ADHD Provider Types
Understanding the different types of ADHD support professionals can help you find the right fit for your needs. Here's a comprehensive guide to coaches, therapists, psychiatrists, and assessment specialists.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
Choose based on your current needs and goals
Detailed Comparison
A side-by-side look at all ADHD provider types
Building practical skills, systems, and habits for daily functioning
Addressing emotional challenges, trauma, and mental health conditions
Medical management and medication for ADHD
Formal diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation
Action-oriented, goal-setting, accountability partnerships
Therapeutic techniques, processing emotions, behavioral interventions
Medical evaluation, prescription management, symptom monitoring
Standardized testing, clinical interviews, diagnostic reports
Certified through coaching programs (ICF, PAAC, ACO)
Licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, LPC, PhD, PsyD)
Medical doctors (MD, DO) with psychiatry specialization
Licensed psychologists or specialized evaluators
Some can (psychologists, psychiatrists)
Rarely covered
Often covered by insurance
Usually covered by insurance
Often covered by insurance
Goal review, skill-building, action planning
Exploration, processing, therapeutic interventions
Medical check-ins, medication adjustments, symptom review
Testing sessions, interviews, comprehensive evaluation
30-60 minutes
45-60 minutes
15-30 minutes (follow-up), 60 min (initial)
2-6 hours total (multiple sessions)
$75-$250 per session
$100-$300 per session
$150-$400 per session
$500-$3,000 total
| Category | Coach | Therapist | Psychiatrist | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Building practical skills, systems, and habits for daily functioning | Addressing emotional challenges, trauma, and mental health conditions | Medical management and medication for ADHD | Formal diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation |
| Approach | Action-oriented, goal-setting, accountability partnerships | Therapeutic techniques, processing emotions, behavioral interventions | Medical evaluation, prescription management, symptom monitoring | Standardized testing, clinical interviews, diagnostic reports |
| Training & Credentials | Certified through coaching programs (ICF, PAAC, ACO) | Licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, LPC, PhD, PsyD) | Medical doctors (MD, DO) with psychiatry specialization | Licensed psychologists or specialized evaluators |
| Can Diagnose ADHD | Some can (psychologists, psychiatrists) | |||
| Can Prescribe Medication | ||||
| Insurance Coverage | Rarely covered | Often covered by insurance | Usually covered by insurance | Often covered by insurance |
| Session Structure | Goal review, skill-building, action planning | Exploration, processing, therapeutic interventions | Medical check-ins, medication adjustments, symptom review | Testing sessions, interviews, comprehensive evaluation |
| Typical Session Length | 30-60 minutes | 45-60 minutes | 15-30 minutes (follow-up), 60 min (initial) | 2-6 hours total (multiple sessions) |
| Cost Range | $75-$250 per session | $100-$300 per session | $150-$400 per session | $500-$3,000 total |
Can I Work With Multiple Providers?
Absolutely! Many people with ADHD benefit from working with multiple providers. They serve complementary roles in your care journey:
Assessment
- - Initial diagnosis
- - Understanding strengths
- - Treatment baseline
Psychiatrist
- - Medication evaluation
- - Prescription management
- - Symptom monitoring
Therapist
- - Emotional processing
- - Anxiety & depression
- - Behavioral interventions
Coach
- - Daily systems
- - Accountability
- - Practical strategies
Common path: Start with an assessment for diagnosis, see a psychiatrist for medication if needed, work with a therapist for emotional support, and engage a coach for daily life strategies. Each professional brings unique expertise to support your ADHD journey.
Key Considerations
Budget & Insurance
Therapists, psychiatrists, and assessments are often covered by insurance. Coaching is rarely covered but may be tax-deductible or payable through HSA/FSA.
Time & Commitment
Session frequency varies by provider type. Assessments are one-time, psychiatry visits are periodic, while coaching and therapy are typically weekly.
Credentials Matter
Look for certified coaches (ICF, PAAC), licensed therapists, board-certified psychiatrists, and qualified evaluators. ADHD-specific training is valuable for all.