Cabot

ADHD Testing--Neurodivergent Affirming Care

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD can affect both children and adults and is mostly characterized by difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, excessive movements and impulsive actions.  At Cabot, we do testing for ADHD in adolescents and adults, and accept reimbursement from insurance.

 

The severity of these symptoms vary from person to person and can highly impact daily functioning, like professional and academic achievements, relationships and more. Seeking professional help is important to help in improving these symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. 

Understanding ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that changes the brain’s way of regulating attention and controlling impulses. It’s the most common mental health condition among children but can also last after reaching adulthood. Although it’s a common condition, there are still many misconceptions surrounding its symptoms and causes. 

Prevalence and Common Misconceptions

Around 5% of children are affected by ADHD worldwide. However, this condition is not exactly limited to children and also persists into adulthood, impacting 2.5% of adults globally, with males (AMAB) being more frequently diagnosed than females (AFAB).

The most common misconception about ADHD is that it happens due to bad parenting habits and not teaching the child how to be disciplined. This misconception remains untrue as it completely underestimates the biological and genetic factors associated with the condition.

Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD which are categorized based on the most visible symptoms: 

  • Inattentive Type: Followed by a difficulty in focusing, being disorganized and forgetful. 

  • Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Characterized by restlessness, acting impulsively and excessive fidgeting.

  • Combined Type: A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms in Children

Some of the most common symptoms among children with ADHD are: 

  • Lack of focus in class 
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Frequently interrupting others
  • Excessive talking
  • Acting impulsively without taking consequences into consideration
  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Hard time sitting in one place

Symptoms in Adults

ADHD symptoms in adults may be slightly different, including:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Being chronically late
  • Hard time focusing on a task 
  • Difficulty prioritizing tasks
  • Lack of organizational skills
  • Irritability and mood swings 
  • Making impulsive decisions
  • Highly sensitive to criticism 
  • Low-self esteem

Impact on Daily Life and Relationships

ADHD can play a huge role in the way it impacts a person’s daily functioning and their personal relationships. It’s most common for children with ADHD to experience academic underachievement and difficulty socializing with other students. Adults with ADHD, on the other hand, may find it more difficult to keep a stable job and maintain friendships with colleagues, which usually experience high stress levels and irritability. 

Comprehensive mental health treatment from home

90% of  clients and their families would recommend Cabot Psychological Services

We’re proud to partner with the following major insurance providers:

Our ADHD-Affirming Approach

Philosophy and Principles

At Cabot, we strongly believe that an ADHD-affirming approach not only recognizes and validates the unique experiences of every person with ADHD, but also focuses on their strengths and unique capabilities. 

This approach is strongly tied to our belief that ADHD is more of a unique way on how some people are neurologically wired, rather than it just being a mental disorder that needs fixing. Our ADHD-affirming approach helps individuals with ADHD celebrate their strengths and navigate their daily challenges with ease, by offering them the understanding and support they need.

 

Importance of an Affirming Approach

An affirming approach is important in creating a positive environment where individuals with ADHD can feel like they are being heard and feel included, rather than feeling like they are sufferers. This method has been proven to increase self-esteem in those with ADHD as well as empower them to use their strengths and reach their full potential

Clinic’s Commitment

Patient-Centered Care

Our clinic understands that every person with ADHD is unique and there isn’t a one size fits all approach. That’s why we make sure that we provide a personalized plan that’s tailored to the different needs of each of our clients. At Cabot, our environment is exclusively focused on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. It’s important for our clients to find it easy to express their challenges and work effortlessly with our team to come up with an effective treatment plan. 

 

Non-Judgmental and Supportive Environment

Our goal is to create a safe space where our patients are treated with the highest level of respect. We make sure that individuals with ADHD don’t feel ashamed of who they are or feel guilt for their symptoms. Instead we work closely with our clients to build trust and encourage them to feel heard without any judgment.

Team Expertise

Qualifications and Experience of Staff

Our team is made up of highly qualified professionals with years of experience in diagnosing and building personalized treatment plans for individuals with ADHD. At Cabot, our clinicians hold advanced degrees in psychiatry, psychology and other related fields, making sure that you receive the highest and most accurate care. 

 

Specialized Training in ADHD

We make sure that our specialized team undergoes frequent training in ADHD to stay up to date with the latest findings and treatment methods. This allows our staff to offer evidence-based treatment strategies to meet the needs of each and every one of our clients with ADHD.

ADHD Services We Offer

Testing

Comprehensive Assessment Process

What makes our clinic stand apart is that we understand every person’s experience with ADHD is different. So, in order to provide an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan, we offer a comprehensive assessment process tailored to each of our clients.

 

Tools and Methods Used for Diagnosis

The way we approach this assessment process is by using up-to-date tools and strategies for a deep evaluation of our patients. During the diagnosis process for ADHD, our patients may go through a set of evidence-based practices for the most accurate result. 

Treatment Options

Behavioral Therapy

One of Cabot’s most popular treatment options for ADHD is behavioral therapy. During each therapy session, our therapist works closely with our clients to help them develop the best strategies to minimize symptoms and overcome daily challenges with ease. 

Some successful techniques in behavioral therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on changing negative behaviors and thought patterns into positive ones and has been proven to have massive success in improving the mental wellbeing of our clients.

 

Medication Management

Even though our clinic doesn’t manage medication directly, we do provide referrals and guide our clients to trusted prescribers that are experts in ADHD medication management. This makes sure that our clients have access to all the treatment options they are in need of. 

 

Support Groups and Counseling

While we don’t host any support groups ourselves, we do believe that being part of a community is important in managing ADHD. That’s why our clinic can offer referrals to many amazing support groups where individuals with ADHD can connect with others that are going through a similar journey. 

