Best Online Therapy for ADHD

Talkspace is the best online service for ADHD therapy

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The term "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)" brings up mental images of young boys bouncing in their seats and talking incessantly. This stereotype is misleading. First, not all people with ADHD are hyperactive.Second, while boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, this is likely due to referral bias: Teachers refer twice as many boys as girls for learning disability (LD) testing, even though research indicatesgirls are equally likely to have LDs.It is crucial that all children who show signs of the disorder be checked out by a professional, since research indicates that90% of them will continue to have symptoms into adulthood.If you or your child need therapy for ADHD, there are many online resources that can help.

The resources below include talk therapy platforms, medication management, and informational platforms. We’ve indicated what types of services each provides as well as whether they offer stimulant medication, since that is often a first-line treatment for ADHD. “While not everyone with ADHD will choose medication as part of their treatment plan, those who do often benefit from stimulant medications," says therapistAmy Marschall, PsyD. "Since stimulants are controlled substances that can be addictive and cause dependence, there is a lot of stigma around using this medication, even if it is something that helps someone,” she says. “Typically, when taken as directed by your prescriber, stimulants are a safe and effective treatment option for ADHD.”

Approaches to treating ADHD vary, so it is important to explore which options work best for you and your child. We’ve researched the following companies and surveyed 105 users of some of our choices to provide you with the most helpful collection of resources for online therapy for ADHD.

Best Online ADHD Therapy

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

Best Subscription Service:Talkspace


Talkspace logo

Talkspace

Key Specs
  • Price:$69 - $109 per week
  • Insurance accepted:Yes
  • Types of therapy:Individual, couples, teens, medication management
  • Stimulants available:No
Why We Chose It

Talkspace offers a full range of mental health care services, including ADHD counseling via text, phone, or video, enabling you to choose the services that would benefit you the most.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Messaging available

  • Adolescent therapy available

  • Treats co-occurring disorders

Cons
  • Not specifically ADHD-focused

  • 没有家庭therapy available

Overview

Since ADHD’s impacts vary from person to person,Talkspace’s flexibility makes it one of the best platforms for those with ADHD. If ADHD affects your relationship, you can choose Talkspace’s couples therapy service. If you want ADHD-specific counseling or treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, its individual therapy plan might be ideal. If your teenager with ADHD needs someone to talk to, it also offers adolescent therapy. Additionally, Talkspace has specialized care for veterans and LGBTQIA+ folks.

Talkspace offers a full suite of online therapy options. Depending on the plan you choose, you can message and have live sessions with your therapist. It also offers psychiatry services that may benefit you if you need non-stimulant medication. All of its services are designed for convenience. It matches you with a therapist within 48 hours, and you can switch easily if the therapist is not a good match. If you are looking for accessible online therapy, Talkspace is an ideal starting place.

Plans & Pricing

While Talkspace accepts major insurance plans and health spending account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards, it doesn’t accept Medicare or Medicaid. There are four subscription plans and an add-on psychiatry service:

  • Messaging-only service:$69 per week; includes unlimited messaging with your therapist during the workweek
  • Therapy-only service:$99 per week; includes four live video sessions monthly
  • Therapy + messaging service:$129 per week; includes both messaging and four therapy sessions per month
  • Couples therapy:$109 per week; includes unlimited messaging and four live sessions per month
  • Psychiatry services:$249 for the initial evaluation and $125 for each follow-up appointment
User Satisfaction

Talkspace’s users found the service helpful and easy. Even though you don’t get to choose your therapist, over half of our surveyed users never had to change therapists, and 30% only had to change once. Eighty-two percent of users found the website easy or very easy to navigate. Nearly a third said it was better than their previous experiences with in-person therapy, and 40% said it was just as good.

