Highlights
- ADHD coaching is a form of life coaching that’s specifically tailored for people with ADHD. It’s not a treatment method, but a complementary intervention.
- ADHD coaching can have many benefits, including helping you set and reach your goals, improve your executive functioning skills, implement new strategies for studying and organization, and stay accountable for important tasks.
- There are many places online where you can get ADHD coaching, and it’s important to look at different options to make the right choice for you.
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can sometimes make life feel discouraging. If you’ve ever wanted a trusted ally in your life to keep you accountable to your goals and teach you new skills, then an ADHD coach could be a good option for you.
ADHD coaching is a relatively new field — it’s a type of life coaching that’s specifically geared toward people who live with ADHD. Although it can’t replace professional treatment, emerging
In this article, we’ll guide you through ADHD coaching; we’ve even included a detailed list of places to get ADHD coaching online.
Do you think you may have ADHD?
What Is ADHD Coaching?
ADHD coaching is a more specific form of life coaching that’s tailored for those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s not about “curing” people; ADHD coaches can help you implement practical strategies to manage your symptoms. It’s like having your own personal ADHD mentor, cheering you on and holding you accountable.
Life coaches help you to identify your goals and take steps to achieve them. For people with ADHD, this includes addressing any ADHD-related barriers that may come up, as well as empowering them to use their ADHD strengths to their full advantage.
An ADHD coach can:
- Help you set goals that are realistic and meaningful, and then break them down into steps that feel doable to you (meeting you where you’re at).
- Help you improve focus by finding ways to minimize distractions and manage hyperfocus, without trying to change the way your brain naturally works.
- Identify barriers that may be getting in the way of your goals (whether they’re related to ADHD or not) and help you figure out how to move past them.
- Act as an accountability coach through regular check-ins.
- Teach you more about ADHD and help you build systems and routines that actually work for you.
Instead of just giving you advice that leaves you feeling more stuck, an ADHD coach works collaboratively with you on practical strategies to manage things like time management, focus, organization, and getting tasks done. They also make sure those strategies actually work for the way your brain functions.
Life coaches are not therapists. Coaches cannot treat any mental health diagnosis, including ADHD or any other condition that you may also live with. They cannot help you process traumatic events. Coaching is a neuroinclusive approach to gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD and getting practical tools and skills that may support your personal and vocational goals. It’s a complementary intervention, not ADHD treatment, and it’s important to see a healthcare provider specializing in ADHD and manage the whole ADHD iceberg, not only visible symptoms. At MEDvidi, you can get online ADHD treatment; our experienced medical providers offer a comprehensive approach, from assessment and diagnosis to personalized treatment — all from the comfort of your home.
Benefits of ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching is a new field, so we still need more research on it to determine its benefits. But the studies that have been conducted so far have promising results.
- Improved executive functioning
- Better overall well-being
- Reduced ADHD symptoms like inattention
- Goal attainment
- Improved organizational skills
- Better academic performance (grades)
- Increased hopefulness for the future
Some additional, anecdotal benefits of ADHD coaching that have been reported by people who’ve worked with a coach include the following:
- It can help you accept your ADHD instead of constantly fighting against it. Strategies that are designed for neurotypical people may not work with you, so ADHD coaching can offer you a new way.
- Through the coaching process, you can build more self-awareness so you can start to notice patterns in your behavior and symptoms.
- Coaching can help you stay focused on your goals by giving you systems that help you follow through instead of getting stuck in ADHD paralysis.
- A coach can help you feel less overwhelmed in your life by teaching you how to break down tasks into small, manageable steps, so everything doesn’t feel like it’s piling up all at once and you don’t experience ADHD burnout.
- An important benefit of coaching is that it can help you to lean into your unique ADHD strengths, like creativity, big-picture thinking, or the ability to hyperfocus when you’re actually interested in something. This can help improve your self-esteem and make you realize that ADHD and neurodiversity are things to be embraced, not be ashamed of.
- Although a coach isn’t a therapist, they can help you build strategies to regulate your emotions, which many people with ADHD struggle with.
