The first step in treating ADHD is getting a proper diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional, like a psychiatrist. With Talkiatry, you can see a psychiatrist from the comfort of your home and you can schedule your first appointment in a matter of days.
Here’s what to expect in your first visit:
Evaluation: During your first visit with a Talkiatry psychiatrist, you’ll get to meet each other and answer questions about your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals.
Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition, if you have one. Getting a diagnosis can feel scary, but it can also feel validating to finally put a name to what you've been experiencing. Your psychiatrist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you on a path to move forward.
Treatment plan: You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your psychiatrist will provide supportive therapy throughout your session, and may also recommend working with one of our therapists. Our therapists partner with our psychiatrists to provide collaborative care.
To get started, take our
free online assessment, to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist.
Depending on your symptoms and needs, your psychiatrist may recommend medication as part of your treatment plan. Stimulant medications (or psychostimulants) are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity while improving your ability to concentrate.
Stimulants work by increasing certain brain chemicals which are important for thinking and paying attention. They usually start working very quickly to manage symptoms within a short time frame. Stimulants have been widely studied for their ability to control ADHD symptoms, and with proper medical supervision, they are well tolerated and effective.
However, stimulants aren’t right for everyone with ADHD, which is why it’s important to work with a psychiatrist who understands your exact needs and situation. Non-stimulant medications can also be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms—either on their own, or in combination with stimulants.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapy technique that’s been shown to successfully help treat the symptoms of ADHD. This short-term, goal-oriented type of talk therapy can help people with ADHD train themselves to think before they act, avoid unnecessary risks, and implement specific strategies to improve focus.
CBT can also help
disrupt negative patterns of thinking common in people with ADHD. Unfortunately, it’s common for people with ADHD to suffer from low self-esteem and negative outlook on life. For many, a lifetime of small mistakes, missed deadlines, and poor motivation can be extremely demoralizing. They may also falsely feel like these behaviors are “their fault,” which can lead to unhealthy self-beliefs. CBT can interrupt these patterns of thought, leading to higher self-esteem, productivity, and happiness.
At Talkiatry,
we schedule 60 minutes for your initial visit and 30 minutes for follow-up visits, which allows us to incorporate supportive therapy into your psychiatry appointments. If you and your psychiatrist feel you’d benefit from additional therapy, you can also work with a psychiatrist-therapist team in a collaborative care model.