Best Medication Management:Talkiatry


Key Specs
  • Price:Depends on insurance
  • Insurance accepted:Yes
  • Types of therapy:Individual, medication management
  • Stimulants available:Yes
Why We Chose It

Talkiatry offers medication management, including stimulant medication, via a system that prioritizes communication between you and your provider.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Sessions are longer than average

  • Messaging available

  • Pediatric care available

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • Medications are not shipped to your door

Overview

Navigating medication management for ADHD can be complex. Not only are there different types of medication available, but several of them are designed to last for different amounts of time depending on the version you take, such as extended-release tablets. Many also have unpleasant side effects.

Talkiatry’sunique treatment model equips it to manage these challenges. Its psychiatrists can prescribe stimulant medications, a rarity for online psychiatry services. Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD because they stimulate chronically understimulated brains, allowing people to focus on tasks that they would otherwise find too understimulating to pay attention to. However, because they are also used recreationally, they are controlled substances, leading many online psychiatry services to not offer them.

Talkiatry’s providers meet with their clients for 30-minute follow-up appointments, and you can message your provider at any time. Being able to talk through medication options and timing as you are experiencing medication for the first time can be incredibly helpful. Talkiatry also offers talk therapy through its small team of psychotherapists, but you need a referral from one of its psychiatrists to access this service.

Talkiatry’s psychiatrists specialize in several areas, including serving the LGBTQ+ community and children. However, it only serves the following states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, plus Washington, D.C.

Plans & Pricing

Talkiatry accepts major insurance plans, HSA/FSA payments, Medicare, and Medicaid. It doesn’t post its out-of-pocket costs on its site.

User Satisfaction

Users were very satisfied with Talkiatry. Ninety-five percent rated it as good, very good, or excellent overall. Eighty-seven percent would be likely or very likely to recommend the service to a loved one.

Best Availability:BetterHelp


BetterHelp logo

BetterHelp

Key Specs
  • Price:$60 to $90 per week
  • Insurance accepted:No
  • Types of therapy:Individual therapy
  • Stimulants available:No
Why We Chose It

BetterHelp’s therapist matching service takes the stress out of searching for a therapist that fits your availability and treats ADHD. BetterHelp also offers a support group specifically for those living with ADHD.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ADHD support group available

  • Consistent monthly fee

  • Worksheets included

Cons
  • No medication management

  • Therapists cannot provide diagnoses

Overview

The brand recognition ofBetterHelpmay be ubiquitous, but a full understanding of its services is not. BetterHelp, founded in 2012 by tech entrepreneurAlon Matas, is an online therapy service that offers a single monthly plan that includes weekly sessions with a licensed therapist, unlimited messaging with your therapist, and group therapy. The plan also includes an online journal where you can respond to prompts and share (or not share) your answers with your therapist. After you fill out an intake form, BetterHelp begins searching for a therapist for you. Within 48 hours, one appears in your portal and you can begin messaging them immediately.

的说明,你想要一个治疗师alizes in ADHD, you’ll be matched with someone who can help you navigate the specific challenges that come with ADHD. Furthermore, BetterHelp’s group sessions include a weekly ADHD support group moderated by an ADHD specialist.

Because BetterHelp cannot provide any diagnoses, it may not be the best service for those looking to be evaluated for ADHD or those with more complex mental health histories. However, if you are looking for a straightforward way to access ADHD-friendly care, BetterHelp may be the option for you.

Plans & Pricing

BetterHelp’s biggest flaw is its pricing. The cost varies from $60 to $90 per week. While it does offer various discounts (such as a student discount), and you can apply for financial aid, this does not make the service affordable. Only 21% of our users ranked it as “very affordable.”

该公司还不接受保险,也没有es it help you to submit reimbursement claims. Furthermore, the prices vary because BetterHelp engages in surge pricing, meaning that the higher the demand for mental health care in your area, the more you will pay for it. While this practice makes sense for a service like Uber, it is unethical when applied to any type of health care.

User Satisfaction

Eighty-six percent of the users we surveyed rated BetterHelp as good, very good, or excellent overall. Another 63% said that it was better or much better than services they used in the past. Based on our user responses, BetterHelp lives up to its reputation as a solid online therapy provider.

