ADHD Doctors Near Me: Finding A Specialist For Your Needs
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect areas of the brain responsible for motivation, planning, and more. While this condition is considered treatable, finding the right provider for you can seem intimidating or overwhelming. Here, we’ll give an overview of what ADHD treatment can look like and how to find a provider who can administer it.
Recognizing the signs of ADHD
If you haven’t already been diagnosed with ADHD, the first step in seeking treatment is usually recognizing the signs in yourself and deciding to look for a provider who can help. To do this, it can be useful to get familiar with some of the key ways in which ADHD can manifest.
There are three key presentations of ADHD: primarily hyperactive/impulsive, primarily inattentive, or a combined type. Some common symptoms of primarily hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may include:
- Blurting things out without thinking
- Taking needless risks
- Struggling to sit still
- Having angry outbursts
- Finding it hard to be patient
- Talking excessively or interrupting others
Some common symptoms of primarily inattentive ADHD may include:
- Having trouble staying focused, especially on uninteresting tasks
- Frequently forgetting or losing things
- Making “careless” mistakes at school or work
- Struggling to follow directions
- Getting distracted, even during conversations
- Struggling to manage time
Those with the combined presentation may show signs from both of the above lists. Keep in mind also that ADHD may present differently from person to person and that symptoms can range in severity as well.
What ADHD treatment may look like
Although ADHD is generally considered a lifelong condition, symptoms can often be managed through a combination of treatments. In order to receive treatment, you’ll typically need to receive a clinical diagnosis. This process may involve tests, interviews, or activities administered by a doctor or a mental health professional to evaluate the way your brain functions.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, you may be recommended a number of treatment options. Therapy is often suggested, sometimes in combination with medication. Some types of therapy that may be helpful for managing ADHD symptoms and improving overall well-being include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on adjusting unhelpful thought patterns
- Occupational therapy, which focuses on improving daily functioning at home, work, or school
- Mindfulness-based therapy, which may involve meditation or breathing exercises to help improve focus
- Behavior therapy, which focuses on shifting problematic behavior patterns
Your provider may also recommend changes in habits and routines to help you manage ADHD in your daily life. These may include things like:
- Adjustments to your environment, like reducing clutter and distractions
- Nutritional changes, like limiting caffeine intake
- Organizational habits, like creating a structured schedule or routines
- Self-care strategies, like getting enough sleep and exercise
What types of providers treat ADHD?
Whether you’ve noticed ADHD symptoms and are interested in getting a diagnosis and treatment advice or you’ve already been diagnosed and are looking for a treatment provider, it can be helpful to understand what type of help you’re looking for. Different specialists provide different types of treatment, so let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They are qualified to diagnose ADHD as well as prescribe medication for it. A psychiatrist may also play a key role in developing an effective treatment plan for you.
Therapists
Therapists provide emotional and psychological support for people experiencing mental health challenges. They may also teach techniques for shifting unhelpful thoughts as well as coping strategies for managing symptoms and difficult emotions.
Coaches
An ADHD coach specializes in helping people with ADHD learn to more efficiently manage their lives. This type of coach often focuses on areas like daily functioning, habits, and communication. They may also teach skills for organization, planning, social interaction, time management, and others.
Nurses
Nurses, such as registered nurses and nurse practitioners, can often assist in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. While they may not directly oversee treatment, they may be able to prescribe and refill medications depending on their licensing and location.
How do I find ADHD doctors near me?
It can sometimes be daunting to track down an ADHD specialist. While not exhaustive, the following list of strategies may help you get started.
Get a referral from your primary care doctor
Even if your primary care doctor doesn’t specialize in ADHD, they may still be able to help you get started on your journey to getting treatment because they can often provide referrals to therapists or psychiatrists. A primary care provider may also be able to manage prescription refills for ADHD medication if this is part of your treatment plan.
Check with your insurance company
If you have health insurance, the company your plan is through may offer resources to help you find an in-network ADHD specialist in your area. Many insurance companies provide directories of covered providers based on specialty. While these can be useful resources, you may still want to call your insurance company and/or the provider to confirm coverage before booking an appointment.
Take advantage of local resources
Community mental health centers often have social workers on staff to provide assessment, education, and support. They may also help individuals get connected with mental health services for diagnosis and treatment. Local ADHD support groups and meetups can also be a source of provider recommendations in your area.
Consider online therapy
As mentioned above, therapy often plays a key role in ADHD management. Working with a therapist can help you with things like developing coping strategies, managing stress, and improving your social interactions. Because those with ADHD may also be at increased risk of developing other mental illnesses, therapy can be an important part of addressing and managing these symptoms as well.
Depending on where you live, it may not always be easy to find a therapist specializing in ADHD, and those who do may not always be covered by your insurance. If you’re struggling to find a counselor in your area or would simply prefer to engage with a provider from the comfort of home, online therapy may be worth considering. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with virtually for a cost similar to that of most insurance copays.
Researchers have been studying the effectiveness of online therapy and other virtual interventions for ADHD, and the findings are promising. In 2022, for example, researchers reviewed data from six studies of 261 patients with ADHD. Their study suggests that online interventions can lead to improvements in attention and social function.
Takeaway
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect motivation, planning, attention, and more. Depending on the presentation, it may cause symptoms like restlessness, trouble paying attention, risk-taking, and forgetfulness. If you notice symptoms like these, you may want to see a specialist for evaluation and treatment. Psychiatrists, coaches, therapists, and, in some cases, nurses may be able to provide some form of ADHD treatment. Finding a provider may mean getting a referral from your doctor, using local mental health resources, or checking with your insurance company. Online therapy may also be a more convenient form of ADHD support.
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