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

Finding the "best" ADHD telehealth service, especially when anxiety is a significant factor, involves looking for providers who offer comprehensive care, understand comorbidity, and tailor treatment plans. It's not just about medication, but also about therapy, coaching, and a holistic approach.

Here are some highly-regarded telehealth services that can be a good fit for adults with both ADHD and anxiety, along with what makes them suitable:

Top Telehealth Recommendations:

1. Donefirst (now part of LifeStance Health in some areas)

   • Why it's good for ADHD & Anxiety: Donefirst specializes in ADHD diagnosis and medication management. Their providers are often experienced in handling co-occurring conditions like anxiety. They emphasize a holistic approach, which can include behavioral strategies alongside medication. They aim to provide ongoing care, not just a one-time prescription, which is important for managing complex conditions. Their providers are licensed prescribers who understand how stimulant medications can interact with anxiety and can explore non-stimulant options or other anxiety-specific treatments.
   • Note: While they excel at medication, integrating therapy from a separate provider might be necessary for deeper anxiety work.

2. Circle Medical

   • Why it's good for ADHD & Anxiety: Circle Medical is a more comprehensive telehealth platform that acts like a virtual primary care office, but also specializes in ADHD diagnosis and medication management. This broader scope can be beneficial for those with anxiety, as their providers are often equipped to handle general mental health concerns alongside ADHD. They can prescribe medication for both conditions and often have referral networks for therapy if needed. Their model feels more like a traditional doctor's visit, which can be reassuring for nuanced care.
   • Note: They are available in many states and generally accept a wide range of insurance plans.

3. Talkspace / BetterHelp (for Therapy-First Approach or Alongside Medication)

   • Why it's good for ADHD & Anxiety: While not primarily for ADHD medication management, these platforms are excellent for connecting with licensed therapists. For adults with ADHD and anxiety, therapy is often a crucial component. Many therapists specialize in both ADHD coaching/skills and anxiety management (e.g., CBT, DBT, mindfulness). They can help you develop coping strategies for executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety symptoms, which can significantly improve quality of life, often complementing medication.
   • Note: If you choose one of these for therapy, you would likely need a separate provider for ADHD medication management. However, some individual therapists might offer referrals to prescribers they coordinate with.

4. Local Private Practices / University Hospital Systems (with Telehealth Options)

   • Why it's good for ADHD & Anxiety: This often provides the most integrated and personalized care. Many traditional psychiatry or psychology practices now offer telehealth. A private practice or university system is more likely to offer both medication management and therapy under the same roof, or at least with seamless coordination between providers who regularly communicate. This is ideal for complex cases like ADHD + anxiety, as the treatment plan can be highly individualized, and providers are often very experienced with complex comorbidities.
   • How to find them: Use directories like Psychology Today or Zocdoc, filter by "ADHD," "Anxiety," and "Telehealth," and then look at individual provider profiles for experience with comorbidity.

Key Considerations When Choosing:

• Integrated Treatment vs. Separate Providers: Decide if you prefer one service that attempts to manage both (like Circle Medical or a well-coordinated private practice) or if you're comfortable having separate providers for medication and therapy (e.g., Donefirst for meds, Talkspace for therapy). For anxiety, therapy is often as important as medication.
• Provider Specialization: Look for providers who specifically mention experience with both ADHD and anxiety, and how these conditions often overlap. They should understand that stimulants for ADHD can sometimes exacerbate anxiety if not managed carefully, and might recommend non-stimulant options or anxiety-specific medications.
• Thorough Assessment: A good provider will conduct a comprehensive initial assessment that covers both ADHD symptoms and anxiety, and will differentiate between the two (as anxiety can sometimes mimic ADHD symptoms and vice versa).
• Treatment Philosophy: Does the service focus solely on medication, or do they offer or refer to coaching, therapy, and lifestyle recommendations? A holistic approach is generally best for managing both conditions.
• Cost & Insurance: Telehealth costs vary widely. Check if they accept your insurance or what their out-of-pocket costs are. Ask about initial assessment fees vs. follow-up visit fees.
• State Availability: Telehealth regulations vary by state. Ensure the service operates where you live.
• Therapeutic Relationship: You'll be discussing sensitive topics. It's crucial to feel comfortable and understood by your provider. Don't hesitate to switch if it's not a good fit.

Given your specific needs, I would lean towards Circle Medical or exploring local private practices/university systems with telehealth options first, as they often provide a more integrated approach to managing both conditions. If you prioritize ADHD medication and are comfortable seeking therapy separately, Donefirst is an excellent option for the medication piece.