San Diego Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) Treatment
What is ADHD?
Do you have trouble concentrating for a prolonged period of time? Do you get sidetracked easily? Do you lose things often? Do these symptoms cause difficulties at your work or arguments in your family? Do you have a child who is restless, jumps up in class, talks excessively, and has boundless energy? Does your child have a hard time paying attention, finishing homework, get in trouble in school for talking over the teacher, not being able to listen in class and interrupting often? All these signs can be symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
When these behaviors appear in at least two important areas of life (work/home or school/home) and interfere with one’s life, ADHD is often diagnosed. Unfortunately, ADHD sometimes coexists with other psychological and behavioral problems. Children with ADHD are also prone to being defiant, oppositional or struggle with counseling for children with anxiety and depression. Adults can also experience anxiety and depression as well as difficulty in social settings and the work environment. The good news is, we can help. San Diego Seeking Therapy Counseling Services professionals use evidence-based practices. Since we use scientifically supported treatments for ADHD, there is good reason to believe your or your child’s problems can begin to improve very soon.
ADHD in Adults: Symptoms & Facts
Around 5 percent of adults in the U.S. have ADHD, and about 60 percent of children with ADHD carry it into adulthood — though many adults are never diagnosed or treated. Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to finish tasks on time, stay organized, focus, remember information, and follow directions, which can create problems at school, home, or work. Related challenges can include motivation, relationships, procrastination, mood swings, self-esteem, and impulsiveness.
It’s important to get a full mental health evaluation if you believe you have ADHD, since it can co-occur with conditions like anxiety, mood disorders, addiction, or learning disabilities. A typical adult ADHD treatment plan may combine education, therapy, medication, and building a support system to help you feel more in control of daily life.
How Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Can Help with
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of both child and adult ADHD. Warm, caring, professionals can offer CBT therapy through secure online sessions at Seeking Therapy Counseling Services, serving Chula Vista and San Diego County. Our compassionate therapists have been extensively trained in scientifically supported techniques to efficiently reduce your and your child’s suffering. We also work with experienced and knowledgeable psychiatrists if we determine that medication could be helpful. We know it is not easy to get started, but we are here to help you get on the path to a better life. For information about CBT therapy, please email or call San Diego Seeking Therapy Counseling Services, and a therapist will be there to answer your questions. Your privacy and comfort are a priority, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your and your child’s problems and their treatment.
ADHD in Children vs. ADHD in Adults
ADHD looks different depending on age, which is why we tailor treatment rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. In children, ADHD often shows up as difficulty sitting still, interrupting in class, or struggling to complete homework independently. In adults, it more often shows up as chronic disorganization, trouble managing time and stress, missed deadlines, or feeling overwhelmed juggling work and home responsibilities. Recognizing which pattern fits you or your child helps your therapist build a treatment plan — whether that is parent coaching and school-based strategies for kids, or practical stress-management and organizational tools for adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Treatment
Can ADHD be managed without medication?
Yes, for many clients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, coaching-style strategies, and structured routines can meaningfully reduce ADHD symptoms on their own. For others, therapy alongside medication managed by a psychiatrist works best. We help you and your family weigh these options rather than assuming one path fits everyone.
How does stress affect ADHD symptoms?
Stress tends to amplify ADHD symptoms — making it harder to focus, regulate emotions, and follow through on tasks. Part of treatment often includes building sustainable stress-management habits, since a calmer nervous system makes the core ADHD strategies easier to actually use day to day.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
“ADD” is an older term that is now classified under ADHD as the predominantly inattentive presentation — meaning distractibility and disorganization without much hyperactivity. Most clinicians today simply use ADHD with a specifier for inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation.
Find an ADHD Therapist San Diego Families Trust
Looking for an ADHD therapist in San Diego can feel overwhelming, especially when focus and follow-through are the very things you are struggling with. At Seeking Therapy Counseling Services, ADHD therapy is offered to adults, teens and children by Michelle Landeros, a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #115130). Our practice is based in Chula Vista and serves residents across San Diego County, with secure online sessions in English or Spanish.
