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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition affecting children and adults alike—research suggests ADHD impacts 9.6% of U.S. children and 4.4% of adults[1]General Prevalence of ADHD. CHADD. Accessed 8/30/2023. . Characterized by symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity, if left untreated, ADHD can make dealing with day-to-day tasks difficult. But with proper treatment, symptoms can be managed.
Therapy can be an effective part of a treatment plan for individuals with ADHD, and with the rise of telehealth, receiving this type of treatment from the comfort of your own home has never been easier.
Below, Forbes Health highlights the best online therapy platforms for ADHD treatment, based on factors such as cost, insurance acceptance, additional services (like medication management) and more. Read on for our top picks.
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The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about mental health treatment that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our online therapy methodology for the rankings below.
Telehealth platform PlushCare offers online therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD. Users fill out an online assessment, browse available therapists in their state and can book a free consultation before selecting a therapist. Sessions are conducted virtually via the PlushCare app or website. In addition to its therapy services, PlushCare’s therapists may refer you to a board-certified doctor on its platform, who can evaluate you for ADHD and prescribe medication if deemed necessary. PlushCare does not prescribe controlled substances (like Ritalin and Adderall), but does offer prescriptions for non-stimulant medications for ADHD, like Strattera.
“PlushCare is a solid option for those with ADHD who are looking for online therapy, yet would also like medication management of non-stimulant medication as an adjunct treatment, if needed. It does not offer as many special features as other online therapy providers–such as text therapy or journaling tools—but I do like that its membership fee gives you access to same-day appointments and a prescription discount card, which may be especially beneficial for those with ADHD. Still, one major drawback to PlushCare—along with the other online therapy platforms on this list—is that it does not prescribe stimulant medication, which may be necessary for those with ADHD, ” – Sarah Davis, Managing Editor, Forbes Health.
Teladoc Health is a telehealth platform offering online therapy with a licensed mental health provider for only $99 per session (without insurance). Users simply log onto the platform, fill out a brief medical history and search for a licensed mental health provider specializing in ADHD in their state. Teladoc Health also offers psychiatric care as a separate service for prescriptions and medication management, if needed, which is a convenient option for those needing medication to complement their talk therapy treatment. Like many telehealth providers, keep in mind that Teladoc does not prescribe stimulant medications such as Adderall.
While our reviewer didn’t try Teladoc online therapy specifically for ADHD, she did join the platform looking for help with anxiety and work-related stress. “I experienced reliable video and audio quality during my session. The therapist was highly qualified and provided helpful advice and tactical next steps. After the appointment, I received a follow-up email and a PDF with tips on how to deal with stress,” Angela Myers, Forbes Health writer. Read her full review here.
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Thriveworks stands out for offering both online and in-person appointments in a number of states. Its network of online providers consists of licensed mental health practitioners, many of whom specialize in treating ADHD. Additionally, Thriveworks offers online psychiatric care with psychiatric nurse practitioners for individuals looking for medication in conjunction with their talk therapy treatment. While non-stimulant medication may be prescribed, Thriveworks does not prescribe controlled substances.
While our reviewer did not try Thriveworks specifically for ADHD, her positive experience with the platform may be applicable to those who are looking for convenient mental health treatment.
“As a busy freelancer and creative, I prefer the flexibility that online therapy offers…the therapist selection was pretty decent considering my filtered results, as I deliberately sought to find a female therapist who specializes in treating specific issues, utilizes a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) counseling approach and has worked with clients in my age group. In the end, I had roughly 40+ therapists to choose from.” – Johnaé De Felicis, Forbes Health writer. Read her full review here.
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Amwell, a telehealth platform offering an array of medical services, offers online therapy for ADHD treatment at reasonable rates. With appointment availability on nights and weekends, this platform is a convenient and affordable option for those seeking care. Additionally, its psychiatric services offer convenience for individuals with ADHD who may require medication alongside talk therapy (like the other platforms on this ranking, Amwell cannot prescribe controlled substances).
Our reviewer tested Amwell’s therapy platform, and while she wasn’t seeking care for ADHD specifically, she was happy with the service.
“I’m no stranger to therapy. In fact, after years of regular sessions, I consider myself something of a connoisseur. I know what I like, and my standards are high. Amwell’s telehealth therapy platform exceeded them…though therapy isn’t always an enjoyable experience, I found the four sessions following my initial phone session very helpful. I came away with new effective strategies, and I plan to schedule with my Amwell therapist again,” Mary Pembleton, Forbes Health writer. Read her full review here.