Best for Kids:Little Otter


Little Otter

Little Otter

Key Specs
  • Price:$90 to $500 per session
  • Insurance accepted:Only Kaiser Permanente plans
  • Types of therapy:Individual, family, medication management, and parent/couples counseling
  • Stimulants available:Yes
Why We Chose It

Little Otter not only assists children with managing their ADHD symptoms but counsels parents on how to parent children with ADHD constructively.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Medication available

  • Treats co-occurring disorders

  • Family-focused

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • Does not treat teens over 14

Overview

Little Otteraddresses child mental health with the view that helping parents navigate their child’s behavior means helping the child succeed. Little Otter offers families a mix of medication management, couples therapy, parental coaching, family therapy, and talk therapy for children. This holistic support is crucial because research indicates that having a child with ADHD is incredibly stressful, sometimes so much so that parents need mental health support.Because Little Otter's treatment includes the whole family, kids affected by their sibling’s ADHD also receive help.

Little Otter specializes in ADHD. It offers a specific ADHD plan, including a diagnosis for the child, medication management, and talk therapy support for the family. Furthermore, Little Otter also treats co-occurring disorders such as autism and anxiety, which is especially important since research indicates that 50% to 70% of autistic people also have ADHD.

However, Little Otter isn’t right for every family, especially since it’s unavailable in every state. It is only available in the following locations:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Maryland
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington, D.C.

Additionally, the cost of Little Otter’s services might be prohibitive for some families.

Plans & Pricing

Little Otter accepts one insurance plan, Kaiser Permanente. However, it accepts HSA/FSA funds and allows you to submit reimbursement claims to other insurance companies. Out-of-pocket costs vary by service:

  • ADHD evaluation costs $500; if your child is diagnosed, you can either pay $225 per month for holistic care (which includes parenting coaching sessions and ongoing monitoring) or $250 for each follow-up appointment
  • Initial welcome session costs $90
  • A welcome session plus one follow-up appointment costs $540
  • A welcome session plus 11 follow-up appointments costs $2040
User Satisfaction

Little Otter’s users are satisfied with the services they received. Nearly half indicated that their provider's qualifications were very good or excellent. Another 70% said that their providers met most or all of their needs.

Best With Insurance:Amwell


Amwell
Amwell
Key Specs
  • Price:$279 per psychiatry session, $109 per talk therapy session
  • Insurance accepted:Yes
  • Types of therapy:Individual therapy for adults and teens, medication management
  • Stimulants available:No
Why We Chose It

Amwell’s no-nonsense approach to mental health care, including clinicians who specialize in ADHD, means it is one of the most straightforward ways to access online therapy.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Easy scheduling

  • ADHD specialists available

  • Accepts over 55 insurance plans

Cons
  • No subscription available

  • Cannot message therapists

Overview

Amwell是远程医疗公司提供在线治疗d medication management services as well as general virtual medical treatment. Signing up for therapy or psychiatry services is as simple as creating a profile for the site, choosing the specific mental health service you want, and scheduling with a provider licensed in your state.

Amwell also offers therapy services for children age 10 and up, which sets it apart from other online therapy or telehealth services and makes it a good option for children diagnosed with ADHD. However, Amwell does not offer psychiatric services for clients under the age of 18.

Amwell does employ therapists who specialize in ADHD; however, you will need to read each therapist’s bio to determine if this applies to them, as there is no way to filter for this specialty. Additionally, you can search for ADHD under the site’s “Conditions” tab and connect with a doctor or therapist directly from that page. Amwell’s therapists and psychiatrists are qualified to treat ADHD as well as a broad range of co-occurring disorders.

Plans & Pricing

Amwell accepts over 55 insurance plans, including Medicare, and FSA/HSA payments. Without insurance, therapy sessions cost between $109 and $129 per session. Initial psychiatry sessions cost $279 and follow-ups are $109.

User Satisfaction

Of our surveyed users, 88% rated Amwell as good, very good, or excellent overall, and another 91% rated its psychiatry services as good, very good, or excellent. Additionally, 60% said that Amwell was helpful or very helpful in connecting them to a therapist.

