CBT for ADHD means cognitive behavioural therapy, a structured talking therapy. The Australian ADHD Guideline says cognitive behavioural intervention approaches should be offered to adolescents and adults with ADHD.
This guide explains CBT for ADHD, how it compares with other therapies, and how to find a therapist in Australia. For the wider picture, start with our guide to adult ADHD treatment.
CBT links thoughts, feelings and actions. A therapist may work with you on practical skills such as the examples below; what happens in your sessions depends on your therapist and goals.
The Australian ADHD Guideline sets out evidence-based interventions. Its clinician factsheet is available from the Australian ADHD Guideline.
Medicine decisions belong with your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist. Talk to them or your pharmacist before changing anything.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →Some people ask about an occupational therapist for ADHD to work on daily routines; ask your GP whether this suits you. Our guides on OT for ADHD and disability occupational therapy explain what sessions look like.
Questions you could ask an occupational therapist:
Several therapies sit alongside CBT. Which one suits you depends on your goals and history, so ask a clinician.
Our guide to managing ADHD without medication sets out the non-medicine options in more detail, and ADHD coaching is a different, non-clinical service.
A good fit matters as much as the method, so it is worth asking questions before you commit.
Some people prefer online sessions, for example if travel is hard. Looking for an ADHD therapist online follows the same checks as in person.
healthdirect notes adults with ADHD may have difficulties with family and work. Couples therapy may give both partners a structured place to talk.
ADHD is a recognised condition that clinicians diagnose through a proper assessment, and the Guideline estimates how common it is. Around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD, which means more than 1 million Australians (Australian ADHD Guideline GP factsheet). To understand its link to disability, read is ADHD a disability.
Call 000 in an emergency. If you or someone you know is in crisis, Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →If you are thinking about therapy, book a GP visit, bring a short list of what you want to change and ask for a referral. At TQN Care, our support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home, so everyday routines feel more manageable between appointments. Browse our NDIS services or make a referral when you are ready.
ADHD is a condition diagnosed by a trained clinician through a thorough assessment. If you want to talk about what a diagnosis means for you, ask your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
The Australian ADHD Guideline recommendation covered here is for cognitive behavioural approaches, not meditation. Ask your GP or therapist whether meditation suits you, and do not use it in place of assessment or treatment.
The guideline recommends cognitive behavioural approaches for adolescents and adults and lists medicines separately, so ask your doctor what suits you. Never start, stop or change medicine without talking to your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist. A therapist can work with your doctor.
Some therapists offer online sessions, so ask when you book. Check that the therapist is qualified and has experience with ADHD. Remember that an online quiz cannot diagnose ADHD; a full assessment is still needed.