Have you considered ADHDAdvisor?
ADHD Advisor is your ally in the journey to managing ADHD and unlocking your true potential. Find the resources and community you need to thrive. Here's why we chose it:
Access the latest research, expert advice, and practical tips to manage ADHD
Get a free initial assessment to determine if a diagnosis appointment is necessary
Customized advice to address your unique needs and goals
Brightside Health offers a robust online therapy service that can provide care for individuals with ADHD, consisting of video sessions, unlimited messaging and the option to add on extra video sessions. The company notes that while it does not conduct assessments for an ADHD diagnosis, its network of therapists can treat ADHD symptoms with cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, Brightside may be a particularly good pick for individuals with ADHD who require medication management alongside therapy—the platform offers a bundled plan for therapy and psychiatric care, priced at $349 per month (a lower rate than booking each of those services separately). As with the others on this list, Brightside does not prescribe stimulants, but can prescribe non-stimulant medication if needed.
While she did not attend Brightside sessions for ADHD, our reviewer sought out therapy to stress less and sleep better.
“I gradually realized that my overall anxiety level declined even as my stress level remained steady. The reason? Using the strategies the therapist encouraged me to develop—the nightmare protocol, setting boundaries and cultivating a stance of acceptance—helped me become less reactive to stress, which is incredibly helpful,” Stacey Colino, Forbes Health writer. Read her full review here.
To determine the best online therapy providers for ADHD, the Forbes Health editorial team evaluated an array of online therapy platforms on a number of metrics, including cost, fee structure, insurance, BBB ratings, TrustPilot ratings, platform features, availability, additional services offered and more. Star ratings are determined solely by the editorial team.
Read more about our online therapy review methodology.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects behavior. It’s one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, but it can continue into adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD in children include an inability to stay focused, impulsive actions and excessive fidgety and squirmy movements.
The causes and risk factors of ADHD are unknown and are still being studied, although some current research shows that genetics can play a role. Other potential risk factors and causes may be brain injury, exposure to environmental risks (such as lead) in childhood, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery and low birth weight.
ADHD is considered a “chronic and debilitating disorder” with a significant impact on many parts of someone’s life, including their daily functioning, relationships and performance at school or work, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Children with ADHD may struggle in school, which can contribute to low self-esteem and depression, explains Laurie Singer, a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified behavior analyst. “Adults with ADHD often have difficulty in the workplace and with interpersonal relationships. For those diagnosed, ADHD can present challenges that range from minor hurdles to a debilitating condition. It can also place stress on friends, family, teachers and co-workers,” continues Singer.
A 2016 national parent survey found that many children diagnosed with ADHD also dealt with at least one other mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. About half of the children with ADHD also had a behavior or conduct problem and about three in 10 children with ADHD dealt with anxiety[2]Data and Statistics About ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 7/10/2023. .
Diagnosing someone with ADHD isn’t as simple as taking one medical test. It typically involves doctors and caregivers looking at a history of a child’s behavior in school and at home and seeing if it lines up with a checklist of ADHD signs and symptoms. Some ADHD symptoms (like hyperactivity) are quite common in young children, which can make diagnosis a bit more challenging. In children, symptoms should be present over a long course of time (at least six months), must be present before the child is 12 years old and must occur in more than one setting.
There are three different types of ADHD, and each person who is diagnosed will not experience the exact same symptoms or the same severity of symptoms. It’s also important to note that these presentations can change over time.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
This person experiences difficulties with attentiveness, and has problems with focusing and organizing. They may be easily distracted and forgetful and can struggle with paying attention, listening and taking note of small details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
This person has more hyperactive tendencies, like having trouble sitting still or staying quiet. They may come off as impatient, talk excessively and interrupt others often.
Combined Presentation
This person shows symptoms of both predominantly inattentive presentation and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
The best way to treat ADHD is with a combination of behavior therapy and medication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For children ages 4 to 5, it is recommended to try behavior therapy before going to medication.
“Changing the environment for an individual with ADHD, whether an adult or a child, and teaching new replacement behaviors are the crux of behavior therapy,” says Singer. “Behavior therapy helps to teach an individual that they can cope, succeed and that they’re not defined by the disorder.”
