Title: ADHD Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists & More
Headings: Doctor? Psychologist? Therapist? Someone Else? How to Find the Best ADHD Treatment Professional
Choosing Professionals
Doctor? Psychologist? Therapist? Someone Else? How to Find the Best ADHD Treatment Professional
The treatment landscape for ADHD is shifting rapidly. No longer are we relying exclusively on primary care physicians and family doctors. Adults and children today may also benefit from working with a psychologist, counselor, nurse practitioner, neurologist, and/or one of the other treatment professionals described in depth here.
Making Sense of ADHD Professionals
Family Doctor or Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
Psychiatrist
Psychopharmacologist
Psychologist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Neurologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PMHN)
Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Occupational Therapist (OT)
ADHD Coach

Content: PCPs are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication, however their time and detailed knowledge of ADHD may be limited. While PCPs receive some general training on ADHD and other mental health conditions during medical school, many offer only basic care — primarily medication management. Many refer their patients to specialists for more advanced ADHD treatment. At the same time, it is true that some primary care doctors have elected to take additional courses on ADHD and other mental health conditions, and are comfortable identifying symptoms and setting up a well-rounded treatment plan. Ask your PCP about her experience with ADHD, and don’t hesitate to ask for a referral if her knowledge of the subject appears incomplete. Visits to primary care doctors are covered by insurance. Mother and child with doctor
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Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
A pediatrician who believes your child has developmental challenges will likely refer you to a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. Like PCPs, developmental and behavioral pediatricians are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. This doctor, however, has additional training in learning disabilities, developmental disorders, and other behavioral challenges, and may provide a more specialized evaluation, counseling, and treatment plan than your family doctor can. One quarter of people surveyed by ADDitude said their child has saw a developmental and behavioral pediatrician for diagnosis;