What Type of Therapist Is Best for ADHD?
The best fit is usually a licensed mental health professional with ADHD experience who uses structured, skills-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A psychiatrist can evaluate and manage medication, while a therapist focuses on daily strategies, emotions and relationships. Many individuals benefit from both, and we work with experienced psychiatrists when medication may be helpful.
Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms generally fall into three presentations. Someone with the inattentive presentation may lose track of tasks, miss details or drift during conversations. The hyperactive-impulsive presentation can look like restlessness, interrupting or acting before thinking. The combined presentation includes both. Knowing which pattern fits helps your therapist choose the right strategies for you or your child.
ADHD Diagnosis, Testing and Evaluation in San Diego, CA
An ADHD diagnosis starts with a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, history and how attention issues affect work, school and home. If you have questions about ADHD testing, a formal diagnostic evaluation or medication management, bring them to your free 10-minute phone consultation. We can talk through your next steps and coordinate with a psychiatrist or your doctor when appropriate.
Comprehensive ADHD Care: Evidence-Based Support for Executive Functioning
We build a step-by-step plan around the areas that affect daily life most. Depending on your goals, therapy may include:
- Breaking large tasks into smaller, realistic steps
- Time management and organization strategies
- Staying focused on goals and working through obstacles
- Managing emotions, stress and frustration
- Rebuilding self-esteem after years of feeling behind
ADHD Management at Work and in Every Relationship
ADHD rarely shows up alone. Many clients also deal with anxiety or depression, and missed details or forgotten plans can strain relationships at home and at work. Therapy can address these concerns together. When ADHD is affecting a partnership, our couples therapy can help both partners understand what is happening and respond differently.
ADHD Therapy for Your Child or Teen: Parent Support and Education
Children and teens do best when the adults around them are part of the plan. Along with individual support, we offer parent coaching and practical school and home strategies. Learn more about child and teen therapy.
ADHD Therapy Services in Chula Vista and San Diego, CA
We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna and ComPsych, and can provide a superbill for many out-of-network PPO plans. Session rates are listed on our therapy fees page. Call 619-646-8283 or contact us to check your options and schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation.
Medication Management Questions
We do not provide medication management, but we can help you think through your options as part of your overall health. Many San Diego adults and parents use therapy along with care from a psychiatrist or physician. If medication may help, we will talk about what to ask your doctor and coordinate your health care when appropriate. San Diego families are welcome to bring their questions to a free consultation.
Contact Us: ADHD Evaluations and Your First Session
Your first session is a conversation. Your therapist will ask what brought you in, how focus and follow-through affect your days, and what you would like to change. Together you will choose one or two goals to start with, so the plan feels manageable instead of overwhelming. Most clients leave with a simple strategy they can try that same week. If you need formal testing, we can point you toward a testing center.
Living Well With ADHD
ADHD is not a character flaw, and needing support does not mean you have failed. With the right strategies, many adults and children learn to work with their brains instead of against them. Over time, small wins add up: fewer missed deadlines, calmer mornings, better conversations at home and more confidence at school or work. Our goal is to help you notice your strengths, build routines that fit your real life, and feel more in control of each day. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have lived with ADHD for years, it is never too late to start.
ADHD Treatment Options in San Diego
ADHD treatment works best when it fits your health, your family and your daily life. For many San Diego adults, treatment starts with therapy and practical support. For San Diego children and teens, treatment often includes parents and teachers. A comprehensive ADHD treatment plan may combine therapy services, education, support at school or work, and medical care from a health provider. If anxiety, depression or other health issues are present, treatment can address those issues too, because mental health and ADHD affect each other.
Finding the Right ADHD Care in San Diego
San Diego has many health services, so it helps to know what to look for. Find out whether a therapist has ADHD experience, how treatment is structured, and how progress is measured. Ask what support is offered between sessions and whether family members can be involved. Good ADHD care should help you manage ADHD at home, at school and in every relationship. Success looks different for everyone, whether that means finishing projects, sleeping better or feeling less anxiety. San Diego residents can contact us to ask questions about treatment, evaluation, diagnosis and support services.