- Many people find that coaching improves their relationships.
How to Find a Coach for ADHD
Because ADHD coaching isn’t as highly regulated as the mental health and therapy fields, it can be confusing at first to navigate how to find a coach and how to determine if they’re actually qualified.
The International Coaching Federation suggests the following tips when looking for a coach.
- Understand what ADHD coaching is. Learn more about ADHD coaching itself and figure out if it is really what you need since it isn’t therapy. If you’re looking for medically recognized treatment for your ADHD, then therapy (or medication) might be a better option. Keep in mind that coaching is a complementary intervention to help you gain skills.
- Define your goals. Before you start reaching out to coaches, get clear on what, exactly, your goals are and what you’re looking for. For example, are you trying to get better at time management? Improve your focus and deal with forgetfulness? Build stronger relationships? Knowing your goals will help you find a coach who’s the right fit.
- Research potential coaches. Once you start speaking to coaches, ask about their experience, skills, and qualifications. Coaching isn’t a highly regulated field, so don’t be afraid to ask tough questions even if it feels awkward at first. Find out what experience they have working specifically with ADHD, and what training they’ve received.
- Interview multiple coaches. Interview more than one coach. It’s worth talking to at least a few different coaches before making a decision. Coaching is a personal relationship, and you’ll want to find someone whose style and approach feel like a good match for you. The right fit is important.
- Verify credentials. Check their credibility. Do some background research. Look into their training, certifications, and professional memberships. Just because someone calls themselves a coach doesn’t automatically mean they’re qualified.
You can start looking for an ADHD coach through a Google search of your local area. You can also look for coaches who are certified by the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches using their “Find a Coach” feature.
Credentials and Qualifications of ADHD Coaches
Although coaching is a relatively new and unregulated field, there’s now more oversight than there used to be. Still, unlike therapy, it isn’t against the law to call yourself a life coach with no qualifications or certifications. So, in essence, anyone can market themselves as a life coach, regardless of their education or skills — but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep looking for someone with a specific background.
The most reputable coaches have a combination of professional experience, education, or credentials. Especially when it comes to ADHD coaching, it’s essential to be careful about who you hire. ADHD coaches should have specific knowledge about both life coaching and ADHD.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) advocates for standardizing the quality of life coaching services. They offer a credentialing process that, while not legally necessary to become a life coach, can help you determine which ADHD coaches are experienced and qualified. So, look for an ADHD life coach who is credentialed by the ICF, which is considered the gold standard in certification in the life coaching profession. Licensed mental health therapists also often provide coaching services as well as therapy.
Further, look for a coach who’s completed an ICF-accredited training program specifically in ADHD coaching, or who has been credentialed by the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC). This is an organization of qualified life coaches who have proven experience and expertise specifically in working with the ADHD population.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The average cost of ADHD coaching is $75 to $250 per session. Expert ADHD coaching can cost even more. Some online platforms may have a monthly subscription rate rather than a per-session fee.
Unfortunately, because ADHD coaching is not a health treatment, it isn’t covered by insurance. This can sometimes make coaching sessions even more costly than therapy for some people. However, some insurance plans may be updating their policies to include coaching as the field grows, so it’s worthwhile to call your insurance provider to check.
You may also be able to use your Health Spending Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for ADHD coaching. Many online platforms for ADHD coaching are HSA-eligible. This can help you save on costs.
Finally, you can reach out to your Human Resources to discuss whether ADHD coaching costs can be covered as a workplace accommodation. If you are a sole proprietor, these sessions may be considered a business expense (fully or partially); however, you may need a prescription for ADHD coaching from your healthcare provider and consult with your tax advisor.
Online ADHD Coaching Options
Today, there are many options to get ADHD coaching online. Here are some organizations and platforms to look into and determine which is the best ADHD coaching service for you.
1. Shimmer
For: Adults and teens
Services: Individual ADHD coaching
Price: $230/month
HSA/FSA eligible: Yes
Reviews rating: 4.5/5
Shimmer is one of the largest providers of online ADHD coaching offering affordable support for both teens and adults. They provide weekly live 1:1 video sessions with certified ADHD coaches, along with AI-powered progress tracking tools to help you reach your goals more effectively. Their in-app resources include community body-doubling sessions, goal-setting tools, learning modules, and more.
