What Professional Should I Find to Help My Child with ADHD?

There are several different types of professionals that can help children with ADHD. What type of professional you take your child to depends on the severity of your child's problems, the type of treatment you are seeking, and your personal preference. Your health insurance coverage could also affect your decision. Below is information about six types of professionals that commonly work with children with ADHD. Use this information to start thinking about what type of professional you want to work with your child.

• Pediatricians
• Pediatricians are medical doctors. They have complete 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a residency.
• Pediatricians are trained in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They learn a lot about physical health and diseases. Part of their training also focuses on psychological problems, like ADHD.
• Some pediatricians may have a lot of experience working with children with ADHD. Others may not have experience with ADHD.
• Many pediatricians are knowledgeable about ADHD medications. They can also give quick advice about how to help children do their best.
• Because pediatricians see a large number of patients, they do not spend a lot of time with each patient.
• If children need a lot of help, it may be best to see another professional in addition to a pediatrician.
• Pediatricians can prescribe medications and make referrals to other professionals.
• Developmental Behavioral Pediatricians (DBPs)
• DBPs are a special kind of pediatrician.
• Like general pediatricians, DBPs complete 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a residency.
• DBPs also receive a lot of training in assessing and treating psychological problem, like ADHD, in children.
• Most DBPs have experience working with children with ADHD. DBPs are also knowledgeable about learning disorders, depression, parenting struggles, sleep problems and more.
• DBPs see fewer patients than general pediatricians. They can spend more time with each patient.
• Psychiatrists
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors with additional training in psychological problems. They also have training in medications to treat psychological problems.
• Like other medication doctors, they have completed 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a residency. Psychiatrists complete a 4-year residency in psychiatry.
• Some psychiatrists are trained to work with children, some are trained to work with adults, and some are trained to work with children and adults.
• Psychiatrists are very knowledgeable about medication and medication side effects.
• Some psychiatrists work with other professionals who are trained in doing therapy-like psychologists, social workers, or counselors.
• Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat ADHD.
• Psychologists
• Psychologists have either a PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) or a PsyD (Doctorate of Psychology). They complete 4-5 years of education and training. Many psychologists do a 1-year internship.
• Clinical psychologists receive a lot of training in the assessment and treatment of psychological problems. Other types of psychologist (i.e. counseling psychologist or applied psychologist) may have training in these things too.
• Some psychologist are trained to work with children. Some psychologists are trained to work with adults. Some psychologists are trained to work with children and adults.
• Psychologists are trained to do extensive assessments. This includes intelligence or achievement testing. This type of testing is necessary if you suspect your child have a learning disorder.
• Many psychologists have experience working with children with ADHD. Many also have experience doing behavior therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy can help children with ADHD and their families.
• If you are taking your child to a psychologist, be sure to ask about his/her experience.
• In some states, psychologists can prescribe medications for ADHD. In other states, they cannot.
• Social Workers
• Most social workers have Masters Degrees in social work. This includes 2 years of education and training working with people. Some social workers have a Ph.D. in social work.
• Social workers often know about a variety of problems in society like poverty, crime, and psychological problems.
• Some social workers are trained in doing therapy, like behavior therapy or cognitive-behavior therapy.
• If you take your child to a social worker, make sure they are trained in behavior therapy or cognitive behavior therapy.
• Social workers often work with other professionals like pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
• Social workers cannot write prescriptions for ADHD medications. Social workers are often not trained in assessing for psychological problems.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
• LPCs normally have a master's degree in counseling. Some have a Ph.D. in counseling.
• LPCs have training and experience in counseling, therapy, and/or play therapy.
• Some LPCs are trained to work with children. Some are trained to work with adults. Some are trained to work with children and adults.
• Some LPCs are trained in doing behavior therapy or cognitive-behavior therapy, and others are not.
• LPC often work for other professionals, like psychologists or psychiatrists. Others work independently.
• If you take your child to a LPC, make sure they are trained in behavior therapy or cognitive-behavior therapy. Also, make sure they have experience working with children with ADHD.
• LPC cannot prescribe medications to treat ADHD.