ADHD Therapy
What Is ADHD Therapy?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapy does not aim to cure or change a person. Instead, it combines behavioral, cognitive, and supportive strategies to help individuals manage their symptoms. Namely, common targets include working toward overcoming inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is a complex condition that manifests differently across ages and patients. Accordingly, our therapy is appropriately individualized, focused on building long-term outcomes based on the patient’s goals.
What Types of Therapy Do We Use for ADHD?
Our approach is always personalized, with therapy plans built around the individual’s age, environment, and specific needs. Often, we may use a combination of approaches for achieving different goals. Therapies we offer can include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Helps with building improved behaviors, coping strategies, and focus. Kids and teens with ADHD are often good candidates for this type of therapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Equips patients with tools to identify and change thoughts or behaviors that impede daily function.
- Parent Training & Family Therapy: Provides families with strategies to support children or teens with ADHD at home.
- Social Skills Training: Builds communication, cooperation, and peer interaction skills. Usually best for patients with ADHD combined with other developmental difficulties.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps improve daily executive function and task competency, such as organization, planning, and self-regulation.
Advantages of Working with an ADHD Therapist
Working with a therapist can open new opportunities for overcoming difficulties associated with ADHD. Benefits that our patients see can include:
- Treatment plans that are fully customized for each patient’s age, lifestyle, and goals.
- Consistent growth in areas like focus, organization, time management, and emotional regulation
- Equipping families with tools to provide supportive structure and consistency at home
- Clear progress notes with ongoing feedback and adjustments to therapy plans when needed
FAQs
What does an ADHD therapy session look like?
- Consistent format and structure
- Skill-building activities
- Behavioral reinforcement
- Parent involvement
- Executive function coaching
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Goal-oriented discussion
Does ADHD therapy involve medication?
A number of ADHD medications exist that have research-backed benefits. However, therapy itself does not involve medication. A psychiatrist would be the one to prescribe medication, rather than the therapist. Medication can prove a beneficial adjunct to therapy.
At what age should therapy start for ADHD?
Children typically can begin therapy as soon as symptoms are identified. However, children usually at least reach preschool age before it becomes clear if they have a condition that may benefit from therapy. Early intervention can set a foundation of positive habits. While starting therapy can present certain challenges, it is never too late to start.
How many hours per week are recommended for ADHD therapy?
Successful therapy hinges on not only the right quantity of sessions but also their quality. Ultimately, consistent and high-quality sessions will be central to seeing progress. For most patients, this looks like 1 to 3 therapy sessions each week. Time-wise, this comes out to about 1 to 3 hours.
Is ADHD therapy only for children?
Starting ADHD therapy as a child has advantages. However, teens and adults with ADHD can also greatly benefit from therapy. Usually, the goals will differ for older patients. For example, ADHD therapy for teens may focus more on building executive function and social strategies. For adults, goals may be more oriented toward relationships, job performance, and organization.
How long does ADHD therapy usually last?
The goal with ADHD therapy is to equip patients with long-term skills. Ideally, therapy will only be a temporary stepping stone to a better future for each patient. However, the time frame can vary. Some patients may need only a few months, while others may need longer-term support. Everyone experiences growth at their own pace. Therapy is about reaching a destination, not racing toward it.
Can parents or caregivers be involved in ADHD therapy?
Yes, at-home involvement plays a key role in maintaining consistency with therapy. By reinforcing structure outside therapy, it gives children more opportunities for growth.
Does insurance cover ADHD therapy?
Insurance should provide coverage for ADHD evaluation and therapy when deemed medically necessary. However, coverage varies among different insurance providers and plans.
How is progress measured in ADHD therapy?
Our therapists take careful session notes and submit regular behavioral reports. We also track changes in academic performance and via self-assessments. Treatment plans are adjusted as needed based on progress.
Where can ADHD therapy take place?
Liberty Behavioral provides ADHD therapy both in our clinics and via programs where we come to you. Both situations are beneficial, and the right one depends on the patient’s needs.
Start With an Assessment Today
Contact Liberty Behavioral and Community Services to schedule a consultation and ADHD assessment. Together, we’ll create a personalized therapy plan to help you or your child succeed.
