The Power of an ADHD Psychologist
ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment
Services / ADHD
What Actually is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The core symptoms of ADHD include:
· Difficulty sustaining attention
· Being easily distracted
· Experiencing restlessness or excessive activity
· Struggling with impulse control
These symptoms also occur in different settings (think school, work, and home) and also interfere with relationships and daily life.
The 3 Types of ADHD:
1. Inattentive presentation:
This type is characterised by primarily experiencing difficulties with attention and focus. People may appear dreaming, have trouble organising tasks, and often lose track of details or instructions
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive presentation:
This type is characterised by an abundance of energy, restlessness, and impulsive behaviour. People may frequently fidget, interrupt others, struggle with patience, and engage in impulsive actions without considering consequences.
3. Combined presentation:
This type includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
PS. ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person. A proper diagnosis is crucial to providing the appropriate support and treatment for ADHD.
The Role of an ADHD Psychologist:
In Australia, ADHD can be formally diagnosed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. An ADHD psychologist can then walk the journey with you, providing support for you with an awareness of what you’re going through.
They have expertise in understanding the complexities of ADHD and its impact on a person’s life. These registered psychologists undergo specialised training in ADHD assessment, provide evidence-based treatment, and help people develop effective coping strategies.
Working with a psychologist can bring with it many benefits.
First up, they provide specialised expertise in understanding the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD.
Next, they tailor treatment plans to your needs and goals. Then, they help you find strategies to manage your symptoms e.g., improving organisational skills, enhancing focus and attention, and addressing impulsivity.
Remember: Psychologists have not undergone medical training, they therefore cannot prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.
Working Through ADHD
1. Questions, questions and more questions.
First up, there’s a lot of chat and info-gathering to evaluate your ADHD symptoms and their impact. There may be questionnaires, rating scales and observations involved to begin with; the goal is to gather comprehensive info about your behaviour, history and functioning across different settings.
2. Does it meet diagnostic criteria?
The diagnostic criteria for ADHD are outlined in something called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5) – a widely used tool among mental health professionals.
A Peadiatrician or Psychiatrist will refer to the DSM-5 when diagnosing you.
According to the DSM-5, there are two core symptoms: Inattention and Hyperactivity/impulsivity.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a person will exhibit a persistent pattern of symptoms that are:
1) inappropriate for their developmental level
2) be present before 12 years old
3) be present across multiple settings (e.g., school/work and home) and
4) interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-5 has specific criteria for each symptom domain and offers guidelines to assess the severity of symptoms too.
3. Ruling out other causes
Some conditions and other life factors can mimic or contribute to ADHD-like symptoms e.g., learning disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or even certain medical conditions. So if you’re wondering about whether you have ADHD, hit up the professionals (not Tiktok).
Treatment Approaches for ADHD
So, you have your ADHD diagnosis, what now?
There are 3 main avenues that are scientifically proven to help manage your ADHD, including a couple of trusted evidence based therapies.
1. Behavioural Therapy:
This is where we set specific goals, implement strategies and provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviours. E.g A therapist may work with a child with ADHD to develop strategies for staying organised and following instructions through techniques like reward systems or behavioural charts.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
This combines modifying thinking patterns and problem-solving skills. CBT helps people with ADHD identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more adaptive ones.
3. Medication:
Enhancing focus and attention through a combination of medication is often considered a critical part of ADHD treatment.
- Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, work by increasing certain neurotransmitters in the brain, improving concentration, and reducing hyperactivity.
- Non-stimulant medications, like atomoxetine or guanfacine, target different neurotransmitters and can also be super effective at treating ADHD symptoms.
Ps. Psychologists do not provide medication – this is something you’ll work on with your GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.
Seeking support
You don’t have to face ADHD alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, it’s important to seek help.
While medication can help, having a psychologist by your side is about having ongoing support – someone who knows the condition inside out and can help you navigate life with ADHD. It’s not just about finding ways to cope – this process helps you discover your strengths as well.
Seeking the support of a caring therapist who specialises in ADHD can be life-changing.
Get in touch with our us today and find an ADHD therapist on your wavelength.
Call (02) 9212 5469 or email [email protected]
If you’d like to be matched with a therapist, click through below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Indigo Project?
We are a progressive online counselling practice, providing telehealth services in Australia. Our passionate and experienced local team includes psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors, coaches and therapists that are trained to deliver online therapy to you in a safe and convenient way.
Whether you are looking for short or long term support through a challenging time, or looking to discover your potential, we want you to feel comfortable on every step of the journey.
Read more about Our Story
Telehealth: About Therapy and Online Counselling
What can I expect from therapy? What is therapy like?
Every therapist is different and their therapeutic style and personalities are all unique. However, all of our Indigo practitioners will hold a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you, where you are free to be who you are. Your therapist is there to listen to you, guide you, and help you overcome life’s challenges.
