What is the best ADHD telehealth for adults who also have anxiety?

It's incredibly common for adults with ADHD to also experience anxiety, and finding a telehealth provider that understands this comorbidity is crucial. The "best" option often depends on your specific needs, insurance, and whether you're looking for diagnosis, medication management, therapy, or a combination.

Here are some top telehealth services that are well-regarded for adults with ADHD and also have resources for anxiety, with a brief explanation of why:

1. Ahead (formerly Done.com, but they've rebranded and refined their services significantly)

   • Why it's good for you: Ahead specializes in adult ADHD diagnosis and medication management. What makes them a strong contender for those with anxiety is their emphasis on a more holistic approach that includes coaching and therapy referrals. They specifically state they treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression alongside ADHD. Their providers are often experienced in understanding how ADHD symptoms can trigger or worsen anxiety, and vice-versa.
   • What to expect: Psychiatric evaluation, medication prescription and ongoing management, and access to ADHD coaching which can be very helpful for managing both ADHD symptoms and the anxiety that arises from executive dysfunction.

2. Talkspace / BetterHelp

   • Why it's good for you: These platforms are primarily therapy-focused but offer access to a vast network of licensed therapists, many of whom specialize in ADHD and anxiety. Therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is incredibly effective for managing anxiety and developing coping strategies for ADHD challenges. While they don't prescribe medication directly (though some therapists can refer you to psychiatrists within their network or externally), having consistent, specialized therapy is a cornerstone of managing both conditions.
   • What to expect: Matching with a therapist who can provide ongoing virtual therapy sessions (video, phone, or text). You can specifically look for therapists who list ADHD and anxiety as specialties.

3. MDLive / Amwell / Teladoc (General Telehealth Platforms)

   • Why it's good for you: These are large, established telehealth providers often covered by major insurance plans. They offer access to both psychiatrists (for medication management) and therapists. The benefit here is the sheer volume of providers, increasing your chances of finding someone who specifically has experience with both ADHD and anxiety in adults. You'll likely need to search within their network for a provider with this dual specialization.
   • What to expect: You can schedule appointments with psychiatrists for diagnosis and medication, and separate appointments with therapists for ongoing talk therapy. The integration of care might require you to coordinate between different providers, but the convenience and insurance coverage can be significant.

4. Brightside Health

   • Why it's good for you: While Brightside Health's primary focus is on anxiety and depression, they offer integrated care with both medication management and therapy. Many of their providers are well-versed in diagnosing and treating co-occurring conditions. If your anxiety feels more debilitating than your ADHD, or if your ADHD diagnosis is already established and you mainly need help managing the anxiety and its interaction with your ADHD, Brightside could be a good fit. They use evidence-based approaches and track progress.
   • What to expect: Psychiatric evaluation for medication (SSRIs, etc.) and ongoing management, plus access to licensed therapists specializing in anxiety and depression. They might not be the go-to for starting an ADHD medication regimen, but they can certainly manage anxiety while acknowledging ADHD.

Key Considerations When Choosing:

• Integrated Care: For ADHD and anxiety, the best approach often involves both medication (if appropriate) and therapy/coaching. Look for platforms that offer both, or at least facilitate seamless referral between them.
• Provider Specialization: Don't hesitate to ask during an initial consultation if the provider has experience specifically treating adults with co-occurring ADHD and anxiety.
• Insurance Coverage: Always check if the platform and specific providers are covered by your insurance plan.
• Cost: If paying out-of-pocket, compare monthly subscription costs or per-session fees.
• User Experience: Look for a platform that is easy to navigate, with good customer support.

It's always recommended to do your own research, read reviews, and potentially schedule initial consultations (many platforms offer free or reduced-cost first sessions) to find the best fit for your unique needs.