Find an ADHD Therapist

Connect with UK-based clinicians and coaches who understand ADHD

Search for ADHD Specialists

NHS Service Finder

Search for NHS ADHD clinics, community mental health teams, and IAPT services.

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BACP Therapist Directory

Accredited counsellors and psychotherapists registered with the BACP.

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BABCP CBT Register

Chartered cognitive behavioural therapists with ADHD experience.

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Counselling Directory

Filter by ADHD experience, online or in-person, and sliding-scale pricing.

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Psychology Today (UK)

UK directory with filters for ADHD, neurodiversity, online or bilingual support.

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UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN)

Clinician training body with a list of NHS and private adult ADHD services.

View service map

What to Look for in an ADHD Therapist

Essential Qualifications

  • Registered with HCPC, BACP, BABCP, UKCP or another UK professional body.
  • Specific training or substantial experience working with ADHD and neurodivergence.
  • Understanding of neurodivergent experiences, masking, and reasonable adjustments.
  • Experience with your age group (children, teens, adults, or families).
  • Trauma-informed and culturally competent practice.

Helpful Specializations

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored to ADHD.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) or emotion regulation programmes.
  • Accredited ADHD coaching (ICF, ADDCA, ACO) or occupational therapy.
  • Executive function coaching and study/workplace skills training.
  • Support with reasonable adjustments, Access to Work assessments, or couples/family psychoeducation.

Funding and payment options

Insurance Coverage

  • • Confirm whether appointments are NHS-funded, private, or a blended pathway.
  • • Check if the clinician is recognised by private insurers (Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality).
  • • Ask about Right to Choose referrals (England) and any associated paperwork.
  • • Clarify prescription management fees and how medication reviews are billed.

Tip: For NHS routes, speak with your GP about shared-care agreements; for private cover, request a pre-authorisation code before booking.

Alternative Payment Options

  • • Sliding-scale or concession rates—ask about income-based fees.
  • • Access to Work funding for workplace coaching and assessments.
  • • Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) for university coaching and mentoring.
  • • Employer wellbeing budgets or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).
  • • Community clinics, charities, or group programmes (Mind, ADHD Foundation, local NHS recovery colleges).

Remember: Many therapists offer concessions for students, key workers, or those on benefits—ask before assuming a rate is fixed.

Questions to Ask Potential Therapists

About Their Experience

  • • How many clients with ADHD do you currently see?
  • • What specific training do you have in ADHD treatment?
  • • What therapeutic approaches do you use for ADHD?
  • • Do you work with adults/children/teens with ADHD?
  • • How do you stay updated on ADHD research?

About Treatment Approach

  • • What does a typical session look like?
  • • How do you address executive function challenges?
  • • Do you coordinate with psychiatrists for medication?
  • • How do you measure progress in therapy?
  • • What's your approach to ADHD strengths and challenges?

Professional ADHD Organizations

BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)

Standards and ethical guidance for counsellors and psychotherapists.

BACP guidance

BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies)

Register of accredited CBT therapists and training standards.

BABCP public info

HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)

Regulator for practitioner psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Check the register

UKAAN (UK Adult ADHD Network)

Clinician-led organisation offering adult ADHD training and best practice guidance.

UKAAN resources

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious of therapists who:

  • • Don't believe ADHD is real or dismiss your concerns
  • • Suggest ADHD is just laziness or lack of willpower
  • • Promise quick fixes or "cures" for ADHD
  • • Refuse to work with other healthcare providers
  • • Make you feel judged or ashamed about your ADHD
  • • Don't respect your lived experience with ADHD

UK pathways to care

Right to Choose (England)

If your GP agrees you need an ADHD assessment, you can request a referral to an NHS-approved provider such as Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, or Clinical Partners.

Ask for the referral letter to include your name, NHS number, and confirmation that the GP will consider a shared-care agreement for medication.

Practical funding

Access to Work can fund workplace coaching, equipment, and software. Apply online at gov.uk with medical evidence.

Students can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance to cover mentoring, study skills, and assistive tech. Universities often run drop-ins to help with the paperwork.

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