Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) 

ADHD treatment with medication isn’t for everyone.

We want our patients (and adults researching ADHD who land on our site) to have access to all treatment options, and we know that there is no “one size fits all” approach in the treatment of Adult ADHD.

Our practice believes that CBT is the next best treatment for ADHD after or in addition to medication treatments, and research suggests that CBT helps adults with ADHD more than other forms of therapy.

Studies have also found that a combination of medication therapy and CBT was more effective at controlling ADHD symptoms than was medication therapy alone.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of treatment that helps people either on or off ADHD medication learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing patterns of thought that have a negative influence over behavior and emotions. 

CBT is supported by clinical results and research evidence showing that the therapy delivers workplace and personal life benefits for those with ADHD — namely, higher self-esteem, productivity, and happiness.

Although CBT doesn't treat core ADHD symptoms — like lack of focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity — CBT can intervene to improve daily life struggles like procrastination, time management, and other difficulties commonly experienced by adults afflicted with ADHD.

Sessions may help you deal with real-world responsibilities like paying bills or completing your work on time, while also encouraging behaviors and activities that provide personal fulfillment and well-being, such as good sleep, exercise, or hobbies.

 
 
 

Who can benefit from CBT?

Anyone living with ADHD can benefit from CBT.

Over the past decade we’ve found that our patients fall into one of the three categories below:

  • One patient may find that they respond best with oral medications without CBT counseling from a therapist. (Only medication)

  • Another patient may find that they respond best with CBT counseling without the aid of medication. (No medication, only CBT)

  • While a third patient may find that they respond best when combining medication with CBT counseling. (Medication + CBT)

 
 
 

Are there any CBT apps?

Yes! Check out Inflow. Inflow helps you manage your ADHD through a science-based digital program. The program is available through an app for Apple and Android smartphones.

You’ll learn how to improve your productivity, organization, lifestyle, anxiety, nutrition, impulsivity and much more. Apply these learnings through skill-building challenges, ADHD-specific meditations, prioritization tools, and interactive journaling; make sure to also take advantage of Inflow’s community of experts and peers to help you on your journey!

Inflow is designed to help you understand yourself, learn about your ADHD, and develop new habits to help you thrive.

How do I book a free CBT consultation?

While we don’t offer CBT within our practice (yet), we are happy to announce the addition of therapist Kristen Baird-Goldman, LMFT, ATR, ADHD-CCSP as a by-referral physician.

Kristen is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD-certified clinical specialist. She is a widely known expert in the use of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for the treatment of adult ADHD.

You can contact Kristen directly by completing the below form. She offers a free 15-minute consultation so she can meet you first, answer any questions, and determine the best treatment plan.

Listen to Kristen’s latest podcast interview here, where she provides an easy-to-understand explanation of what CBT is, how she uses it with her ADHD clients and herself, the important role of discomfort, and more.

 

Kristen Baird-Goldman, LMFT, ATR, ADHD-CCSP

 

CBT FAQ

+ What does CBT cost?

While prices may vary in your city, Kristen’s fees can be found below.
Note: our practice receives no financial incentive or referral fee — absolutely none.

  • Initial 15-minute video consultation: Free
  • First 90-minute video appointment: $300
  • Follow-up 60-minute video appointments: $200

+ Other CBT therapists?

There are many excellent CBT therapists, but relatively few of them specialize in ADHD. If you’d like to find a different therapist, some good starting points would be: CHADD (and its National Resource Center), ADDA, the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), and the ADDitude Directory.

+ Do you accept insurance?

Kristen does not accept insurance. She will collect payment in full from you at the time of service. If you want to submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement, she can give you a receipt or “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance provider to facilitate any reimbursement you may be entitled to.

Your insurance provider will then reimburse you directly the amount allowed within your insurance plan (insurance plan specifics vary).

+ If I'm currently taking stimulant medication and want to add additional therapy for my ADHD, which therapy treatment is best?

Aside from medication therapy, our office believes that CBT is the next best treatment for ADHD, and research suggests that it helps adults with ADHD more than other forms of psychotherapy.

Determining the best therapy will be determined during your first appointment with your therapist.

+ Do you provide online counseling?

All CBT counseling sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPPA compliant, and easy-to-use telehealth platform. Established clients can also hold some sessions by telephone, if needed.

See a recap below from our most recent in-patient event where patients learned more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).