A specialist may best assess your child’s ADHD symptoms beyond just your primary care doctor. This may also include a psychologist or psychiatrist, social worker, speech therapist, and other mental health specialists.

If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they may face challenges that include problems in school and social situations. That’s why comprehensive treatment is key.

Your child’s doctor may encourage them to see various pediatric, mental health, and education specialists.

If you suspect your child has ADHD, make an appointment with their primary care doctor. This doctor may be a general practitioner (GP) or pediatrician.

If your child’s doctor diagnoses them with ADHD, they may prescribe medication.

They may also refer your child to a mental health specialist, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. These specialists can provide your child with counseling and help them manage their symptoms by developing coping strategies.

It is important to find a specialist with whom you and your child feel comfortable, but finding the right person might take some research and trial and error.

To get started, ask your child’s primary care doctor for specialists they would recommend. You can also talk with other parents of children with ADHD, or ask your child’s teacher or school nurse for recommendations.

Next, call your health insurance company to find out whether the specialists you want are in their coverage network. If not, ask whether they have a list of in-network specialists for your area.

Then, call your prospective specialist and ask them about their practice. For example, you may ask:

  • how much experience they have working with children and treating ADHD
  • what their preferred methods for treating ADHD are
  • what the process for making appointments involves

You might need to try a few specialists before finding the right fit.

If your child starts to see a specialist and struggles to develop a trusting relationship with them, you can always try another.

As a parent of a child with ADHD, you may also benefit from seeing a mental health specialist. If you’re experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, or other concerns, talk with your doctor. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist for treatment.

Finding ADHD care

You can explore ADHD care professionals on Healthgrades, searching by specialty, insurance carrier, or how close they are to where your family lives.

A psychologist is a mental health professional who has a degree in psychology.

They provide social skills training and behavior modification therapy. They can help your child understand and manage their symptoms and test their IQ.

In some states, psychologists can prescribe medications for treating ADHD. If the psychologist practices in a state where they cannot prescribe, they can refer your child to a doctor who can evaluate whether your child needs medication.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained in treating mental health conditions. They can help diagnose ADHD, prescribe medication, and provide your child with counseling or therapy.

It’s best to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience treating children.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced training at the master’s or doctoral level. They are certified and licensed by the state in which they practice.

They can provide a medical diagnosis and other therapeutic interventions. And they can prescribe medication.

Nurse practitioners who are licensed and certified in the area of mental health can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications to treat this condition.

A social worker is a professional with a degree in social work who can help your child cope with challenges in daily life.

For example, they may assess your child’s behavior patterns and mood. Then they can help them develop coping strategies to manage their condition and be more successful in social situations.

Social workers don’t prescribe medication, but they may refer your child to a doctor who can issue a prescription.

Some children with ADHD have challenges with speech and language development. If this is the case for your child, they may be referred to a speech-language pathologist who can help them learn to communicate more effectively in social situations.

A speech-language pathologist may also help your child develop better planning, organization, and study skills. And they may work with your child’s teacher to help your child succeed in school.

Finding a specialist to help your child live with ADHD is an important part of managing this disorder.

You may ask your primary care doctor for referrals to specialists, including mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and speech pathologists.

Want to learn more about ADHD to help your family?

You can find information, support, and other help in learning about ADHD and how it may impact your child and family’s life. Check out the Healthline resource center to learn more.