International Coach Federation

Short answer: For most people wanting a non‑medication approach, the two best options are (1) ADHD‑adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a therapist trained in adult ADHD, and/or (2) ADHD coaching that focuses on executive‑function strategies, accountability, and skills training. Which is “best” depends on your goals (symptom reduction and coping skills vs. organization, routines and accountability) and whether you prefer a clinical therapist or a skills coach. Concrete services and brands to consider Inflow (getinflow.com) — an ADHD‑focused program and app that offers structured CBT‑based courses, guided programs, and access to ADHD coaches and clinicians. Good if you want a digital, self‑paced program plus coaching options. ADDitude (additudemag.com) — not a coach but an excellent resource hub with vetted therapist/coach directories, webinars, and practical strategies to pair with any program. CHADD (chadd.org) — national nonprofit that offers local support groups, education, and a provider directory to find ADHD‑trained therapists and coaches. ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA; addca.com) — one of the largest ADHD coach trainings; you can use their graduate directory to find credentialed ADHD coaches who trained specifically in ADHD coaching methods. ADHD Coaches Organization (ADHDCO/ACO) or International Coach Federation (ICF) — directories to find credentialed coaches (look for ADHD‑specific certification and client references). BetterHelp / Talkspace — teletherapy platforms that can match you with therapists who list ADHD specialization. Good if you want regular psychotherapy (CBT/skills work) remotely and often covered by insurance or at lower cost than private practice. Psychology Today directory — filter for therapists who list ADHD experience and CBT training; useful for finding local or telehealth ADHD CBT clinicians. Why these choices CBT adapted for adult ADHD (Safren’s protocol and similar) has the strongest evidence among psychotherapies for reducing functional ADHD impairment without medication. Look for therapists who explicitly offer “CBT for adult ADHD.” ADHD coaching is practical and outcome‑oriented: coaches focus on routines, time management, planning, and accountability. Evidence is still emerging but many people get meaningful, real‑world gains from coaching. Using both (CBT for skills + coaching for implementation/accountability) often gives the best real‑world results. How to choose a provider For therapy: ask about training in CBT for ADHD (e.g., Safren or other ADHD‑adapted CBT), how they structure sessions, whether they use worksheets/homework, typical length of treatment, and outcomes you can expect. For coaching: ask about coach training (ADDCA, ADHD Coach Academy, ICF), experience working with ADHD clients, typical session structure, cancellation policy, and whether they provide written plans or accountability check‑ins. Check for sample sessions or a trial, client reviews, and whether they do outcome tracking. Consider cost and insurance: therapy may be covered if the clinician is a licensed therapist; coaching is usually private pay. Practical next steps Decide whether your priority is symptom reduction (CBT therapist) or practical day‑to‑day functioning and accountability (coach) — or both. Use CHADD/ADDitude/Psychology Today to find local or telehealth therapists with ADHD CBT experience, or search ADDCA/ACO/ICF directories for credentialed coaches. Book an initial consultation (many offer 15–30 minute phone or video calls) to see if the approach and personality fit. If you tell me whether you’re an adult or parent of a child, whether you prefer in‑person or online, and what your top goals are (e.g., organization, procrastination, relationship issues, workplace performance), I can recommend 2–4 specific clinicians, coaching services, or programs matched to your needs.

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When looking for ADHD coaching or therapy options without medication, you'll want to find approaches that focus on behavioral strategies, skill-building, and environmental adjustments. Here are some highly regarded options: ADHD Coaching ADHD coaching is a fantastic non-medication option because it's action-oriented and focuses on helping individuals develop strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms and achieve their goals. Coaches work with you to identify challenges, set goals, and create personalized plans. ICF-Credentialed ADHD Coaches: The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest global organization for professional coaches. Coaching is a distinct profession with its own ethical standards and training. Seeking an ICF-credentialed coach specializing in ADHD ensures they have met rigorous training and experience requirements. You can find coaches through the ICF's "Find a Coach" directory, filtering by specialization. Why: ICF certification signifies a commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and a high level of coaching expertise. Coaches with ADHD specialization will have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and effective strategies for individuals with ADHD. ADHD-Specific Coaching Organizations: Some organizations focus exclusively on ADHD coaching and offer directories of certified coaches. ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO): ACO is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of ADHD coaching. They offer a "Find a Coach" directory and have a certification process. Why: ACO coaches are specifically trained and experienced in working with individuals with ADHD, understanding its nuances and best practices for support. MentorCoach: While not exclusively ADHD-focused, MentorCoach offers training programs for coaches, including many who specialize in ADHD. Their graduates are often well-equipped. Why: They have a long-standing reputation for training highly effective coaches, and many of their alumni have deep expertise in ADHD. ADHD Therapy (Non-Medication Approaches) Therapy can be very effective for managing ADHD, especially when focusing on cognitive and behavioral aspects. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD: CBT is a highly effective therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For ADHD, CBT can focus on improving executive function skills, time management, organization, emotional regulation, and reducing impulsivity. Why: CBT is evidence-based and has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with ADHD develop coping mechanisms and practical skills. Many therapists offer this, and you can look for those who specifically mention experience with ADHD. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for ADHD: While often associated with emotional dysregulation and personality disorders, DBT's skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness can be extremely beneficial for individuals with ADHD, particularly those who struggle with impulsivity and emotional overwhelm. Why: DBT teaches practical, actionable skills that directly address many core challenges faced by people with ADHD, such as managing intense emotions and improving self-control. Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or general mindfulness training can help individuals with ADHD improve focus, attention, and self-awareness. Why: These approaches help train the brain to be more present and less reactive, which can be a significant advantage for managing distractibility and impulsivity. Where to Find Therapists: Psychology Today Therapist Directory: This is a comprehensive online resource where you can search for therapists by location, specialty (including ADHD, executive dysfunction, behavioral issues), and therapy approach (CBT, DBT). Why: It allows you to filter by specific needs and read detailed profiles of therapists, including their experience and therapeutic philosophies. Local Mental Health Clinics or University Training Programs: Many community mental health centers and university psychology departments have clinics that offer therapy, often at a reduced cost, and frequently have therapists specializing in various conditions, including ADHD. Why: These can be more affordable options, and university programs often have cutting-edge research and well-supervised trainees gaining experience. Important Considerations: Specialization: When looking for a coach or therapist, prioritize individuals who specifically state they have experience and training in working with ADHD. The challenges of ADHD are unique, and a specialist will be better equipped to help. Fit: The relationship you have with your coach or therapist is crucial. Look for someone you feel comfortable with, who listens to you, and with whom you can build trust. Executive Function Skills: Many of these approaches will focus on improving executive function skills (planning, organization, time management, working memory, self-monitoring). It's often beneficial to combine different strategies. For example, you might work with a CBT therapist to address underlying thought patterns and learn coping skills, while also engaging an ADHD coach to help you implement those skills in your daily life and work towards specific goals.

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