Best for Families:Thriveworks


Key Specs
  • Price:Variable per-session rate starting at $99 without insurance
  • Insurance accepted:Yes
  • Types of therapy:Couples, family, group, teen, individual, medication management
  • Stimulants available:No
Why We Chose It

Thriveworks is one of the only platforms that can treat the entire family regardless of which members are impacted by ADHD.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • In-person therapy available

  • Streamlined scheduling

  • Therapists available within 48 hours

Cons
  • Not available in all 50 states

  • Messaging unavailable

Overview

TheThriveworksmodel of care is uniquely suited to families dealing with ADHD. Because it offers a full spectrum of therapy services to adults, children, teenagers, and families, it can support the entire family even if multiple members in different age groups have the disorder. For example, your family could receive therapy from one Thriveworks therapist while your teen has individual therapy and your partner receives medication management from a Thriveworks psychiatrists. Due to its easy scheduling system that allows you to choose a therapist primarily based on availability, it is easy to find someone who can meet with your family, even if each member has a different schedule.

Founded by psychologist AJ Centore, PhD, the company expanded to have over 300 in-person therapy offices and serves all but a few states. Its large network of psychiatrists and therapists means that the company can treat a wide variety of disorders with different modes of therapy, which is helpful if your family faces a mix of mental health concerns.

Plans & Pricing

Thriveworks accepts the following insurance plans:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna | Evernorth
  • Compsych
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • UnitedHealthcare | Optum

However, not all of its therapists accept all insurance plans. Out-of-pocket rates start at $99 per session.

User Satisfaction

Ninety percent of the users we surveyed gave Thriveworks an overall rating of good, very good, or excellent. An astounding 98% rated its psychiatry services as good, very good, or excellent.

Best for ADHD Assessment:ADHD Online


ADHD Online

ADHD Online

Key Specs
  • Price:$199 for initial psychiatric assessment; $99 for follow-ups and talk therapy
  • Insurance accepted:No
  • Types of therapy:Medication management, individual therapy
  • Stimulants available:Yes
Why We Chose It

ADHD Online’s in-depth approach to assessment will not only give you a concrete diagnosis but also the documentation to support it.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Talk therapy available

  • All providers specialize in ADHD

  • In-depth diagnostic process

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • No membership plan

Overview

Founded in September of 2018 by entrepreneur Zach Booker and Randy Duthler, MD,ADHD Onlinedoes one thing and does it well: Provides medication management and talk therapy for adults and children with ADHD. While other companies offer similar services, ADHD Online’s assessment process is its standout feature. To become a patient, you must complete an assessment that a doctorate-level mental health care provider then uses to create a 10- to 15-page diagnostic report. This guarantees that the company only provides medication to those who truly need it, and offers you a clear picture of your ADHD symptoms.

The professional who determines your ADHD diagnosis is separate from your other providers so that the assessor doesn’t benefit from diagnosing you with ADHD. This system prevents the company from following the path of companies such asDone, which currentlyfaces a DEA investigationdue to its prescribers potentiallyoffering stimulant medication to all of their patients regardless of whether they have ADHD. By keeping diagnosis and prescriptions separate, ADHD Online removes any incentive for evaluators to diagnose patients with ADHD who do not meet diagnostic criteria.

ADHD Online’s psychiatry services are offered in38 states. It also offers talk therapy to those living in Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Its assessment can be brought to other providers and is available in all 50 states.

Plans & Pricing

ADHD Online does not accept insurance but will allow you to submit for reimbursement. It also accepts HSA/FSA payments. Your first psychiatry appointment costs $199 and follow-up appointments are $99. Talk therapy appointments are also $99. Insurance may cover the cost of medications.

User Satisfaction

We were unable to survey ADHD Online users, but through online research and comparing it to similar companies, we are confident that it provides users with a positive experience.

