Choosing the right ADHD coach is crucial, especially with so many options available and the lack of regulation of the field (which means that, unfortunately, anyone can set up shop and call themselves an ADHD Coach, whether or not they have the suitable combination of experience and training to practice ethically and effectively). As a result, it can be hard to know how to find the right coach for you. Here’s what you should look for:

Professional and Lived Experience: Seek a coach who not only understands ADHD from a personal perspective but also has professional training. For example, I have ADHD, which was diagnosed in adulthood, an advanced degree and clinical licensure in a mental health field, and over 20 years of counseling and coaching experience. This blend of personal insight and professional expertise ensures that you get effective, evidence-based support.

Strengths-Based Approach: Find a coach who views ADHD as a unique trait, not something that needs to be "cured." A good coach will empower you to leverage your ADHD as an asset, while honoring and acknowledging the very real struggles it can create as they help you work through them. My approach focuses on building on your strengths and helping you navigate the world in a way that works for you, making the journey exciting and empowering.

Distinctive Expertise: Look for a coach who understands the emotional challenges of ADHD, such as struggles with self-compassion. I have trained intensively with Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, and these principles are foundational to my coaching to help you treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would a friend. I also have 20 years of experience in therapeutic and coaching-oriented roles.

Certifications: Ensure your coach has reputable training and certifications. For instance, I am certified by ADDCA, the first and most respected ADHD coach training academy accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Additionally, my clinical licensure in a mental health field also lends credibility, training, and experience that can be hard to find in the ADHD Coaching world.

Fit: Choose someone you connect with and who truly understands your struggles. The right coach should show empathy and be a supportive partner on your journey.

Ethics: Verify that your coach adheres to ethical guidelines. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified ADHD coach, I follow the ethical standards of both the NASW and the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring you receive professional and ethical care.

Selecting the right coach can make a significant difference in your journey with ADHD, so take your time to find the best fit for your needs.

Our journey starts with a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your goals, give you a chance to get a sense of my coaching style, and select the best session package for you. You'll then complete some initial paperwork to identify your unique challenges and strengths.

In our initial sessions, we’ll set personalized goals and create a flexible action plan. We’ll focus on understanding how your ADHD brain works, identifying your strengths, and learning how to leverage them. Each session includes reflecting on recent challenges, finding effective strategies, and tracking your progress.

My coaching aims to improve your focus, organization, and productivity. We’ll educate you about ADHD and help you understand your unique brain. Whether it’s mastering your routine, exploring a career path, or achieving long-term goals, each session is customized to support your journey and help you thrive with ADHD.

I work with a diverse range of clients—professionals, parents, students, and many immigrants or first-generation Americans—who want to manage their ADHD effectively and reach personal and professional goals. My clients include high achievers who value a supportive, understanding approach as well as those who feel they’ve never had the chance to realize their potential. I’m committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that respects and affirms every client’s unique identity and background. My extensive training in culturally responsive, equitable practice ensures you receive coaching that is both effective and deeply supportive of your individual journey.

Currently, I work with individuals who are 18 years (and no longer in high school) or older.

Yes, I am both a therapist and an ADHD coach, and I take the distinction between these roles very seriously. My experience as a licensed clinical social worker has deeply informed my expertise on ADHD, allowing me to hone my understanding of clients from all walks of life over the years. This background enriches my coaching practice, giving me valuable insights into the diverse challenges my clients face.

However, when I am coaching, I adhere strictly to the ICF (International Coaching Federation) code of ethics and do not act as a social worker or therapist. I maintain separate business practices for each role, ensuring a clear and focused approach in my coaching services. Similarly, once I have worked with a client in a coaching capacity, I am not at any point in time able to work with them in a therapeutic capacity, or vice versa (this is in line with the NASW Code of Ethics principle on avoiding dual relationships, and allows me to work in the best interests of each individual client).

For more details on the differences between coaching and therapy, please refer to the relevant FAQ question above.

Therapy focuses on emotional issues and mental health, while coaching helps achieve specific goals related to managing ADHD.

Because I am skilled in both areas, I can determine when to refer a client to therapy or coaching.

It’s common for parents, partners, or spouses to reach out with initial questions about my coaching, which I welcome! Support from others can be helpful in getting the process started, especially when someone with ADHD is feeling overwhelmed about where to begin.

This said, the clients I work with are those who, after that initial assistance with information gathering on coaching, are able to engage in the coaching process independently. This includes scheduling the Discovery Call/sessions, participating directly in coaching, and taking ownership of their goals and follow-through.

In situations where parents are seeking any ongoing involvement in initiating, coordinating, or participating in the coaching process, working with a coach who is able to incorporate family work as-needed is typically a better fit. ADDCA maintains a directory of coaches who work with families, children, teens, and young adults, which you can find here.