Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Who Treats ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can impact varying facets of an individual’s life. Treatment for ADHD often involves a multi-pronged approach that may employ the skills and expertise of several different mental health professionals. Learning about the roles that various providers play in ADHD management can help you better understand the treatment process if you or someone you love is living with the disorder. Below, we’re providing an overview of the professionals who treat ADHD, outlining their unique contributions, discussing common approaches to care, and helping you find the right providers for your mental health needs. 

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An overview of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a disorder that is often (though not always) diagnosed in childhood. Although ADHD symptoms can look different for different people, in general, it tends to make it harder to do things like:

• Make future plans
• Stay organized
• Control impulses
• Manage emotions
• Focus for long periods

These skills fall under the umbrella of something called “executive functioning.” Executive functioning plays an important role in the ability to manage your time, make decisions, solve problems, and interact with others. These can be common challenges for people with ADHD. 

There are a number of biological, genetic, and environmental factors that likely contribute to ADHD. Those with the disorder tend to have differences in the ways their brains function. Recent research has found that people with ADHD may have structural changes in areas of the brain responsible for making decisions, planning ahead, working toward goals, and controlling urges. These are all different types of executive functioning. 

How is ADHD treated?

Typically, ADHD treatment comprises of medication and therapy, often alongside complementary methods like lifestyle changes. Prescription drugs can help individuals with ADHD focus, reduce impulsivity, and regulate their emotions. The primary types of ADHD medications are stimulants and non-stimulants. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content is providing generalized information, not specific for one individual. You should not take any action without consulting with a qualified medical professional. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through Uplift. Learn more about medication management here.

Various therapeutic modalities may be utilized to manage ADHD symptoms, depending on the individual. Behavior therapy—an approach commonly used for young people with ADHD—can provide children with structure and promote constructive behaviors. Psychotherapy is often conducted for adults with ADHD, helping them develop coping techniques, address emotional challenges, and identify maladaptive thoughts and feelings. 

Additionally, many people with the disorder benefit from lifestyle changes, coaching, and other complementary interventions. Self-care practices like regular exercise and a consistent sleep schedule can help improve focus, boost mood, and alleviate comorbid mental health challenges. ADHD coaching—while generally not considered a form of treatment—can support skill development, helping people with the disorder navigate practical challenges (e.g., organizational difficulties).   

Who treats ADHD? Mental health professionals responsible for care

Depending on the individual seeking treatment, there may be several different professionals filling a variety of roles on a care team. For example, a 10-year-old with ADHD may work with a psychiatrist who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as a therapist who offers behavior therapy and a family therapist who can help the parents provide support. 

It is also possible for someone with ADHD to only work with one professional, as opposed to a team of specialists. For example, a psychiatrist may be able to not only diagnose the disorder, but also prescribe medication, offer therapy, and conduct ongoing assessments. However, it’s more common for ADHD to be treated by more than one provider.   

Types of mental health providers that provide ADHD treatment

The following mental health professionals may offer treatment for ADHD:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Mental health counselors
• Primary care providers
• Marriage and family therapists
• Neurologists

Who treats ADHD? The roles of different mental health professionals

The treatment providers who help manage ADHD symptoms can be grouped into a few categories—physicians, psychotherapists, and other providers. However, the professionals in each category may have duties that overlap with those of other categories. 

Physicians

The ADHD treatment process typically begins with a diagnosis, which usually must be provided by a physician (DO or MD) or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. A primary care doctor, psychiatrist, neurologist, or similarly credentialed professional might be responsible for providing the initial diagnosis. While the diagnosing physician may also develop a treatment plan with the patient, this isn’t always the case. Instead, they may choose to refer the individual to other providers for medication management, therapy, and other services.   

As medication is a common primary treatment method, prescribing professionals are often core members of a person’s care team. Typically, medications will be prescribed by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or primary care physicians.