Additional Support

Educational Resources

We believe that education brings power to our clients. That’s why, at Cabot, educating our clients and their loved ones around ADHD is an important component of our approach. We offer various resources to our clients such as workshops, reading materials, and online courses.

 

Family Therapy and Support

ADHD doesn’t just impact the person that has it, but family members as well. That’s why our clinic also offers family therapy sessions. We work closely with individuals with ADHD and their family members by improving communications, developing effective parenting strategies, and setting up goals for an effective treatment strategy.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Patient Testimonials

Clients who work with clinicians at Cabot find that they are able to develop skills that make living with ADHD easier. One client explained that, while medication helped control the symptoms themselves, therapy provided validation and tools that helped him cope with the remaining symptoms. Another client said that she “saw ADHD differently, and didn’t feel judged.”

 

Impact of the Clinic’s Approach on Their Lives

Being treated with compassion and understanding by clinicians at Cabot helps clients with ADHD approach their challenges with confidence. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by ADHD symptoms, they are able to use tools and skills to break tasks down into manageable activities. They will find that while ADHD can make life more challenging, it can also make it more interesting. Having ADHD adds to who you are as a person, providing a creativity and ingenuity to thoughts that some people don’t experience.

Case Studies

Many individuals have come to Cabot seeking help with their ADHD or executive functioning deficits. We’ve been able to help these individuals improve their quality of life. One individual tells us, “I’m so glad I found my therapist at Cabot. She’s helped me finally put a name to the thing that’s been a problem for me my whole life. Now, instead of thinking there’s something wrong with me, I’ve been working on finding strategies to cope with my unique brain. I finally see that neurodivergence is a real thing, and something to be proud of. I’m happy to feel competent at long last, and realize that I always was.”

Why Choose Our Clinic?

Unique Selling Points

What set’s Cabot apart is our ADHD-affirming approach. We provide personalized care that is carefully tailored for each of our client’s needs. Our commitment in providing an affirming experience makes sure our clients receive the highest quality of care for ADHD.

Patient-Centric Services

Our clinic is easily accessible and prioritized for flexibility. Appointment scheduling is made to fit most busy lives. We offer both in-person and telehealth options for our clients. 

Client & family testimonials

"Sessions with Amanda are empowering.

Sessions with Amanda are empowering. She is a deeply kind therapist who has helped me to process, heal, and develop as a person.

—Kelly

"I have been a client of Cabot since the inception in 2010

I have been a client of Cabot since the inception in 2010; my experience with the therapists and administrative staff have always been positive. I trust them and have referred both family and friends to Cabot and all have come back thanking me for the referral and have benefited from the caring and compassionate work of the Cabot staff.

—KM

"Cabot provides a welcoming and safe environment

Cabot provides a welcoming and safe environment for those who may be struggling or need additional support. Each time I come for an appointment I am welcomed with a smile and hello not only from my therapist but others who pass through the waiting room.

—KG

How to Book an Appointment

Booking Process

If you are ready to schedule an appointment at Cabot, you have several options to get started.

What to Expect

Clinicians at Cabot are happy to offer a free, brief phone call prior to scheduling an appointment, in order to help establish if they feel like the right fit or not. Simply use our online portal (https://cabotpsych.clientsecure.me/) and select “initial consultation,” call 952-831-2000, and use option 1, or email info@cabotpsychologicalservices.com, and request an initial consultation.

 

Preparation for the First Visit

Once your first appointment is scheduled, Cabot’s billing manager will check your benefits with your insurance (if you provide insurance details while scheduling). You will receive an email from Cabot with an invitation to log in to our portal. Once in the portal, you will be able to fill out demographic and background information, as well as sign off on confidentiality and policy paperwork. You may also upload your insurance card, to ensure we have all the information we need. Once this is done, your clinician will have a head start when they meet you for your first appointment. At that point, all you need to do is show up.

FAQs Section

Neurodivergent affirming therapy focuses on recognizing and respecting the unique experiences and perspectives of people with ADHD. By providing validation, individuals with ADHD can learn how to manage their challenges while leveraging their strengths, 

Yes you could! There are plenty of cases where ADHD treatment plans include therapy, lifestyle modifications and attending support groups, all without the need of medication. However, it’s important to contact a qualified professional to come up with the most effective treatment strategy for each individual.

Techniques such as deep breathing, taking them to a quiet space or offering support and understanding are all effective ways to help someone with ADHD calm down.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and claimed the most effective therapy for individuals diagnosed with ADHD. CBT teaches individuals various coping strategies, build positive habits, become more organized and manage ADHD symptoms. 

When Should I Seek Medical Care for My Anxiety?

The DSM-5 cites distress and interference as the boundary between “normal” anxiety and diagnosable anxiety disorders. If anxiety is starting to cause you high levels of distress, or interfere with your life in significant ways, it is time to seek help. Oftentimes, you may get feedback from others that you have made maladaptive adjustments that you were unaware of, and it can be helpful to listen to those that care about you. The first step may be to seek out a licensed therapist in your area, with an expertise in anxiety. You may always request an initial consult to get a feel for the therapist, and help establish whether they may be a good fit for you. Clinical research indicates that feeling comfortable, or having rapport, with your therapist is an important factor in experiencing success in therapy. (Click here for a video on how to go about finding the therapist that is right for you.)

Anxiety Treatment at Cabot

All the clinicians at Cabot are trained in treating anxiety disorders, and we prioritize providing a comfortable, welcoming space for you to face this challenging diagnosis. We want to hear you, understand thoroughly what you’re facing, and then work with you to develop a treatment plan to overcome your anxiety. We will never push you beyond your tolerable comfort levels, and will honor you and your values throughout the course of treatment.
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