ADHD Therapy Baltimore
Introduction to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ADHD affects millions across all ages, with adults representing a significant portion. Even though the “superpowers” of ADHD are well recognized the diagnosis also involves persistent difficulties with attention, organization, and impulse control—the main symptoms being inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can make everyday tasks feel exponentially harder, interfering with work, relationships, and personal goals. Treating ADHD often requires a comprehensive treatment plan including therapy, skills training, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Organizations like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) offer valuable resources to help individuals and families understand and manage ADHD. The primary goal of treatment is to minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms on daily functioning. With the right approach, it is possible to manage symptoms, harness strengths, and build a fulfilling life.
Understanding ADHD
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms—attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—vary from person to person but often feel like a constant uphill battle against your own brain. Common inattentive symptoms include difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, and trouble completing tasks. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may involve restlessness, interrupting others, and impulsive decisions. Additional symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings may also occur, complicating daily life. Many with ADHD also experience anxiety disorders, depression, learning disabilities, or substance use disorders, which can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. An accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential to tailor an effective treatment plan.
ADHD Diagnosis
and Treatment
Diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional assessing symptoms, history, and daily impact. Effective treatments typically include therapy, skills training, and pharmacological treatments. FDA-approved medications, including stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and the non-stimulant atomoxetine, are proven effective. Healthcare providers may adjust medications and doses to find the best fit, as these medications work by altering neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Side effects can include decreased appetite and sleep problems. For children ages 6 and older, combining medication with behavioral interventions is recommended.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD helps develop practical strategies for organization, time management, emotional regulation, and working with your brain’s natural tendencies. Medications such as stimulants and non-stimulants support focus and impulse control. ADHD coaching offers accountability and strategy development to build sustainable systems.
Personalized treatment plans ensure the best outcomes for symptom reduction and improved quality of life.
What is ADHD Therapy?
ADHD therapy supports individuals, including young adults, to manage attention difficulties, impulsivity, and executive functioning challenges. Effective therapies include CBT, behavioral therapy, skills training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), family/parent training, and support groups. Behavioral practice—rehearsing and implementing new skills—is key to modifying behavior and reinforcing positive habits. Psychoeducation provides valuable strategies for managing symptoms.
CBT is effective in boosting self-esteem and managing symptoms. ACT teaches mindfulness meditation training and acceptance to build a values-aligned life despite ADHD struggles. A supportive therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment, helping individuals develop systems and strategies that stick.
Meet the Baltimore Therapy Group’s
ADHD Therapy Experts
Elise Swanekamp, LGPC
ADHD Specialist
Licensed counselor in Baltimore
Elise works with individuals and couples experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. She understands how ADHD can affect every area of life—making work projects feel overwhelming, causing chronic lateness despite best intentions, and creating friction in relationships when symptoms are misunderstood. Elise uses a collaborative approach that helps clients develop practical strategies for organization, time management, and emotional regulation. She focuses on helping clients make value-driven decisions rather than impulsive ones, while also building self-compassion for the very real challenges ADHD creates. Elise recognizes that ADHD often shows up alongside anxiety and depression, and she addresses these interconnected challenges in treatment.
Cassie Ekstom, LCSW-C
ADHD Specialist
Licensed Social worker in Baltimore
Cassie works with individuals and couples struggling with ADHD alongside anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship challenges. She brings a direct, grounded approach that helps clients cut through the noise and develop concrete strategies for managing ADHD symptoms in real life. Cassie understands that ADHD doesn't exist in a vacuum—it often intersects with substance use (whether self-medicating for focus or impulsively using), relationship conflicts (when symptoms are misunderstood by partners), and anxiety or depression (from years of feeling like you're falling short). She's skilled at helping clients see these connections and address the whole picture rather than just isolated symptoms. Cassie's straightforward style helps clients stop spinning their wheels and start building systems that actually work for their unique brain wiring.
Zak fusciello, LCPC
ADHD Specialist
Licensed counselor in Baltimore
Zak works with individuals and couples coming to him with ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, substance misuse, and stalled creativity or motivation. He understands how ADHD can feel like having a Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes—brilliant ideas and energy paired with difficulty following through or staying organized. Zak's warm, genuine style helps clients feel comfortable exploring their ADHD challenges, and he knows when to use humor to help normalize the very real struggles that come with executive dysfunction. Zak helps clients develop practical strategies while also addressing how ADHD intersects with other life challenges like relationship dynamics and substance use.
Benefits of ADHD Therapy for Mental Health
ADHD therapy offers numerous benefits:
Improved focus and attention: Strategies to sustain attention on important tasks.
Better organization and time management: Systems that work with your brain.