Best Self-Guided Resource:HealthyGamer


Healthy Gamer Logo

Healthy Gamer

Key Specs
  • Price:$20 for the ADHD module
  • Insurance accepted:No
  • Types of therapy:Self-guided videos and worksheets, coaching
  • Stimulants Available:No
Why We Chose It

HealthyGamer’s ADHD guide provides people with ADHD in-depth knowledge of the disorder and its management.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Created and hosted by a licensed psychiatrist

  • Backed by a scientific advisory board

  • Meditation content available

Cons
  • Coaching is not therapy

  • Minimal content for parents

Overview

Alok Kanojia, MD (aka Dr. K), createdHealthy Gamerafter he posted an“Ask Me Anything” thread on Redditand saw the demand for video-game-savvy mental health care. Dr. K is a Harvard University psychiatrist specializing in video game addiction. After starting successfulTwitchandYouTubechannels, with 611,000 and 1.06 million followers respectively, Dr. K expanded his business to appeal to more than just gamers by creatingvideo guidesandhiring coachesto help tech-savvy people take control of their mental health. Ascientific advisory board支持道德的网站地址concerns and align the content with the latest research.

In September 2022, Healthy Gamer released the “ADHD & Doing Stuff” module of the guide. The 49 videos, each between four and 35 minutes, teach you everything from the science of motivation to how to parent a child with ADHD. The guide focuses on “doing stuff.” It teaches you how to reach your goals if you struggle with motivation and/or attention. For example, four videos are dedicated just to how to get organized and another five on the neuroscience of rewards.

The guide presents itself as a map of interconnected content, showing how the ADHD module connects to the anxiety, depression, and meditation modules. Videos in the ADHD module often have accompanying meditation videos and/or worksheets attached to them to help you incorporate the content into your life.

健康的玩家还提供指导的形式group sessions, one-on-one sessions, and career coaching. Although Healthy Gamer makes it clear thatits coaching is not therapy, we would like to reiterate that coaches are not therapists and should not address serious mental health concerns.

Plans & Pricing

Each of the four modules of Dr. K’s guide costs $20, but if you buy them all at once, it costs $60.

User Satisfaction

We have not had the opportunity to survey Healthy Gamer’s users, but the company has receivedlittle negative media coverageand few complaints on social media.

Best for Peer Support:ADDA Virtual Peer Support Groups


ADDA Virtual Peer Support Groups Logo

ADDA Virtual Peer Support Groups

Key Specs
  • Price:$7.60 to $15.60 per month
  • Insurance accepted:No
  • Types of therapy:Peer support groups
  • Stimulants available:No
Why We Chose It

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)’s support groups not only put you in touch with other people with ADHD but also with those that have similar life experiences based on age, gender, lifestyle, or other neurological differences.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Monthly fee includes access to all of ADDA’s resources

  • Career-specific groups available

  • Can join multiple groups

Cons
  • Not led by licensed therapists

Overview

TheAttention Deficit Disorder Association(ADDA) provides support to adults with ADHD through workshops, webinars, virtual peer support groups, and its annual international conference. Its virtual peer support groups stand out because not only do they specifically target adults with ADHD, but each group addresses a different subgroup. There are support groups formembers of specific minority groups with ADHD, for those with specific life experiences including partners of people with ADHD, those who work from home, and those with high IQs.

Groups meet multiple times a month via Zoom and are led by peers. To join, you must be an ADDA member. However, that membership includes as many support groups as you want. So, for example, if you’re Black and a woman over 50, you could join both the Black and the women over 50 support groups.

To be clear, because these groups aren’t led by a licensed professional, they are not the same as group therapy and aren’t a replacement for therapy. However, by enabling you to connect with those like you, a peer support group can help you realize that you are not alone in your ADHD challenges.

Plans & Pricing

To join a support group, you must be an ADDA member. ADDA’s members gain a suite of benefits, including all of the informational content on the site and discounted tickets to ADHD-related events.

There are three membership plans:

  • Individual:$7.60 per month or $79.97 per year
  • Family:$15.60 per month or $159.97 per year; includes benefits for the member, their spouse/partner, and their children
  • Professional:$15 per month or $150 per year; includes a listing in ADDA's professionals directory and advertising discounts
User Satisfaction

Although we did not survey users of ADDA’s virtual support groups, we did research its work. It has no negative reviews on social media or negative news coverage.

