Are you struggling with traits of impulsiveness or persistent inattention that interferes with your everyday responsibilities, relationships, and functioning? Have you been previously diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are seeking a trained therapist to support you with practical coping skills and compassionate understanding?

At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of ADHD therapists in Massachusetts offer detailed assessments and psychological services required for an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Our therapists will then work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include several evidence-based therapies that best suit your needs and lifestyle. 

Our ADHD psychiatrists will work with you to find the appropriate medication and develop a medication management plan to treat your symptoms of ADHD. 

You may also receive support and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and developmental-disabilities.

If you or your loved one is struggling with ADHD or searching for clarity, we are here for you. 

Our ADHD therapists and psychiatrists are available for appointments online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick offices. Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common developmental disability that affects an individual’s ability to self-regulate in many areas of life, including attention, emotions, and behaviors. ADHD is marked by persistent inattention and/or impulsivity-hyperactivity that affects everyday responsibilities, relationships, and functioning. 

While people without ADHD experience some degree of impulsiveness or inattentiveness, people with ADHD experience behavioral and emotional symptoms more often and which interfere with everyday life.

What are the Different Types of ADHD?

There are three types of ADHD, each associated with its own characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, or both. 

Like any mental health condition, it’s common for people to experience the same symptoms in different ways. A trained ADHD therapist provides effective tools for treating your individual experiences and traits of ADHD. 

Characteristics of Inattentive Type:

• Forget details and distracted easily
• Get bored quickly
• Have difficulty concentrating on a single task
• Difficulty organizing thoughts and absorbing new information
• Lose supplies needed to complete tasks
• Difficulty listening
• Moving slowly or appear as if they’re daydreaming
• Process information more slowly than others 
• Difficulty following directions

Characteristics of Hyperactivity-Impulsive Type:

• Fidget or feel restless often
• Difficulty sitting still
• Talk constantly
• Touch and play with objects, even when at inappropriate times
• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
• Constantly “on the go”
• Impatient
• Blurt out answers or information at inappropriate times

Characteristics of Combined Type:

Individuals with the combination type of ADHD may experience a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. 

Treatment Options and Therapy for ADHD in Massachusetts:

Diagnosis is the first step towards treating ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation will be needed by your physician or mental health professional. Once an assessment is made, you will work with your ADHD therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan.

For adults, the most common and effective treatment for ADHD includes:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aims to decrease the inattention and impulsivity symptoms caused by ADHD by modifying the way an individual thinks and reacts. 

The cognitive element of CBT helps people to change how they think about a challenging situation. The client will learn to identify and change negative thinking patterns so that their thoughts are more aligned with successes, confidence, and clarity. 

The behavioral element of CBT helps people change how they react behaviorally towards an unwanted or problematic situation. The client will learn strategies which promote relaxation and quiet the mind; communication skills training and exposure therapy, which will help them overcome fears and avoidance.

2. Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) aims to help clients with ADHD manage emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and hyperactivity issues. The client will learn skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance to better cope with their symptoms and improve overall functioning. 
3. ADHD Coaching helps individuals with ADHD organize and take agency over their lives. Coaches will help clients achieve emotional and intellectual growth, strong social skills, effective learning techniques, career exploration, and intentional financial planning.
4. Family Therapy can help support children living with ADHD and help the whole family work better together. Treatment can be parent-directed or include the client’s child in sessions. As a result, it can help teach the family to work together as a unit; strengthen the child’s sense of control; improve the child’s performance at school, home, and in the community; and show the parent/caregiver more effective ways to parent. 
5. ADHD Medication treats the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Medications work by increasing the levels of chemicals, or neurotransmitters in the client’s brain. ADHD medications aim to help clients ignore distractions, pay attention, and control their behavior, resulting in long term improvement in the clients quality of life.

The client will work with their provider or psychiatrist to find the right medication and dosage. There will be frequent appointments to monitor the client’s condition, any side effects from the medication, and make sure the medication remains effective.

Find ADHD Treatment and Therapy in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, our highly trained and compassionate therapists understand the unique challenges and needs of people living with ADHD. Both children and adults with ADHD will learn to understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and live an empowered and fulfilled life.

Our team of therapists will help you identify and overcome challenges related to living with ADHD, such as procrastination, organization, impulsivity, and time management. 

Our ADHD therapists and psychiatrists are available for appointments online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Franklin, West Springfield, Wilbraham, or Natick offices. Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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