Condition

ADHD Treatment

If you often feel scattered, overwhelmed, or like your brain is working against you, you’re not alone. ADHD can show up as chronic distraction, disorganization, restlessness, or impulsivity, and can make everyday life feel harder than it should be. Whether you’re missing deadlines, struggling to stay present in conversations, or feeling exhausted by the constant effort to keep up, there may be a reason why. 

Did you know ADHD affects nearly 15.5 million children and adults in the U.S. (2023), yet many people go undiagnosed for years. It’s a condition often misunderstood, leading to myths that can prevent people from getting the help they need. The reality is, ADHD can affect every part of your daily life, but with the right treatment and support, it doesn’t have to hold you back.

At CBTAA, we offer both evidence-based therapy and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to support children, teens, and adults navigating the complexities of ADHD. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is known as one of the most effective treatments for ADHD. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis, ongoing therapy, or both, our clinicians are here to help.

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What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain regulates attention, behavior, and emotions. 

Those with ADHD have trouble focusing, staying organized, or filtering out distractions. They may become bored easily, fail to complete routine assignments, and may be disorganized. People with ADHD often feel restless, fidgety, and “on the go,” as if they are driven by a motor. Some individuals with ADHD are prone to daydreaming, forgetfulness, appearing spacey, feeling lethargic, moving slowly, and experiencing mental “fogginess.” ADHD emerges in childhood and can lead to multiple issues for adults, such as work and relationship-related troubles, and impairments in executive functioning or goal-driven behavior and planning. 

What is the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is now considered an outdated term. Today, all attention-deficit related difficulties fall under the category of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), whether or not hyperactivity is present. 

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What Are the 3 Types of ADHD?

Predominantly Inattentive Type
This form of ADHD is marked by difficulty paying attention, staying organized, completing tasks, following through on instructions, and maintaining focus—especially on tasks that require sustained mental effort.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type involves excessive movement, restlessness, interrupting others, acting without thinking, difficulty waiting one’s turn, and a strong need to always be “on the go.”

Combined Type
This is the most common presentation and includes symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. Individuals may struggle with focus, organization, impulsivity, and restlessness all at once.

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ADHD in Children

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children. While every child may occasionally forget things or act impulsively, children with ADHD experience these behaviors more often, and more intensely, affecting their schoolwork, relationships, and self-esteem.

Common signs of ADHD in children include:

• Trouble sitting still or playing quietly
  
• Frequent fidgeting, talking, or interrupting
  
• Difficulty following directions or completing tasks
  
• Forgetfulness and frequent daydreaming
  
• Struggles with organization, losing things, and time management

Early intervention is key. With the right support, children with ADHD can learn evidence-based skills through ADHD treatment that will set them up for success as they continue to grow up.

ADHD in Teens

The teenage years come with unique challenges, and for teens with ADHD, those challenges can be magnified. School demands increase, social dynamics shift, and greater independence is expected, all of which can be difficult for teens struggling with focus, organization, or impulsivity.

Signs of ADHD in teens may include:

• Difficulty keeping up with school assignments or managing multiple classes
  
• Mood swings or frustration with academic or social challenges
  
• Disorganization and frequently misplacing important items
• Poor time management or trouble meeting deadlines
  
• Risk-taking behaviors or impulsive decision-making
  
• Ongoing struggles with low self-esteem or motivation

ADHD treatment for teens can offer tools to help manage their symptoms during this critical stage of development. Therapy can improve executive functioning, increase emotional stability, strengthen problem-solving skills, and provide a supportive space to build confidence and resilience.

ADHD in Adults

While ADHD is often thought of as a childhood disorder, it’s important to recognize that it frequently persists into adulthood. Research shows that over 60% of individuals who experience ADHD symptoms as children continue to experience them as adults.

For adults, the signs of ADHD can sometimes be more subtle. You might notice:

• Chronic procrastination and difficulty completing tasks
  
• Disorganization at work and at home
  
• Frequent feelings of being overwhelmed
  
• Impulsivity in conversations, spending habits, or decision-making
  
• Difficulty maintaining focus during meetings or conversations
  
• A pattern of missed deadlines, underachievement, forgotten obligations, or lost items
  
• Relationship challenges stemming from distractibility or emotional reactivity
  
  

Adults with ADHD often experience significant impairments in executive functioning, which is a set of cognitive skills that allow you to plan, prioritize, manage time, and follow through on goals. Through ADHD Treatment, adults can learn structured techniques to improve organization, manage distractions, enhance emotional regulation, and rebuild confidence in their ability to achieve personal and professional goals.

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What to Expect in ADHD Treatment

At CBTAA, ADHD treatment begins with understanding you. We look at your symptoms, goals, and day-to-day challenges. That begins with a free 15-minute consultation with one of our clinic coordinators. From there, we’ll guide you toward the next steps. 

How We Treat ADHD at CBTAA - Getting Started with Therapy

The vast majority of clients begin ADHD treatment with therapy. Your first appointment is typically an intake session, where you and your clinician start mapping your symptoms, history and goals. Over the next 1-3 sessions, your therapist continues an assessment-focused conversation, which helps them get a better understanding of if ADHD is present and how it is impacting your daily life and how treatment can help. 

This early period is called a therapeutic assessment. This is not just about labeling symptoms. Your therapist is constantly reconceptualizing: what’s going on here, and how can we create meaningful change? From there, we transition into the treatment phase, which may include skills training, executive functioning support, compensatory strategies, and emotional regulation work.