Psychotherapists

Talk therapy is another primary component of many treatment plans for ADHD. Social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and other types of psychotherapists can help individuals with ADHD address emotional concerns, develop skills, and manage comorbidities. Therapists may utilize various modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (for adults), or parent training or behavior therapy (for children).

Other providers  

School counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals may also serve vital functions within a person’s care team. ADHD can present a range of practical challenges that may be best addressed by people who specialize in those areas. For example, speech therapists are often employed to help children with ADHD navigate communication challenges.

Coping strategies and self-care tips for managing ADHD symptoms

In addition to pursuing treatment from professionals, consider developing a set of coping techniques to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD and keep them in check. The following tips can help you address cognitive challenges, organizational difficulties, and other ADHD related-concerns.

Establish consistent daily routines 

Consider starting daily rituals for tasks you do regularly, like bathing, cleaning, meal prepping, or doing laundry. As these habits become automatic, this may reduce the need to remember every detail of each task.

Consider meditation for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Mindfulness may help improve your focus and attention while making it easier to be fully present during activities. Try setting aside a few minutes each day to quietly observe your thoughts and feelings, either on your own or using a guided meditation. 

Use memory devices

Consider turning important information into acronyms or rhymes. You could also try setting things to music to make them easier to remember.  

Use notes, visual aids, and other tools

Try taking a notebook with you to keep track of important information. Add appointments to your calendar as soon as you make them and use checklists to keep track of your to-dos. (Note-taking apps can also be useful.)

Take care of your health

Aim to get six to eight hours of quality sleep each night, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of exercise. Living a healthy lifestyle may support memory and other brain functions. 

Put items back in the same spot every time. Even if you know you’ll use something again soon, put it back in its proper place anyway. This may make it easier to keep track of things. 

How to choose the right treatment team

If you’re seeking treatment for ADHD, there are several options to consider. Symptoms of ADHD can vary widely, so the care team that works best for you may be different than that of other people with the disorder. Always consult with licensed healthcare providers, who can help guide you when it comes to choosing the right professionals for you. 

Primary care provider

Speaking with a family doctor or another primary care physician is often the first step toward ADHD treatment. Your primary care provider can help provide you with screenings or refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your symptoms. In some cases, they may evaluate your symptoms and provide a diagnosis, but this is less common. 

Psychiatry professionals 

Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and related specialists can conduct diagnostic assessments, develop treatment plans, and if necessary, prescribe medication. Psychiatry professionals may be the first providers a primary care physician refers you to as you pursue a diagnosis and treatment. 

Therapists

Psychotherapists—who may be psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, or other professionals—can serve a variety of roles within an ADHD care team, depending on their areas of focus and the individual’s symptoms. For example, you may participate in therapy with a psychologist, attend support group sessions with a social worker, and engage in family therapy sessions with a marriage and family therapist.  

Online psychiatry

Working with a psychiatric professional remotely can be a great option for many people living with ADHD, who may have a harder time keeping track of or commuting to in-person appointments. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift, allowing individuals with ADHD to participate in comprehensive mental health care without leaving home. Available services include diagnostic evaluations, medication management* (controlled substances excluded), and treatment planning. 

*Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.

Online psychiatry through BetterHelp can be a more convenient and readily available form of care. Members can get started with their first appointments within days—the average wait time is 2.6 days, compared to the national average of over two months. Additionally, many UpLift providers are in-network with major insurance carriers (average copays for eligible members are $20).

Learn to manage ADHD-related memory challenges

Take the first step: Connect with a therapist

Online therapy for treating symptoms of ADHD

Because ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness can affect many areas of daily life, you might desire more support than you can get with in-person therapy. If so, online therapy might be helpful. Platforms like BetterHelp let you contact your therapist at any time via in-app messaging, and they will respond as soon as they can. This may be useful for getting help with memory challenges outside of your scheduled sessions. 

Online therapy has been found to improve symptoms of ADHD. In a 2022 study, researchers analyzed six studies of internet-based ADHD interventions, finding that online treatments led to improvements in social function and attention.