Generally, you’ll spend the first session getting to know each other, talking about your history and what it is you’d like to work through. From your second session onwards, you’ll get to go deeper, peeling back the layers and all the while learning practical strategies to help you transform and grow.
At Indigo we encourage our clients to have at least 10-20 sessions, because we believe that therapy is a long-term journey of commitment, growth and investment in yourself. After seeing your therapist for a while, you may continue to book occasional check-in sessions as you feel more confident doing life with the knowledge and tools you have gained.
Who is online therapy for?
Everyone is welcome to attend online counselling or therapy with one of our practitioners at The Indigo Project.
Online counselling or therapy via Zoom is an accessible, safe and convenient option for those who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments, or simply prefer to meet online. Whether it be a busy schedule due to work and family, health-related reasons or distance, online counselling can help you.
What issues are suited for online therapy?
Our team of trained clinical psychologists, psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors attend to a range of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues and more.
A number of practitioners also specialise in areas such as sexuality, gender and identity, addiction, sports and performance, personality disorders and therapy for children and adolescents.
Several therapists also provide services in marriage counselling and couples therapy.
Finding the best psychologist or counsellor for me - where do I start?
We highly encourage you to view our practitioners and use the filtering options to find a psychologist or counsellor who can help you with the issues you are seeking help for.
Meet our therapists and what they can help you with here.
If you need help, our Therapy Matchmakers team will be able to match you with a practitioner. Give us a call on (02) 9212 5469 or email us at [email protected] so we can support you on your journey.
What if I can’t see the therapist I had in mind?
Our therapists typically have capacity to see several new clients each month. However these openings can get filled up fast from those who have been on a waitlist. If there is someone that you particularly want to see but is currently unavailable, we can place you on a waitlist until there is an opening.
If you prefer to attend an online counselling session sooner, our Therapy Matchmakers can help you find an alternative practitioner based on your needs and what you are looking to achieve in therapy.
Meeting a therapist for the first time can feel like a first date. If you don’t connect with your therapist on your first or second session, we’ll pair you with a new practitioner and your next session will be on the house* as part of our Perfect Match Promise.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Can I make an appointment for my child or dependent?
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, you will need to make an appointment online or via the phone.
We have many psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors who have experience dealing with children and adolescents in therapy. See who can help here.
Someone I know needs counselling. Can I book an appointment for them?
Those who require online counselling or therapy will have to make an appointment directly with The Indigo Project via our online booking form or on the phone. We do not accept bookings on behalf of an individual or couple from a third party unless as part of an insurance plan, support scheme or similar arrangement.
We want marriage or couples counselling. Can we see a couples counsellor together?
Couples are welcome to attend online therapy sessions together with one of our couples therapists.
Do I need to do anything before my first session?
We recommend setting up for your online therapy session 5-10 minutes before it commences. Make sure your computer or phone microphone and video is working, and that you are comfortable and ready to sit through your session uninterrupted.
There’s zero pressure to prepare anything for your first session but if you find it helpful, you can jot down some points about specific things you’d like to work on or discuss with your therapist.
Are my therapy sessions confidential?
Everything you discuss with your therapist here at Indigo is absolutely confidential, and will not be shared unless you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
How do I pay for my online therapy session?
For first time clients, payment is made via debit or credit card at the time of booking. For returning clients, there are a number of payment methods available such as authorised direct debit or online via the payments link on your invoice.
Who to contact if you are in crisis
The Indigo Project is not a crisis service.
- If you are in a crisis, if you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or somebody else is in danger, DO NOT use this service.
- Call 000 or use these contacts for immediate crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Lifeline 13 11 14 - A crisis support and suicide prevention service for all Australians.
Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 - The Mental Health Line offers professional help and advice for everyone. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 - Beyond Blue provide support to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 - A free service for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide or are health professionals supporting people affected by suicide.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - A counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Parentline 1300 1300 52 - Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.
What else does The Indigo Project do?
Our courses, workshops and events are designed to transform the way you think, feel and live.
Not ready to commit to therapy? Indigo founder Mary Hoang has created Get Your Sh*t Together, a self-directed digital course for those who want to develop greater self-awareness, tackle stress and anxiety, and learn practical skills to help heal, grow and thrive in life.
Mary has also written a book Darkness is Golden: A Guide to Personal Transformation and Dealing with Life's Messiness that combines her experience in the therapy room with unique audio experiences framed by her research in music psychology.
Available for free download are a number of toolkits to help you combat your depression, deal with your anxiety or transform your relationships.
Although an online counselling practice, The Indigo Project believes in the power of community, and we often host events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for events such as Listen Up, a contemporary digital sound bath some describe as a “soundtracked therapy session”.
We are also available for corporate events, workshops and related projects. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to know more.