Final Verdict

Because ADHD varies in severity and in the types of support needed, choosing the right type of online therapy is a highly individual decision. For example, if your child has ADHD, a specialist atLittle Otteris a good choice. If you feel like you need both medication and talk therapy,AmwellandTalkiatryeach meet both those needs. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to talk to a specialist,Healthy Gameroffers a thorough education in ADHD. Plus, you can meet people with similar challenges by attendingADDA’s Virtual Peer Support Groups. All of these options can offer you or your child coping skills to help you succeed.

Compare the Best Online Therapy for ADHD

Company Name Price Insurance Accepted Types of Therapy
TalkspaceBest Subscription Service $69 - $109 per month Yes Individual, couples, teens, medication management
TalkiatryBest for Medication Management Depends on insurance Yes Individual, medication management
BetterHelpBest Availability $60 - $90 per week No Individual
Little OtterBest for Kids $90 - $500 per session Only Kaiser Permanente plans Individual, family, medication management, parent/couples counseling
AmwellBest With Insurance $279 per psychiatry session, $109 per talk therapy session Yes Individual, teen, medication management
ThriveworksBest for Families $39 per month session fee plus a variable session-by-session rate Yes Couples, family, group, individual, teen, medication management
ADHD OnlineBest for ADHD Assessment $199 for the initial psychiatry session; $99 for follow-ups and talk therapy No Individual, medication management
HealthyGamerBest Self-Guided Resource $20 for the ADHD module No Self-guided videos and worksheets, coaching
ADDA Virtual Peer Support GroupsBest for Peer Support $7.60 - $15.60 per month No Peer support groups

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Therapy for ADHD

What Are the Most Effective Therapies for ADHD?

Here are a few of the most widely used and evidence-based therapy techniques used in the treatment of ADHD:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common talk therapy technique used to treat ADHD. When used for ADHD, CBT emphasizes organizational techniques to help outsource theexecutive functioningtasks that people with ADHD find challenging.
  • Medication:Medication is often used to treat ADHD. The two most common types of medication for ADHD are stimulants and non-stimulants. While stimulants are typically the first-line treatment for ADHD, non-stimulants can be a good option for those who don’t respond well to stimulants or don’t want to take a controlled substance.
  • Coaching:ADHD coaching is similar to CBT for ADHD in that it teaches organizational skills. However, while CBT’s approach follows a systematic program similar across providers, ADHD is more freeform and can be tailored to an individual client’s needs.

If you would like to try medication, reach out to a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or your primary care physician. If you’re already on medication or want to try talk therapy first, look for a therapist that specializes in ADHD and offers CBT.

Will I Be Prescribed Medication If I Have ADHD?

“Medications should be considered as a treatment for all patients as well as the other options with even mild ADHD signs and symptoms when above six years old and indicated," says psychiatric physician assistant Christopher Dietrich, PA. However, he also emphasizes that medication may not be the best option for everyone. Body weight, psychiatric history, previous responses to medication, and heart health all need to be considered before prescribing any medication.

There are several different medications used to treat ADHD, but most fall into two main categories: stimulant and non-stimulant.

Stimulant medications include the brand-name drugs Ritalin and Adderall. These are controlled substances that increase dopamine in the brain. While it may seem odd that stimulants are used to treat a disorder known to make people hyperactive, it actually makes sense. People with ADHD have brains that are chronically understimulated because they don’t produce enough dopamine. Increasing their stimulation level through chemical means can decrease stimulation-seeking behaviors like distractibility and increase motivation.

Non-stimulant medications that treat ADHD vary in the ways they alter brain chemistry. Some, such as Strattera, increase the amount of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine in the brain.Others are antidepressants which are often used off-label but can decrease ADHD symptoms by altering the brain’s serotonin system.

