ADHD Therapist vs. General Therapist: Who Should You See?
When you or your child are struggling with ADHD, finding the right professional can feel overwhelming. You may search “ADHD therapist near me” and see dozens of results, but not all therapists specialize in ADHD. That raises an important question: Do you really need an ADHD therapist, or can a general therapist provide the support you need?
The answer depends on your goals, the severity of the symptoms, and the type of support you’re looking for. This blog will break down the key differences between ADHD therapists and general therapists, and help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you or your family.
What Is an ADHD Therapist?
An ADHD therapist is a mental health professional who has specialized training and experience in working with people who have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
What Sets Them Apart:
Specialized Knowledge: They understand the different types of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined) and how symptoms show up in kids, teens, and adults.
Tailored Interventions: They often use evidence-based strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD, executive functioning coaching, and parent training approaches.
Practical Skills Training: Many ADHD therapists help clients build real-world skills such as time management, emotional regulation, organization, and relationship strategies.
Understanding of Co-Occurring Issues: They are familiar with how ADHD overlaps with conditions like anxiety, depression, and autism, and can adapt treatment accordingly.
In short, an ADHD therapist doesn’t just provide a safe space to talk. They bring tools, strategies, and knowledge that target ADHD directly.
What Is a General Therapist?
A general therapist is a licensed mental health professional who works with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to stress, relationships, and life transitions.
What They Offer:
Emotional Support: They help clients process feelings, manage stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Broad Focus: Their training equips them to address many mental health challenges, but they may not have specific expertise in ADHD.
Talk Therapy Approaches: They often utilize talk therapy as well as other approaches depending on their training.
General therapists can be very helpful if you’re looking for someone to support you with overall mental health, relationship struggles, or big life changes. However, when ADHD is the central concern, their approach may feel less concrete.
The Key Differences:
ADHD Therapist:
Specialized training in ADHD symptoms and treatments
Focus on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and behavior strategies
Uses ADHD-specific interventions like CBT for ADHD, skills coaching, and parent guidance
Understands the overlap of ADHD with autism, learning differences, and trauma
Can help clients with both issues related to ADHD and general emotional support/coping skills
General Therapist:
Broad training across many mental health issues
Focus on general emotional support and coping skills
Uses general talk therapy approaches
May not have in-depth knowledge of neurodivergence
When to Choose an ADHD Therapist
You may want to seek an ADHD therapist if:
You or your child recently received an ADHD diagnosis and you want clear guidance on what to do next.
You’re looking for practical strategies to manage symptoms such as disorganization, impulsivity, or emotional outbursts.
Your child is struggling in school and needs support with executive functioning skills.
You’re an adult with ADHD who wants help balancing work, relationships, and self-care.
You’ve tried general therapy in the past, but it didn’t address ADHD-specific challenges.
ADHD is the primary issue bringing you to therapy.
You want to address BOTH issues associated with ADHD and other mental health concerns
An ADHD therapist can act as both a supportive guide and a coach,
helping you put strategies into action.
How to Decide
Here are a few guiding questions to ask yourself:
What is my primary goal right now?
Do I want emotional support and space to process feelings? (General therapist or ADHD therapist)
Do I want practical tools to manage ADHD symptoms? (ADHD therapist)
What hasn’t worked in the past?
If talk therapy felt helpful but didn’t improve ADHD struggles, an ADHD therapist might be the missing piece.
What resources are available in my area (or online)?
In-person and telehealth ADHD specialists are becoming more available, so don’t limit yourself to local options.
Final Thoughts
Deciding between an ADHD therapist and a general therapist isn’t about one being “better” than the other—it’s about finding the right match for your needs.
If ADHD is the main challenge, an ADHD therapist can provide targeted, evidence-based strategies that directly address those struggles. If you’re looking for broader emotional support or dealing with multiple issues, a general therapist could also work.
At the end of the day, the most important factor is finding a therapist you trust, feel comfortable with, and who understands your unique situation. Because research shows that the most important factor in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. So, go with your gut!
Process your emotions and learn concrete strategies to improve with ADHD therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re ready to learn how to better manage your time, get organized, calm your racing mind, and improve executive functioning, Fuzzy Socks Therapy is here to help! Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Contact us to schedule your appointment or book a free consultation here
Meet with Lianna, ADHD therapist
Start taking steps to calm the storm!
Additional Services Offered at Fuzzy Socks Therapy
In Scottsdale, AZ, ADHD therapy is only one of the services we offer. We provide a variety of services to support different needs. At Fuzzy Socks Therapy, you’ll also find therapy for children and teens, therapy for adults with complex trauma, discernment counseling for couples on the brink of divorce, social and executive functioning groups, and ADHD and Autism Coaching for adults and parents of neurodivergent kids. To explore ADHD therapy and all of our services, visit our blog today!
