Written by Luisa Kos
Table of contents
Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects how people think, learn, and behave. It is often misunderstood and can present itself in different ways depending on the individual. People with ADHD may experience persistent symptoms, such as difficulty focusing, controlling impulses, or regulating their mood, and these symptoms can have a significant impact on both children and adults, especially in daily life.
It’s important to remember that ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or ability. With the right treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. The Therapist Finder offers a range of ADHD services, connecting you with qualified therapists who can provide the support and therapy you need.
What is ADHD
- Maintaining attention on tasks
- Following instructions or completing projects
- Impulse control and emotional regulation
- Restlessness or excessive movement
- Forgetfulness and time management
ADHD Assessment - Getting An ADHD Diagnosis
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward receiving the appropriate mental health support. A diagnosis of ADHD is made based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s medical history, a review of their symptoms, and sometimes, behavioural assessments. Diagnosing ADHD involves considering other mental health conditions that may share similar traits, such as mood disorders or oppositional defiant disorder. Here’s what you should know:
- The assessment process may involve a clinical interview to understand your medical history and personal experiences.
- Questionnaires and rating scales, often completed by the individual and caregivers, help gauge the severity of symptoms.
- Observing the individual’s behaviour in different environments may help highlight inattentive symptoms or impulsive symptoms that are key indicators of ADHD.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options, including behavioural interventions, can be explored to manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely support and intervention, which can significantly improve an individual’s overall development.
Children & ADHD
Children with ADHD often face unique challenges, both at home and at school. They may struggle with following instructions, paying attention in class, and managing their impulses. These difficulties can lead to frustration, which may manifest as low self-esteem. It’s important for parents to seek early diagnosis, as behavioural interventions and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can significantly improve a child’s ability to manage their symptoms.
Parents should also consider enrolling their child in support groups to connect with other families facing similar challenges. ADHD support groups can offer helpful strategies and emotional support to both children and their families. These groups also encourage sharing experiences and resources, ensuring that children don’t have to navigate their mental health condition alone.
Adults & ADHD
ADHD doesn’t just affect children; it can persist into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus at work, managing time, or regulating their emotions, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and poor self-esteem. Additionally, adults with ADHD may be more prone to sleep disorders, which can exacerbate symptoms. ADHD can also present with oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, complicating its diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for adults with ADHD often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing mood disorders and helping individuals create structure and routine in their lives. These strategies, along with ongoing mental health support, can help adults with ADHD thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Therapies For ADHD Symptoms
Therapy plays an important role in managing ADHD. It helps individuals develop the necessary skills to cope with inattentive symptoms, impulsivity, and restlessness. Behavioural interventions, such as CBT, can help individuals gain better control over their emotions and behaviours. Therapies can also address mood disorders that often accompany ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals change negative thought patterns that affect their behaviour.
- Occupational therapy can provide sensory integration support and help with daily life tasks.
- Speech and language therapy is useful for individuals who struggle with communication and social skills.
By seeking appropriate therapy, individuals with ADHD can better manage their condition and lead more balanced lives.
Medication For ADHD
Medication is often a key component of ADHD treatment, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed to help manage impulsive symptoms and improve focus. However, it’s important to note that medication should always be used in combination with behavioural interventions, rather than as a sole treatment.
- Stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are effective in managing focus and impulse control.
- Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, are an option for individuals who experience side effects from stimulants.
- Medications for ADHD are often prescribed alongside treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Medication can be highly effective in managing ADHD symptoms, but it should always be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure its efficacy and minimise potential side effects.
Self-Help Strategies For ADHD
While therapy and medication are essential for treating ADHD, individuals can also benefit from self-help strategies. By creating structure and routines, individuals with ADHD can reduce the chaos that often leads to careless mistakes and impulsive behaviour. These strategies can empower individuals to take control of their symptoms and improve their daily functioning.
- Establishing consistent routines can help with time management and reduce forgetfulness.
- Using visual aids, such as planners or reminders, can support organisation and task completion.
- Practising mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, can help manage emotional regulation.
Implementing these strategies can complement professional treatment and improve quality of life for individuals with ADHD.
