Top ADHD Therapist in Houston
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD/ADD, is a neurological condition that affects nearly 6 million people in the U.S. Seen in both children and adults, a patient’s ADHD symptoms can range from fidgeting and squirming to simply day-dreaming. Behavioral therapists have also identified that these behaviors, if not checked, can persist and cause problems in a patient’s personal and professional life.
The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston has a team of trained ADHD therapists – that includes psychiatrists, ADHD coaches, psychologists and psychotherapists – to help diagnose and treat ADHD in patients who show these symptoms. Led by Dr. Dawn Brown—the MD with ADHD™—we believe that ADHD therapy should involve personalized care, community participation, and a strong treatment plan. Our mission is to empower individuals with ADHD by giving them the tools they need to live a full life and access to a community that’s there to support them. If you have concerns about you or your child possibly having ADHD, give us a call to schedule an initial consultation.
Diagnosing ADHD
At the ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, our therapists diagnose ADHD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Whether the patient is a child or adult, our trained ADHD therapists will determine whether their disorder falls into one of three main types of ADHD.
The first of these is predominantly Inattentive ADHD. Young children with Inattentive ADHD are mistakenly viewed as being spacey or apathetic, while adults are thought to be moody or anxious. Before our ADHD therapists in Houston can diagnose you or your child with Inattentive ADHD, they must observe at least six of the following symptoms:
- Inability to pay close attention or makes careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining attention or focus
- Having trouble listening when spoken to
- Not able to follow through on instructions or failing to finish tasks
- Lacking organizational skills
- Avoiding tasks that involve sustained mental effort
- Losing items necessary to complete tasks
- Easily distracted by foreign or external stimuli
- Forgetful regarding daily activities
ADHD therapists have noted that more girls are diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD than boys.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is the second type that generally comes to mind when we think of ADHD patients; people who are highly energetic, have trouble keeping still, and speak out of turn or in inappropriate situations. People with this type might also show signs of inattentiveness, but they’re not as obvious as the other symptoms appear. To be diagnosed with predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, therapists must observe at least six of the following symptoms:
- Squirming, fidgeting, or feeling restless
- Trouble remaining seated
- Running or climbing in inappropriate settings
- Difficulty engaging in quiet activities
- Always “on the go”
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers or inappropriate comments before they’re called on
- Difficulty waiting on their turn
- Interrupting others or butting into activities
The third type is Combination ADHD. As the name suggests, patients experience a combination of the first two types; they would display inattentiveness as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
If you’re concerned that you or your child are showing signs of any of the types of ADHD, your first step is to schedule a consultation with a therapist at Houston’s ADHD Wellness Center. Once they’ve performed a diagnosis they will be able to suggest the best treatment methods in order to help your particular type of ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD
People are unique, so it makes sense that ADHD can manifest itself differently in each patient. It also means that effective ADHD treatment needs to be individualized. The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, under the leadership of Dr. Dawn, utilizes a variety of methods for treatment. From ADHD coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy to non-stimulant solutions, our providers prescribe a balanced course of treatment, tailored specially for each patient.
The first treatment method is ADHD Coaching, a supportive and collaborative process in which coach and client work together to determine behavior management goals. An ADHD coach helps to identify behaviors that act as obstacles to achieving a person’s goals, then helps develop the skills, techniques, strategies, and interventions required to realistically overcome the hurdles and accomplish those objectives. It develops trust in the coach-client relationship, the process, and the outcome.
Unlike psychotherapy, ADHD coaching does not necessarily explore how a person’s past affects their present. It focuses on identifying tasks, establishing priorities, and creating an action plan. Although ADHD coaches might operate in a role similar to that of a therapist, a coach is more involved in a direct manner. For example, an ADHD coach provides unreserved advice, while psychotherapists avoid doing so. ADHD coaches are also less likely to address or challenge a person’s beliefs, since that is a characteristic feature of psychotherapy work. Ultimately,
ADHD coaching is a means for helping individuals become successful on their
terms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another form of therapy that aims to correct a patient’s behavior by modifying dysfunctional thoughts, helping them to self-regulate their feelings and actions. CBT is a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that operates with the theory that our cognitions—or “automatic thoughts”—alter how we feel about ourselves, which leads to practical difficulties. Mental health professionals have found tremendous success with cognitive behavioral therapy for children with ADHD, as it helps correct negative patterns of thinking at a young age. Even adults with ADHD can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. By changing their unhealthy, inner monologue to a more productive thought process, adults with ADHD have a better chance of achieving their personal and professional goals, and improving their overall mental health.
Neurological Testing is a type of psychological testing that evaluates a patient’s sensory neuron and motor responses (reflexes) to determine if their nervous system is damaged or impaired. While The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston does not believe this type of psychological testing is always necessary or appropriate, it can be used in order to help to rule out other conditions that appear similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder, or depression.
Depending on a patient’s type and severity of ADHD, at times psychiatrists may prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. These medications—stimulant or non-stimulant—may be specified as the sole treatment or in conjunction with ADHD coaching, counseling, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Our therapists at The ADHD Wellness Center of Houston know that an ADHD treatment plan is not a “one size fits all.” Under the guidance of Dr. Dawn, someone with a unique perspective of ADHD, our therapists prescribe a variety of treatment methods based on each individual, after a careful and precise diagnosis. Whether the treatment includes just cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of behavior modification with medication, it goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Our ADHD therapists stress the importance of having a strong support system, a healthy diet, and a regular routine that includes exercise. In doing so, we treat the person as a whole rather than a collection of symptoms.
Once you schedule your appointment at the ADHD Wellness Center of Houston, we’ll help you prepare for your first visit, really listen during your appointments, and give you actual answers and treatment options. We know that “real progress is a real possibility” and we’re always excited to help our patients, new or old, continuing our success as the Champions of the ADHD community!