Decrease impulsivity: Skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to make intentional choices.
Enhanced emotional regulation: Manage frustration and mood swings.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): Combines CBT and mindfulness meditation to improve emotional regulation and attention.
Increased productivity: Work smarter, not harder.
Improved relationships: Strengthen communication and reduce conflict.
Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms: Address co-occurring emotional difficulties.
Greater self-understanding and self-compassion: Shift from self-criticism to acceptance.
Improved self-esteem: Build confidence through skill development.
We Provide Evidence-Based ADHD Treatment
The ADHD therapists with the Baltimore Therapy Group use evidence-based approaches tailored for ADHD, including CBT, skills training focused on executive functioning, mindfulness-based therapies, neurofeedback, and Executive Function Coaching. Our experienced therapists in Baltimore understand ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition requiring specific strategies, emphasizing collaboration, compassion, and practical skill-building.
ADHD symptoms can present as predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. Therapy addresses core symptoms and co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem. Research supports that with proper treatment, individuals with ADHD can thrive.
What to Expect in Therapy:
Safe, supportive environment for exploring ADHD challenges.
Evidence-based strategies to manage attention, organization, and emotional regulation.
Addressing co-occurring emotional difficulties.
Practical strategies and systems to implement immediately.
What to Expect in Therapy:
A safe and supportive environment where you can explore your ADHD challenges without judgment or shame.
Evidence-based strategies and skills training to help you manage attention, organization, and emotional regulation.
Therapy addresses not just ADHD symptoms but also emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Practical, hands-on approach where you learn strategies and systems that you can implement immediately.
ADHD Medications
ADHD medications are vital for managing core symptoms in children and adults. Stimulant medications(methylphenidate and amphetamines) increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, reducing distractibility, impulsivity, and improving focus. For some, non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants offer effective alternatives with different side effect profiles.
Finding the right medication and dose requires collaboration with healthcare providers. With effective medication, many experience significant symptom improvement and enhanced daily functioning.
Behavior Therapy for Children Younger than 6
For children under 6, behavior therapy is the first-line treatment. It teaches essential skills to manage emotions and impulses through structured support and routines. Parent training is a crucial component, equipping parents with strategies to guide behavior and foster positive habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy for this age group, as research shows it reduces symptoms and supports long-term success.
What to Expect in ADHD Therapy
Therapy includes evidence-based techniques such as CBT adapted for ADHD, skills training, behavioral strategies, metacognitive therapy, and mindfulness meditation training. Neurofeedback may also be used to improve focus through real-time brain activity feedback.
During therapy, you will:
Build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Learn how ADHD affects your brain.
Identify specific ADHD patterns.
Develop organizational and time management strategies.
Practice emotional regulation techniques.
Address co-occurring challenges like anxiety or depression.
Gain self-understanding and acceptance.
ADHD Across the Lifespan
ADHD symptoms evolve with age. In childhood, hyperactivity and impulsivity are more visible. In adolescence, organizational and emotional challenges intensify. In adulthood, symptoms often manifest as chronic disorganization, relationship difficulties, and underachievement despite intelligence. A comprehensive evaluation by a knowledgeable mental health professional can provide clarity and effective strategies tailored to each life stage.
Preparing for ADHD Therapy and Treatment
Starting ADHD treatment is empowering. Seek qualified professionals who understand ADHD and can guide you through therapy, skills training, and medication options. Educate yourself about symptoms and treatments to work with your brain. Build a support network including family, friends, and support groups. Your care team may include therapists, doctors, and ADHD coaches collaborating on a personalized plan. Consistent practice and self-compassion help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Summary and Next Steps
Managing ADHD requires an individualized approach combining medication, behavioral interventions, and lifestyle changes. Medications, including stimulant and non-stimulant options, reduce symptoms and improve focus and impulse control. Behavior therapy, especially with parent training for young children, is effective and recommended.
Working with healthcare providers to tailor treatment to your needs leads to significant symptom improvement and better quality of life. Ongoing research and awareness continue to improve treatment options and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one struggle with ADHD symptoms, help is available to build a more manageable, empowered, and fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of therapy are effective for ADHD?
Effective therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral therapy, skills training, and psychoeducation.
Are medications necessary to treat ADHD?
Medications, especially stimulants, are often effective in reducing core symptoms but are most effective when combined with behavioral interventions and therapy.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes, ADHD can persist into adulthood or be diagnosed later, and effective treatments are available for adults.
What role does mindfulness meditation training play in ADHD therapy?
Mindfulness meditation supports attention regulation, emotional control, and self-compassion, often integrated into therapies like MBCT and ACT.
Are there side effects to ADHD medications?
Some common side effects include decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping, but these vary by individual and medication type.