and physical health professionals who may be able to help you manage the symptoms of ADHD:
- Family physicians
- Social workers
- Case managers
Where should you look for ADHD treatment?
Some communities may not have a local ADHD treatment provider, and those needing treatment may have to drive an hour or more to receive care. In such situations, online therapy may be a more accessible option. It can be important to find a specialist with experience in your needs to develop a tailored treatment approach.
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) recommends starting with your health insurance company’s website to find a list of providers that you might consider for treatment who would be covered by your plan. If you do not have health insurance, it may be helpful to check with local and state mental health services or clinics and health departments to learn about reduced-cost programs or sliding pay scales.
Tips for finding an ADHD psychiatrist
In addition to the capacity to provide therapy and prescribe medications, psychiatrists can also diagnose and treat any concurrent psychiatric disorders you or your child may be experiencing, often with specialized training on how ADHD can affect comorbidities and mental conditions in children, adolescents, and adults.
Medical professionals may recommend psychiatrists for diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults, according to CHADD. Adult ADHD symptoms can align with the symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or anxiety disorders. CHADD experts suggest a psychiatrist for people who experience ADHD comorbid psychiatric conditions. However, if you have more than one person requiring treatment, you may benefit from seeing separate psychiatrists to comply with industry standards that prevent providing care for more than one family member.
Find the right fit and build a trusting relationship
Often, finding successful therapy can mean building a trusting relationship between the psychiatrist or therapist and the patient. While searching for an ADHD psychiatrist, look for a provider who understands ADHD and has experience treating the disorder. However, also try to look for someone who you are comfortable with who shows a genuine effort to understand you and your individual situation, allowing you to trust them and build a strong relationship over time.
There’s nothing wrong with telling a doctor that you don’t believe they are a good fit and are looking for someone who is a better match. They may be able to recommend a colleague for you to contact.
Research a professional’s experience treating mental health disorders
Not all providers have the same experience treating ADHD, so ask them about their specialties when you meet. You may discuss a professional’s experience working with clients who have ADHD presentations like yours. Maintaining a long-term relationship with your ADHD psychiatrist may increase effectiveness as you learn to place more trust in your therapist and the therapeutic process.
Search online registries to find local options
If local in-person consultation isn’t an option or doesn’t sound appealing, the internet provides mental health resources, from online directories of board-certified ADHD care providers to online therapy platforms that allow you to receive therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
Some registries you may consider consulting include:
- CHADD Doctor Directory
- American Medical Association
- The US Center for Mental Health Services
- CHADD Hospital and University ADHD Center Directory
- Local hospitals or universities
- Online therapy platforms
How therapy can treat ADHD
Treatment for ADHD often includes therapy for your child, but several varieties are geared toward parents. You can work with a licensed therapist online through virtual therapy providers like BetterHelp to learn parenting and communication skills and coping strategies to help your child manage their ADHD symptoms, as well as receive support for challenges like stress, anxiety, or other health issues.
According to recent research, online therapy, such as parent training or parent-child intervention therapy, can be as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment options. Some parents may find that the ability to receive treatment at home is convenient and makes regular therapy attendance easier.
Takeaway
ADHD can have a substantial effect on the lives of you and your child. Assembling a team of trusted professionals to contribute to a comprehensive treatment plan can be a step toward effective support. The information presented in this article may help you smooth the process of finding an ADHD psychiatrist.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Do people with ADHD go to a psychiatrist?
Many people with ADHD go to a psychiatrist for help.
How does a psychiatrist help with ADHD?
Psychiatrists help patients with ADHD in many ways. First, they may gather the necessary information to establish a diagnosis of ADHD and then develop a specialized treatment plan tailored to the needs of the individual. The treatment plan may include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication.
A psychiatrist also works with patients to determine if there are comorbid conditions present for other mental health disorders. The most common psychiatric disorders that co-occur with ADHD include these:
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Mood disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
Note: While psychotic disorders aren't typically comorbid with ADHD, research indicates that people with childhood and adolescent ADHD are at increased risk of psychotic disorders in adulthood.
Do people with ADHD go to a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Any mental health professional can provide an ADHD diagnosis, but most people work with a psychiatrist for treatment because they can prescribe medication and oversee medication management.
What kind of doctor do you see for ADHD?
People with ADHD often visit doctors specific to their needs. For example, children may see a physician specializing in pediatric psychiatry. A psychiatric nurse practitioner may be more convenient for some. Individuals experiencing challenges with substance use disorders may see a doctor with expertise in ADHD and addiction psychiatry.
Individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health issues may seek treatment from other mental health professionals and specialists who can prescribe medications. For example, a patient may see a psychotherapist for a co-occurring mood disorder and a psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication management.
Should I tell my psychiatrist I think I have ADHD?
Tell your psychiatrist right away if you're already receiving treatment for a mental illness but think you think you may also have ADHD. If this is the case, your psychiatrist may reassess you and determine if you need an augmented treatment plan.
What questions do psychiatrists ask for ADHD?
For a diagnosis of ADHD, psychiatrists may perform an initial consultation in which they ask a client to describe an average day in their life or specific challenges they face in daily functioning. They may ask for the individual’s family and medical history. For example, they may ask if the patient has relatives who had a difficult time in school or at work, then ask for specifics about that situation.
They may also ask someone close to the patient, such as a parent, spouse, or sibling, to complete a checklist or narrative designed to provide information about the patient. For example, the doctor may ask the loved one to describe the patient's strengths and weaknesses, or they may ask for a broad description of personality.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
After the initial consultation, a psychiatrist will typically ask the patient to complete ADHD tests and rating scales to determine if they have the disorder— and identify or rule out any comorbidities. Some typical tests used in ADHD diagnosis include:
- Intelligence assessments
- Skills tests
- Cognitive abilities tests
- Broad-spectrum scales
- ADHD rating scales
- Brain scans
Psychiatrists compare the resulting details with the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to arrive at an official diagnosis.
What is the main therapy for ADHD?
The most used treatments for ADHD include behavioral therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) paired with stimulant medications to treat the symptoms.
How successful is therapy for ADHD?
While medication is often recommended to supplement therapeutic intervention for ADHD, studies indicate that CBT is exceptionally effective for treating ADHD in adults. Medication is a personal choice, so talk to your doctor if you’re considering trying it on its own or in conjunction with therapy.
Why won't my psychiatrist diagnose me with ADHD?
ADHD can be complicated to diagnose, and your psychiatrist may not provide a diagnosis for several reasons. For example, some people with ADHD may have a neurological condition, or there are other neurological conditions whose symptoms are similar that your psychiatrist may want to eliminate as a cause.
ADHD also has many symptoms in common with other disorders like depression and anxiety that can create complications in achieving a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist may want to spend more time with you in sessions to assess your symptoms and behaviors before definitively diagnosing you with ADHD.
How can I find an ADHD psychiatrist near me?
There are several online registries available to help you find a mental health care provider for ADHD in your area:
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