Our approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective and well-supported treatments for ADHD. CBT helps individuals with ADHD better understand how their symptoms affect daily life and functioning. Through therapy, clients learn to build effective organizational habits, reduce procrastination, strengthen time management skills, and develop strategies to anticipate and redirect impulsive behaviors. CBT also supports emotional regulation and stress management, empowering individuals to set and achieve meaningful goals with realistic, action-oriented plans.

Depending on the age of our clients, we also may explore behavioral interventions, like setting up systems of rewards or parental training, which are also important for children and adolescents. These methods create structure and positive reinforcement, helping young clients internalize strategies that foster self-regulation.

ADHD Medication Treatments Paired with Therapy

While stimulant or non-stimulant medications are often prescribed to help manage core ADHD symptoms, therapy addresses the skills and emotional regulation needed for long-term success.

Medication may help improve attention span, reduce impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity. However, it does not teach organizational strategies, impulse control techniques, or emotional coping mechanisms. That’s where therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), comes in.

For many, the best treatment outcomes result from a combination of medication and therapy. CBTAA clinicians can collaborate with your prescribing provider, or recommend one if needed, to ensure a cohesive, well-rounded treatment plan tailored to you or your child’s needs.

When to Consider ADHD Therapy

Seeking therapy can be beneficial at any point when ADHD symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning or well-being.

You might consider reaching out if you or your child:

• Struggle to stay organized, complete assignments, or follow through on commitments
• Frequently lose or misplace important items like keys, homework, or phones
• Have trouble managing time, setting priorities, or meeting deadlines
• Avoid or procrastinate on tasks that require sustained effort or planning
• Find it difficult to stay focused, especially during conversations, reading, or long tasks
  
• Feel easily overwhelmed or mentally “foggy” despite strong effort
  
• Notice impulsive actions that cause problems at school, work, or in relationships
  
• Experience persistent restlessness, agitation, or emotional reactivity
• Battle chronic feelings of underachievement or low self-esteem

It’s important to know that ADHD is not a character flaw or a personal failing. It’s a neurological difference that requires understanding, not blame. ADHD Treatment can make a meaningful difference. Our team can help you manage symptoms, and uncover strengths that may have been hidden beneath the struggle.

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When to Consider a Neuropsychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive, 26-hour process designed to uncover what’s really going on—especially in complex or unclear cases, or when formal accommodations are needed for school, standardized tests (like the SAT, ACT, GRE), or the workplace.

Neuropsych assessments are not part of standard care for every client. Most people don’t need them to begin treatment. But if you’ve been struggling for years without answers, are navigating co-occurring concerns like ADHD and autism, or need documentation for accommodations, this level of testing may be essential.

What is the Neuropsychological Evaluation Process?

These evaluations provide a detailed understanding of cognitive, emotional, and social functioning and typically involve:

• Interviews: 1-4 hours of in-depth discussions to understand your background, concerns, and relevant history, which may include gathering insights from key people, such as parents, teachers, and spouses.
• Neuropsychological Testing: 4-8 hours of standardized assessments to evaluate various cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, processing speed, language, and executive functioning.
• Standardized ADHD Rating Scales: Structured questionnaires completed by you and, when appropriate, by parents, teachers, or others who know you well.
• Observations of Behavior Patterns: Careful monitoring of behaviors, reactions, and problem-solving approaches during testing.
• Assessment of Co-Occurring Conditions: A thorough evaluation for other potential issues, such as anxiety, depression, or learning difficulties.
• Scoring and Interpretation: Diligent scoring of the tests, comprehensive interpretation of the results, and integration of all findings into a cohesive analysis.
• Comprehensive Report: A detailed report summarizing the evaluation results, diagnostic impressions, and personalized recommendations.
• Feedback Session: A final meeting to review findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps or treatment options.
• Third-Party Consultation (as needed): We can share evaluation findings with schools, medical providers, or other relevant professionals, and clearly explain the results and recommendations, to support academic or work accommodations, treatment planning, and coordinated care.

When are Neuropsychological Evaluations Recommended?

• Academic accommodations or extended time on standardized tests are needed.
• Symptoms are complex or difficult to diagnose.
• There is a high level of functional impairment affecting daily life.
• Concerns exist about co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disorders.
• Previous treatments have been ineffective or provided limited insight.
• A detailed understanding of cognitive strengths and weaknesses is necessary for educational or career planning.

It’s a deeply analytical process. The evaluator gathers data from multiple sources and methods, then pieces it together to provide a clear diagnostic picture and actionable insights. This can clarify whether therapy is needed, and if so, what kind.

How Long Does ADHD Treatment Take?

The duration of ADHD therapy varies depending on the individual’s symptoms, goals, and life circumstances. Some clients find that structured short-term therapy (around 12–16 sessions) provides enough foundation to build lasting change. Others, particularly those navigating more complex challenges or co-occurring conditions, may benefit from longer-term support.

At CBTAA, we tailor treatment to your needs, regularly reviewing progress and adjusting the approach to ensure you’re moving toward meaningful, sustainable improvements.

Whether your journey is short or more ongoing, our goal is to equip you with tools that last a lifetime.

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Start ADHD Treatment in NYC with CBTAA

We specialize in treating ADHD with a personalized, and research-backed approach that helps individuals build confidence, structure and emotional resilience. Whether you’re based in New York City, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, our expert clinicians are here to support your growth and well-being.

Whether you’re seeking ADHD support for yourself or a loved one, we offer neuropsychological evaluations, and personalized,evidence-based care for children, teens, and adults.

Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our Clinic Coordinators. We’ll learn more about your goals, assess your needs, and match you with the right clinician for ADHD treatment or a neuropsychological evaluation.