Comparing Online ADHD Therapy

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing which online therapy is best. These include:

  • Price:The pricing of ADHD therapy varies widely, as does whether a provider accepts insurance. Always read a company’s payment plans carefully, see if it offers discounts you qualify for, and check with your insurance policy before submitting reimbursement claims.
  • Types of therapy:Decide whether you would like to try group therapy, individual therapy, and/or medication management before you choose a provider. If you are part of a minority group or are seeking care for your child, check to see if the provider has experience treating minorities and/or children.
  • Scheduling:Some providers only have availability during work hours, so ask if they have ongoing appointments that fit your schedule.
  • Location:Insurance will only provide coverage for care therapy conducted by a professional licensed in the state where you are located. Check to see where a provider is licensed before scheduling an appointment.
  • Method of counseling(chat system, text messaging, phone call, video call, etc.): Depending on your preferences, you might want to be able to message your therapist. However, remember that only messaging is no replacement for live therapy.
  • Ease of switching between therapists:Even the best therapists don’t work for every potential client. Check to see if a company allows you to switch therapists easily.

What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

Online ADHD services aren’t emergency resources. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please contact one of the crisis lines below:

  • Text HOME at 741-741 for the crisis text line.
  • Call 988 for a mental health emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to See a Psychiatrist If I Have ADHD?

Not necessarily. Although medication is often used to treat ADHD, it is always optional. Furthermore, primary care physicians can also prescribe ADHD medications.

What Is CBT Therapy for ADHD?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)for ADHD focuses on teaching you coping strategies to minimize the impact of ADHD on your daily life. Often this includes teaching organizational and time management skills.

Can Adults Be Diagnosed With ADHD?

Yes! Although ADHD is often diagnosed in children, a 2019 study indicates that adult diagnoses are rising.However, to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult you must have shown symptoms before the age of 12.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is diagnosed based on the number of inattentive and/or hyperactive symptoms you have. Adults must have at least five symptoms in one category and children must have at least six to meet diagnostic criteria. Additionally, these symptoms must impair function in some way and not be better explained by a different disorder.

Is ADHD Only Treated With Controlled Prescriptions?

No. Non-stimulant medications, such as drugs that alter norepinephrine levels, can be used to treat ADHD. Furthermore, talk therapy can also be an effective treatment, especially in the form of CBT.

Methodology

Our methodology for evaluating online therapy companies is comprehensive and data-driven. To fairly and accurately review the best online therapy programs, we sent questionnaires to 55 companies and surveyed 105 current users of each. This allowed us to directly compare services offered by gathering qualitative and quantitative data about each company and its users’ experiences.

Specifically, we evaluated each company on website usability, sign-up process, subscription offerings, client privacy protections, and how easy it is to change therapists. We then looked at therapist qualifications, the types of therapy offered quality of care, client-therapist communication options, session length, medication management practices, and the therapist assignment process.

We examined 20 companies that treated ADHD to see which provided the best ADHD care. We limited the therapist and psychiatry options to those offered by licensed professionals. We investigated companies' histories and reputations when examining non-medical interventions, such as peer support groups. We also prioritized medication management services that could prescribe the stimulant medication often used to treat ADHD.

Male psychiatrist in online therapy session with his adhd patient

Su Arslanoglu / Getty Images

Article Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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ByEl Wilson
El is a current master's student at Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing program and writes about mental and physical wellness for Verywell Mind, Verywell Fit, Shape, and EatingWell.

Edited by Hannah Owens ,
Hannah Owens

Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for performance marketing at Verywell. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

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April McCormick ,
April McCormick

4月是健康编辑marketi性能ng at Verywell, where she oversees family health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Mind, Verywell Family, Verywell, Fit, Verywell Health, Time, Parents, Parents Magazine, The Straits Times, The Huffington Post, TripSavvy, Parenting, First Time Mom and Dad, Mama Mia, All4Women, the New York Times Bestseller, A Letter To My Mom, and more.

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and Simone Scully
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Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering pregnancy, parenting, health, medicine, science, and lifestyle topics.

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