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

Finding the "best" ADHD telehealth for adults with co-occurring anxiety is a smart move, as managing both simultaneously is crucial for effective treatment. The ideal service will offer an integrated approach, recognizing how these conditions interact.

Here are some specific brands and services that stand out, with explanations for why they might be a good fit:

1. Brightside Health

   • Why it's a good fit: Brightside initially specialized in depression and anxiety, offering both medication management and therapy. They have recently expanded to include ADHD diagnosis and treatment. This makes them particularly well-suited for individuals with both conditions because their providers are already experienced in treating anxiety and can integrate ADHD care into that existing framework. They emphasize evidence-based care and offer plans that include both medication and ongoing therapy.
   • Key Benefit: Strong expertise in anxiety combined with newer ADHD services, facilitating truly integrated care.

2. Donefirst (or similar dedicated ADHD telehealth like Done.)

   • Why it's a good fit: These platforms are highly streamlined for ADHD diagnosis and medication management. If your anxiety is well-managed through other means or primarily stems from unmanaged ADHD symptoms, these services can be very efficient. They often have prescribers experienced with stimulants and non-stimulants.
   • Why to consider with caution for anxiety: While they can prescribe anxiety medications, their primary focus is ADHD. You might need to seek a separate therapist for deeper anxiety work, or ensure your prescriber is comfortable managing both conditions comprehensively, as opposed to just prescribing for each.
   • Key Benefit: Efficient and focused on ADHD treatment, but ensure your anxiety needs are also met.

3. Talkspace / BetterHelp (as a therapy adjunct)

   • Why it's a good fit: While these platforms don't typically prescribe medication (some offer psychiatry services in limited states), they are excellent for finding a therapist specializing in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), or other therapeutic approaches proven effective for anxiety and for developing coping mechanisms for ADHD.
   • Why to consider: Often, medication management for ADHD and anxiety is best paired with therapy. You could use one of the above services for medication and a platform like Talkspace or BetterHelp for consistent therapy. Look for therapists who specifically list experience with both ADHD and anxiety.
   • Key Benefit: Access to specialized therapy to complement medication management for both conditions.

4. Circle Medical

   • Why it's a good fit: Circle Medical offers broader primary care and mental health services via telehealth. They can diagnose and manage ADHD and anxiety, often with a more integrated approach to your overall health. They are good for those who want one provider or platform to handle multiple aspects of their care.
   • Key Benefit: A more holistic approach to mental health within a general healthcare framework, potentially simplifying care coordination.

Key Considerations When Choosing:

• Integrated Care: Prioritize services that explicitly mention their ability to treat co-occurring conditions, or at least have a clear pathway for managing both medication and therapy.
• Provider Specialization: Ask about the providers' experience with both ADHD and anxiety in adults.
• Medication Approach: Some providers prefer to start with non-stimulant ADHD medications if anxiety is severe, or carefully select anxiety medications that won't exacerbate ADHD symptoms, or vice-versa. Discuss this openly.
• Therapy Options: Anxiety often benefits greatly from therapy in addition to medication. Ensure the service offers this or can connect you to reputable therapists.
• Insurance and Cost: Telehealth costs can vary widely. Check if the service accepts your insurance or offers transparent self-pay options.
• State Licensure: Ensure the service's providers are licensed to practice in your state.

Ultimately, the "best" option will depend on your specific needs, the severity of each condition, your budget, and what type of provider you feel most comfortable with. I recommend looking into Brightside Health first due to their established expertise in anxiety treatment now combined with ADHD services. Always start with a thorough consultation to discuss your full range of symptoms and treatment goals.