How to Find an ADHD Specialist

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Updated on March 12, 2024

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Family with child visiting a psychologist. — KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that can make it difficult for people to focus and control their behavior. It affects around 7% of children around the globe and is one of the most common chronic disorders in children. While many children seem to grow out of many of the ADHD symptoms as their brain matures, many adults continue to experience these symptoms throughout their lifetime.

If you or your child has ADHD and you’re looking for a specialist to help, where do you start? There are many different types of specialists, each with their own area of focus. Here are some tips on how to find the right one for you.

Who is the Best Person for Diagnosing ADHD?

If you're wondering who is the best person to diagnose ADHD, the answer is usually a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who specializes in ADHD. However, your regular doctor may also be able to make the diagnosis.

It's important to get an accurate diagnosis so that you can get the right treatment. If you think you or your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you figure out what's going on and whether ADHD is the right diagnosis.

Starting Your Search for an ADHD Specialist

First, ask your regular doctor for a referral. He or she will likely have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can help treat it.

If you don’t have a regular doctor or want to explore other options, there are several ways to find a specialist.

Look online. There are many directories of doctors that include information on their areas of focus and specialty.
Ask friends or family members for a referral. They may know of a specialist who has helped them or someone they know.
Call your local mental health center or ADHD support group. They often have lists of specialists in the area who can help.

Types of ADHD Specialists

There are many different types of specialists who can help treat ADHD. Here are a few examples:

Neuropsychologists: Neuropsychologists specialize in assessing and treating problems with the brain. They can help people with ADHD identify and manage their symptoms.

Clinical Psychologists: Clinical psychologists specialize in providing therapy for mental health disorders. They can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and learn how to cope with them.

ADHD Coaches: ADHD coaches are trained to help people with ADHD achieve their goals and manage their symptoms. They can provide guidance and support, and help you stay on track with your goals.

Pediatricians: Pediatricians specialize in the health of children and can provide treatment for ADHD in children. They can also refer you to specialists who can help treat ADHD in adults.

Specialist Doctors: There are many different types of specialist doctors who can help treat ADHD. Examples include neurologists, psychiatrists, and developmental pediatricians. It's important to interview several specialists before making a decision.

No matter how you find a specialist, it’s important to interview several before making a decision. Ask them about their experience treating ADHD, what methods they use, and what kind of results they’ve had. With the right specialist, you can get the help you need to manage your ADHD.

Efficacy of ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving functioning. Stimulant medication is the most well-studied treatment for ADHD and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take it.

Other non-medication treatments, such as cognitive-behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, and neurotherapy can be effective ways to help manage ADHD symptoms.

ADHD treatment typically lasts for several months but may need to be revisited over the years. It’s important to work with a specialist who can help you find the right treatment for you or your child and monitor symptoms over time. With proper treatment, people with ADHD can lead successful and productive lives.

Should I See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist for ADHD?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best treatment for ADHD will vary from person to person. People with ADHD may see both a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist for therapy.

Psychiatrists will typically provide prescriptions for medication, but also may provide brain stimulation therapies and sometimes talk therapy.

A psychologist who specializes in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders will have expertise in therapies known to be effective for ADHD such as cognitive-behavior therapy or neurofeedback. These can be effective in building organizational skills while improving emotional regulation and self-control.

If you're not sure who to see, talk to your regular doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you decide which type of specialist is going to be a right fit for you.

How Do I Choose a Psychologist for ADHD?

When looking for a psychologist to treat your ADHD, it's important to find someone who understands the condition and has experience treating it. Make a list of your symptoms and issues that you want to focus on in therapy to help you narrow down your search.

Some psychologists will be focused on specific behaviors such as disorganization, procrastination, and pathological demand avoidance. Some will help you integrate healthy habits related to food, physical activity, and your sleep/wake routine. Others may focus more on emotional regulation, thinking habits, and self-esteem.

It's also important to feel comfortable with the psychologist you choose. You should feel like they understand you and your situation, and that you can trust them. If you don't feel like the psychologist is a good fit, try finding someone else.

How to Find an ADHD Coach

If you're looking for help managing your ADHD, you may want to consider hiring an ADHD coach. Coaches are trained to help people with ADHD achieve their goals and manage their symptoms.

There are many different types of coaches, so it's important to find one who is a good fit for you. You can find a coach online or through directories of professionals. It's also important to interview several coaches before making a decision.

Coaches can be helpful for people who want extra support in managing their ADHD. They can provide guidance and support, and help you stay on track with your goals.

How to Find an ADHD Specialist Online

The internet has made things pretty easy. You can enter "ADHD specialist" in your search engine and find a variety of clinics and specialists along with their ratings in your local area.

There are also many online directories of doctors that include information on their areas of focus and specialty. The websites below are a few examples of directories of doctors who specialize in ADHD:

It's important to note that not all doctors who specialize in ADHD will have experience with every type of treatment for the condition. So, it's important to do some research and interview several specialists before making a decision.

How to Help Someone Find an ADHD Specialist

If you're looking for a specialist for someone else, there are a few things you can do to help them find the right doctor.

Talk to the person about their needs and what they're looking for in a specialist.
Help them research different doctors and ask questions about their experience with ADHD.
If possible, accompany them to appointments with potential specialists.
Encourage them to keep trying until they find the right doctor who meets their needs.

Finding the right specialist for ADHD can be tricky, but it's worth it to get the right treatment. With the right help, you can manage your ADHD symptoms and live a successful life.

A Word From Verywell

There are many different types of ADHD specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and ADHD coaches. There is a wide variety of treatment options to choose from, and it doesn't always have to include medication.

The type of treatment that works best for you depends on your unique circumstances. If you're not sure who to see to help treat your ADHD, talk to a primary care doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you decide which type of specialist is right for you.

The Best Online Resources for ADHD We Tried and Tested in 2024

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is ADHD?
American Psychiatric Association. Neurodevelopmental disorders. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., text revision; 2022.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Types of mental health professionals.
Kolar D, Keller A, Golfinopoulos M, Cumyn L, Syer C, Hechtman L. Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008;4(2):389-403. doi:10.2147/ndt.s6985

By Arlin Cuncic, MA
Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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