How to find an ADHD ADD Therapist in Austin, Texas
Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming experience in itself. Having ADHD/ADD and finding a therapist can really send you into overwhelm.
Because I am a therapist and I happen to have ADHD, I want to give you some helpful tips to get you started because the most difficult step can be where to start.
I’m going to make it very easy too by giving you only 3 steps!
Step 1: Get Clear
What do I mean by get clear? Take some time to imagine how you will feel when you finish up therapy. What is causing you pain now and what will it feel like to resolve that pain?
What would you like to see decrease? Overwhelm perhaps? What would you like to see increase? Time management skills and focus?
Take some time before you set out to find that perfect therapist to get clear on what results you are looking for.
Step 2: Research
Google therapist, your city, your pain point or diagnosis you are seeking treatment for. “Therapist, Austin, Adult ADHD specialist”.
Take note that the first listings on Google might be paid ads. I’m not saying you can’t find a good fit that way, just be aware of what makes a site list at the top of Google. You can scroll down and see a list of all the therapists that match your search.
Click on the ones that look interesting to you. Get a feel for their personality from their listing and do click on their website to get a better feel for them. Their “About Page” will give you information on their credentials, experience, and schooling.
Remeber those goals I had you think about for your treatment outcome? This is where you want to read about their specialty and how they go about treating it. Make sure that they are a specialist in your area of interest.
My pet peeve as a therapist is when a therapist list themselves as a “Jack of all trades”! I’m a great ADHD therapist, but no one is a great therapist for all mental health issues.
On my website it is crystal clear that ADHD is my specialty. I don’t list trauma, grief, mood disorders, personality disorders, chemical dependency, etc. I might know a little about those categories but that does not make me a specialist.
This is the biggest complaint I hear from my clients too is that they worked wth a therapist in the past that had advertised they worked with ADHD but come to find out they knew very little in helping my client.
I don’t think therapists set out to deceive clients of course, its more an issue of understanding how complex ADHD really is and how it can be a specialty in itself.
Step 3: Call Them
Ok, I know I just scared the shit out of you! Remember, I have ADHD and I know that we hate to cold call people! Guess what? The ADHD therapist knows that about you and will make certain to help you feel comfortable.
If calling is too much, you can email them. Yep, they actually read their emails and this is a very common approach. I make it a point to check my voicemail and emails daily because I know many people are more comfortable emailing me.
They will have a “contact me” button on their website that will give you more information on how to call and or email them.
The point of reaching out is so that you can take advantage of their free phone consultation. Most offer at least 15 minutes. This is a good way for you to get a good idea if they sound like they would be a good fit. Ask questions and follow your gut.
The therapist is also listening to see if you would be a good fit for them. Each therapist has their own criteria for “A good fit”. Mine is the client is an adult, motivated to do the work, and has a flexible schedule.
So, that’s it!
Get Clear
Research
Contact Them
After you talk to a few decide which one best fit the criteria you created in step one.
I hope these steps help to clarify and simplify the process for you in finding the right ADHD therapist in Austin. If you are still feeling stuck or uncertain, feel free to call me at 512 593-1445 for that free 15 minute consultation. I would be happy to direct you to the right person.
If you would like to know more about my ADHD/ADD services and processes, you can read more about me at www.suitablesolutionstherapy.com.