Get The Support You Need With The Therapist Finder
If you’re struggling with ADHD, don’t navigate this journey alone. The Therapist Finder connects you with experienced professionals who understand ADHD and are qualified to help. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself or your child, our directory offers a range of specialists who can provide tailored support. Explore therapists specialising in ADHD services in your area today and find the help you need to manage your symptoms and thrive.
Therapists who can help with ADHD
Mischa Richards
I am a specialist psychodynamic psychotherapist offering support for a range of emotional, psychological, interpersonal and behavioural issues. I work with mood related issues including anxiety, depression and low self-esteem to more complex, life-long and personality related issues. My specialist interests are in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationships, sexuality, trauma and abuse. Evidence-based psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of symptoms and types of distress. It offers a way of overcoming the barriers that limit our freedoms through personal development and enriched relationships. I am empathic to the unique ways we suffer as individuals and, from experience, understand how these struggles can become the start of a process serving new growth and freedom.
Caroline Brown
With a background in psychodynamic, person-centred, and mindfulness-based therapies, I specialise in supporting adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, low mood, and relationship challenges. My practice is particularly welcoming to neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and autism offering a warm, neuro-affirming environment where every client’s unique perspective is valued.
Lucy Roberts
UKCP-accredited and BACP-registered psychotherapist and fertility counsellor, based at The Practice in Great Portland Street, London W1W. She holds an MSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling from the New School of Psychotherapy (accredited by Middlesex University), an MA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, and a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling. She is also registered with BICA (the British Infertility Counselling Association), reflecting her specialist expertise in fertility counselling. Before qualifying as a therapist, Lucy worked for five years at the charity Action for Happiness. She works integratively and creatively, drawing from a range of approaches tailored to the individual, and has worked with clients from many different backgrounds and cultures across a wide range of concerns.
Jeremy Rowe
I have extensive experience treating OCD, including POCD, HOCD/SO-OCD, ROCD, scrupulosity, false memory, real event and sensorimotor OCD. Treatment focuses on Rumination-Focused ERP to help you disengage from compulsive thinking and regain a sense of agency. I also offer ADHD coaching and comprehensive ADHD and autism assessments for children and adults
Erika Zazzu
MBACP registered, trauma-informed psychotherapist based in York, offering sessions in person and online. She works with adults navigating the aftermath of difficult or traumatic experiences, helping them to understand the patterns that keep them stuck and develop greater freedom and self-compassion. Erika holds particular expertise in self-esteem, people-pleasing, and boundary difficulties, and is a specialist in supporting neurodivergent clients — especially those who are late-diagnosed with ADHD or autism. She also has specialist training in recovery from narcissistic or emotionally unavailable relationships.
Charlotte Constable
I’m a counsellor based in Streatham and Tooting in South West London, offering in-person, online, and telephone appointments. I provide a warm, welcoming, and confidential space where you will be listened to without judgement.
As a Gestalt counsellor, I allow our sessions to be led by what feelings come up for you in the moment. I am committed to working alongside you, supporting you to explore your thoughts and feelings, but not telling you what to do.
My practice is: – Anti-racist – LGBTQIA+ inclusive – GSRD (Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity) inclusive Choosing the right therapist matters, and so I offer a free, 15-minute telephone consultation so we can work out if we are the right fit for one another. Please get in touch if you’d be interested; I aim to respond within two working days.
