Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults can cause challenges in work, school and interpersonal relationships. Whether or not you have sought ADHD medication treatment before, therapy has been clinically proven to help adults manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Learn more here about how adult ADHD therapy or counseling could help you regain self-esteem and improve coping skills. Also, discover ways to find the best ADHD therapist for your needs.
What are the benefits of therapy or counseling for adult ADHD?
Research shows that the most effective treatment plan for ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy.1 Therapy can help adults with ADHD better understand their condition and learn skills to help manage their symptoms. Individual therapy can help adults with ADHD to:2
Improve time management and organizational skills.
Learn how to reduce impulsive behavior.
Develop better problem-solving skills.
Cope with past academic, work or social failures.
Improve self-esteem.
Learn ways to improve relationships with family, coworkers and friends.
Develop strategies for controlling temper.
What therapy techniques are used for adult ADHD?
Therapy techniques for adult ADHD can be personalized based on needs and goals. Some common types of therapy used to treat ADHD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.3
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented talk therapy that identifies unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. Therapists can provide practical strategies to manage ADHD symptoms and improve skills in relationships, organization, planning, focus, problem-solving and procrastination.4
Research has shown cognitive behavioral therapy is effective at helping people with ADHD manage symptoms and boost self-esteem.5
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices like meditation to manage ADHD symptoms. Research has shown that MBCT is effective at improving focus, emotional regulation, impulse control, executive functioning and mental health.6
Dialectical behavior therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches skills and problem-solving techniques to manage emotions and behaviors. Like other therapies, it has elements of mindfulness and emotional regulation. DBT also focuses on interpersonal skills and healthy coping mechanisms for stress.7
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Get StartedHow effective is therapy for adult ADHD?
Therapy has been clinically proven to help adults with ADHD. In one study of CBT for ADHD, all participants reported a decrease in ADHD symptoms, depression and anxiety after receiving treatment. Of those study participants, 69% were classified as “much improved” or “very much improved.” The study included participants with medication and without medication treatment. Both groups had positive results with CBT that went beyond medication.8
In several studies of DBT, all participants reported improvement in ADHD symptoms and depression. Many participants reported they felt better able to cope with their ADHD symptoms after DBT trials.9
Mindfulness-based practices are growing in popularity due to promising research results. In several studies of short-term meditation, adults with ADHD saw improvements in executive functioning, visuospatial processing and working memory. One study showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in just four days of 20 minutes of meditation daily.10
How does adult ADHD therapy work?
Therapy is highly individualized based on the patient’s needs and the therapist’s approach. Generally speaking, a therapist will talk with you and ask questions to identify thought patterns that are affecting your behavior.
From there, the counselor or therapist will offer techniques and exercises to help adjust thought patterns and unhelpful behavior.11 The duration and number of sessions will vary depending on the therapist and the patient’s needs.
What providers can offer therapy for adult ADHD?
Certification and licensing requirements for ADHD therapists in the U.S. vary by state. To get the best care, it’s important to find a licensed provider that has experience treating ADHD.
Primary care physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, licensed therapists and counselors can diagnose ADHD in adults. Psychologists, psychiatrists and licensed therapists are the primary providers of ADHD therapy. In some cases, specialized ADHD therapy is provided by occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, behavior therapists and educational specialists.12
Can therapy be used along with ADHD medications?
Therapy can be used along with medications to treat ADHD in adults. In studies, combining medication and therapy has been shown as the most effective treatment plan for adults with ADHD.13
How can I find an adult ADHD therapist? What should I look for?
You can find therapists that work with adults with ADHD in various ways. One option is to start with your primary care physician. They can offer a referral to a licensed and trusted therapist.
In addition, there are online resources to both find and receive therapy for adult ADHD. Organizations like CHADD and ADDA have directories of providers that treat ADHD.14
You can also receive therapy for ADHD online with a telehealth provider like RedBox Rx. The treatments and therapy are similar, but all activity is conducted online.
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx makes finding and receiving therapy for adult ADHD easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx online talk therapy:
Pay-as-you-go therapy sessions.
$129 per 60-minute session.
Individual therapy for those 18 years or older.
Secure, private, HIPAA compliant.
HSA and FSA eligible.
Start today with a quick assessment and schedule a video appointment with one of our licensed providers.