Ready to try ADHD coaching with Shimmer? Use the promo code MEDVIDI30 to get 30% off for two months.
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2. Focus Forward
For: Adults (parents and college students)
Services: Individual coaching, parent coaching
Price: Contact for more information
HSA/FSA eligible: No
Reviews rating: 3.75/5
Focus Forward is a small ADHD coaching agency founded by Tyler Dorsey, who has lived experience with ADHD. They offer coaching for parents of children with ADHD, as well as ADHD coaching for college students and other adults. Although all of their coaches are experienced in helping people with ADHD, it’s unclear whether they have ICF certification, so it’s something you may want to clarify.
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3. Coaching With Brooke
For: Adults, teens, children 8+
Services: Individual and group coaching
Price: $700/month (4 sessions)
HSA/FSA eligible: Contact for more information
Reviews rating: 4.0/5
Brooke Schnittman, the founder of Coaching With Brooke, is a certified and award-winning ADHD coach. She and her team offer online 1:1 ADHD coaching as well as groups to both adults and children with ADHD. Their group options include adult ADHD coaching and accountability groups and a 12-week hybrid individual/group program geared toward professionals with ADHD. Every coaching package comes with lifetime access to their Discord and Facebook communities.
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4. ADHD Roadmap
For: Adults, adult students, teens, and children
Services: Individual coaching, Group coaching, Accountability calls, Body-doubling sessions, Individual and group support for parents, ADHD-friendly Virtual Assistance
Price: Contact for more information
HSA/FSA eligible: No
Reviews rating: 4.0/5
Julie Principe, the coach behind ADHD Roadmap, offers a wide range of coaching services for people of all ages with ADHD. Some of ADHD Roadmap’s offerings include virtual 1:1 ADHD coaching for adults, teens, and children, body-doubling work sessions, courses, webinars, and virtual assistance.
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5. Edge Foundation
For: Adults, teens, children
Services: Individual coaching, in-school coaching, community coaching
Price: $250/week (sliding scale available)
HSA/FSA eligible: Only if prescribed by a medical doctor
Reviews rating: 4.5/5
Edge Foundation is a reputable organization that’s offered individual executive functioning and ADHD coaching since 2005. They also partner with schools and community organizations to provide coaching for students. All of their coaches must have an ICF accreditation, as well as additional training for coaching neurodiverse learners.
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How to Get the Most Out of ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching is a collaborative process. That means to get the most out of it, you need to do more than sit back and let the coach “work their magic.” There is no magic pill for ADHD — a coach can help you gain skills and meet your goals, but you also need to put in the work.
To get the most out of ADHD coaching, consider these tips:
- Find the right coach. Although ADHD coaching isn’t therapy, a good, trusting relationship makes a big difference. So if you don’t feel a connection with a coach, it’s okay to look for another one.
- Get clear about your goals for coaching. Your coach can also help you get more specific about your goals. You may just feel a general sense of chaos and unease with ADHD. But try to identify what, exactly, would need to change for you to feel more in control.
- Be honest with your coach. Remember, they’re not there to judge you — and chances are, they live with ADHD themselves. They understand and know what it’s like to have ADHD affect your life.
- Be open to feedback. Your coach’s job is to guide you and offer you practical strategies and tools. They’re not there to tell you what to do, but they will give you feedback. Try to be open to it, because it could make your life better.
- Use it as a complementary intervention. ADHD coaching is not a form of treatment. It’s best used as a complementary intervention to treatments like therapy or medication.
Next Steps: Get ADHD Treatment
ADHD coaching can be a great complementary intervention to help you learn skills and strategies you may need in your everyday life. But it can’t replace professional ADHD treatment. To fully manage ADHD symptoms, most people need therapy, medication, or a combination of both. If ADHD treatment is what you need, then MEDvidi’s medical providers can help. Make an online appointment today to get connected to a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