Patricia Marcos Martinez
I’m Patricia, an integrative psychotherapist, sandplay therapist, supervisor and trainer based in London. I specialised in work with adults in their 20s and 30s, expats, adolescents and parents both online and in person in London. I offer therapy in English, Spanish and Catalan. My way of working is warm, transparent, creative and trauma-informed. I believe the foundation of therapy is feeling safe in the space and in the therapeutic relationship, this meaning that when we feel seen and valued by another person, healing naturally unfolds. I bring together different approaches such as psychodynamic, person-centred, attachment-based, transpersonal and neuroscience-informed and adapt them to suit each person. Sometimes we’ll work with words, sometimes with creativity, the body or what happens between the therapeutic relationship, whatever helps you connect more deeply with yourself. Therapy can be a place to breathe, to make sense of your story, and to rediscover what makes you feel alive and at peace Some of the common issues I work with • Anxiety and stress • Low mood and depression • Self-doubt and low confidence • Perfectionism, procrastination and burnout • High achiever pressure • Overthinking and self-criticism • Life choices and career issues • Bereavement • ADHD and ASD • Relationship difficulties and family conflicts • Adjusting to major life transitions • Childhood trauma or loss • Parenting challenges • Family transitions: divorce, illness, arrival new siblings • Expats and migratory grief • Third Culture people or nomadic childhood • Cross-cultural identity and belonging
Daniel King
In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, it is no surprise that many people find themselves overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, or a persistent sense of unease. When emotions become difficult to manage, it is natural to fall into cycles of negative thinking or to rely on ways of coping that ultimately leave us feeling stuck. Through my work within the NHS and across a range of counselling and therapeutic services, I have supported individuals and couples in navigating these experiences and creating meaningful change. My approach combines a thoughtful, collaborative space to talk with a focus on understanding patterns, developing insight, and building practical, lasting shifts. Therapy is not solely about addressing crisis or difficulty. It can also be a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with a deeper sense of clarity and direction. A space in which you are not only listened to, but genuinely understood and where new possibilities can begin to take shape. Research consistently shows that the majority of people experience a significant improvement in both wellbeing and quality of life through counselling. This reflects what I see in practice every day: with the right support, change is not only possible, but often closer than it first appears.
Matthew Jadavji
You might be navigating life as someone who’s always felt a little outside the mainstream, queer, neurodivergent, or both. Perhaps you’ve had a late ADHD or autism diagnosis and are trying to make sense of what that means for your identity and your history. Maybe you’re in a relationship structure that doesn’t fit the standard mould, or you’re exploring your gender and struggling to find a therapist who genuinely gets it rather than just tolerates it. I work with adults across the UK online, specialising in LGBTQ+ identities, ADHD, autism, and AuDHD. I understand the particular weight that comes with holding several marginalised identities at once, the minority stress, the intersecting pressures, the exhaustion of navigating a world not built with you in mind. I’m kink-aware and polyamory-friendly, and I work from a place of lived experience, not just professional training.
Camilla Ferraro
Dual Qualified as a Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist (HCPC: DT29865) and Psychotherapist (MBACP: 406533) -Post graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of East London) -Masters in Dietetic Practice (Latrobe University, Australia) -Undergraduate/Bachelor degree in Human Nutrition (Latrobe University, Australia) -NHS National Autistic Training Program (NATP) Trainer -Experience working in various sectors of the public health systems (both inpatient and outpatient) in Australia and the UK (8+ years). -Experience working in private and NHS mental health services – Eating Disorders (7+ years). -Experience working in private practice, utilising a non-diet approach to help support with disordered eating, women’s health conditions, gut health, chronic health conditions and more for 7+ years. -Experience working with young adults in university and performing arts settings.
Is There Any ADHD Treatment?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating ADHD. Each individual’s treatment plan should be personalised to meet their specific needs. In addition to therapy and medication, other forms of support may include lifestyle changes and involvement in support groups. For those with persistent symptoms, a combination of treatment options may be necessary to address the different aspects of ADHD.
Early intervention and treatment are essential to managing ADHD successfully. The right support, when provided early, can reduce the impact of ADHD on an individual’s life, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Supporting Children and Adults With ADHD
Supporting both children and adults with ADHD requires a holistic approach, considering all aspects of their mental health. This includes behavioural interventions, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. By addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying emotional challenges, individuals with ADHD can experience long-term improvements in their daily functioning.
For children, involving parents and caregivers in the treatment process can ensure that the strategies developed are implemented consistently at home. For adults, therapy and support groups can provide ongoing mental health support, helping them manage their symptoms in a way that fits with their lifestyle.
At The Therapist Finder, we can also help you find therapists who specialise in multiple disciplines – from ADHD & autism to anxiety and depression, getting the treatment you need has never been easier.
Need Help? Contact The Therapist Finder Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, The Therapist Finder can help you connect with professionals who specialise in ADHD support. Browse our directory to find therapists who can provide the help and guidance you need. Reach out today and take the first step toward managing your ADHD symptoms and living a fulfilling life. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Back to The Therapist Finder.