Online therapy can be a safe and effective way to treat ADHD. A 2022 review of online intervention for ADHD looked at six different randomized controlled trials and over 260 people with ADHD and found that online interventions for ADHD can be effective[3]Shou S, Xiu S, Li Y, Zhang N, Yu J, Ding J, Wang J. Efficacy of Online Intervention for ADHD: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology. 2022;13:854810. . While it didn’t look at therapy specifically, another small 2023 study looked at the efficacy of self-guided ADHD interventions done online and found that these interventions allowed for significant improvements in quality of life and self-reported ADHD symptoms[4]Kenter R, Gjestad R, Lundervold A, Nordgreen T. A self-guided internet-delivered intervention for adults with ADHD: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions. 2023;32:100614. .
Opting for online therapy has its share of advantages. As Singer notes, it’s usually more affordable and more accessible than traditional therapy settings. That said, she says it can be a little more impersonal than going to a therapist in person. “In-person therapy offers the chance for the therapist to form a broader understanding of the needs of the individual,” explains Singer, who notes “the strongest predictors of success with a therapy program, both in-person and online, will be the relationship an individual forms with their therapist, their commitment to following the established plan and the ability to attend sessions on a regular basis.”
An important step in online therapy is finding a great provider. It’s also important to look for a therapist who is credentialed in the field of ADHD and specializes in it, notes Singer. “This is an area where legitimate, trained professionals need to be the cornerstone,” she says.
Research and education is essential when looking for an online provider. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to look up credentials, notes Singer.
When first meeting with a therapist, Singer recommends getting a clear understanding of what the sessions will look like, as well as knowing what your overall goals are. “The expectations should revolve around specific, personalized plans so the motivation of the individual will be the deciding factor in a successful outcome,” she says. “Understanding what ADHD is, the symptoms it produces and some steps to handle it is one thing. But doing the work necessary to cope with the disorder is all on the individual. Motivation and commitment is key.”
Additionally, many individuals with ADHD benefit from ongoing therapy sessions, so while a set amount of therapy sessions is a good place to start, consider whether the provider offers rates that are sustainable over the long term.
A mix of both behavioral therapy and medication can be necessary for some when treating the symptoms of ADHD. If you feel you may need medication for your treatment plan, keep in mind that online therapists are not able to prescribe medication unless they are a psychiatrist, notes Singer.
“Only a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication,” Singer continues. A psychotherapist, board-certified behavior analyst or psychologist cannot.
Currently, stimulants can be prescribed via telehealth, a rule that was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed patients to receive medical care and prescriptions for controlled medications verbally. This rule was extended past the pandemic and expired in November 2023, but for existing telemedicine relationships established before that date, the rule extends to November 2024. However, many online therapy companies still do not offer this option.
Additionally, experts note that in many cases, treating comorbid conditions (such as anxiety or depression) can improve concentration and focus. Therefore, services that offer medication— such as antidepressants—can be helpful in catching any comorbid conditions.
Key Takeaways:
Product | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PlushCare | 5.0 | Learn More | On PlushCare's Website | https://plushcare.sjv.io/c/1955282/1496219/17168" rel="nofollow" | ||
Teladoc Health | 4.8 | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/teladoc-online-therapy-review/ | ||
Thriveworks | 4.6 | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/thriveworks-review/ | ||
Amwell | 4.5 | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/amwell-review/ | ||
Brightside Health | 4.4 | Learn More | On Brightside's Website | https://brightside.pxf.io/c/1955282/1043563/12658" rel="nofollow" |
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Jessica Booth is a New York-based freelance writer who regularly writes about health, wellness, parenting, food, travel, beauty and more for a variety of publications. She currently writes for Forbes Health, Insider, The Daily Beast, Brides, Redbook, Woman's Day, Women's Health, Scary Mommy, Romper and Life Savvy. Her byline has also appeared on Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, Greatist, The Inventory, and Bustle. She previously worked as the editor-in-chief of Gurl.com, part of Defy Media.
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
Ziv Cohen, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, and is based in New York City. Dr. Cohen is both a clinical psychiatrist, specializing in mood and anxiety disorders and a forensic psychiatrist with wide experience in mental health and the law. Dr. Cohen's clinical practice specializes in cutting edge treatment for depression and anxiety, such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment resistant patients. Dr. Cohen's expertise on a wide variety of mental health issues has been sought by outlets including CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, NBC, ABC, CBS and Newsweek. Dr. Cohen has been involved in a wide range of forensic psychiatric cases, and is an expert on violence and risk assessment. His forensic expertise has been used in military, civilian and criminal cases. Overall, Dr. Cohen's treatment philosophy is a holistic one, seeking to deploy the best in the art and science of medicine to foster the individual's innate capacity for psychological growth and healing.