Individual ADHD Therapy for Adults
One-on-one support built around how your brain actually works. No cookie-cutter advice. No shame. Just practical tools and a therapist who gets it.
Our individual ADHD therapy in Los Angeles is structured around what works for an adult ADHD brain: short-cycle goal setting, executive function coaching, between-session experiments, and direct feedback. From our Pasadena office and via secure telehealth across California, we work one-on-one with adults across the LA metro who want a therapist who actually understands ADHD — not someone who is going to suggest you just “try harder.”
What is individual therapy for ADHD?
Individual therapy is one-on-one time with a licensed therapist who understands adult ADHD — not just from a textbook, but from years of working with people whose brains process the world the way yours does. Sessions are typically 50 minutes, held weekly or every other week, either in person at our Pasadena office or via telehealth.
We draw from a few evidence-based approaches depending on what fits you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify the thought patterns that feed procrastination, self-criticism, and overwhelm — then replace them with ones that actually move you forward. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches you to stop fighting your ADHD wiring and start working with it, building a life that aligns with your values instead of someone else's checklist. And our ADHD coaching lens brings practical, real-world tools: time-blocking that accounts for your actual energy cycles, email routines that don't make you want to throw your laptop out the window, and morning systems that survive the chaos of real life.
Individual therapy is a good fit if you want focused support on your specific patterns, if you're not quite ready for a group setting, or if you want to pair individual work with group sessions for a deeper level of support. Some people start with individual therapy to build foundational skills, then join a group later. Others do both simultaneously. There's no single right path — we'll help you figure out yours.
ADHD therapy that doesn’t understand executive function is just expensive disappointment. We’ve built ours around the brain that’s actually showing up.
Our individual therapy approachWhat a session looks like
You show up (or log on). Your therapist asks what's been on your mind since last session — maybe you finally made that phone call you'd been putting off for three weeks, or maybe you hyperfocused until 2am and missed a deadline. Both are data. Neither is a moral failure. Together, you unpack what worked, what didn't, and what you want to try differently this week. You might spend part of the session learning a specific skill — like breaking a big task into steps that don't trigger your brain's "nope" response — or you might spend it untangling a relationship pattern that keeps showing up. You leave with something concrete to practice, not just insight without action.
What it can help with
- Executive function challenges — planning, starting tasks, following through, and managing time. See our ADHD & Executive Function page for more.
- Anxiety and overthinking — the constant mental spin, the 3am what-ifs. Learn more on our Anxiety page.
- Depression and low motivation — that heavy fog that makes even small things feel impossible. See Depression.
- Burnout — running on empty after years of compensating. Explore Burnout & Work Stress.
- Emotional dysregulation — intense reactions, rejection sensitivity, mood swings. See Emotional Dysregulation.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Most people are in their first individual session within a week. Call us or fill out the contact form, and our healthcare coordinator will match you with a therapist who fits your needs and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is individual therapy different from ADHD coaching?
ADHD coaching focuses primarily on practical strategies and accountability — how to plan your week, set up systems, and follow through. Individual therapy goes deeper: it addresses the emotional patterns, self-criticism, anxiety, and relationship dynamics that often come with ADHD. Our therapists blend both approaches, so you get practical tools and emotional support in one place.
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis to start individual therapy?
No. Many people come to us suspecting they have ADHD but never having been formally diagnosed. Your therapist can help you explore whether your experiences align with ADHD and, if appropriate, refer you for a formal assessment. You don't need a diagnosis on paper to start getting support.
Can I do individual therapy and group therapy at the same time?
Yes, and many of our clients do. Individual therapy gives you focused one-on-one time to work on personal patterns. Group therapy provides peer accountability, shared experience, and the relief of being in a room where everyone understands. The two approaches complement each other well.
How long does individual therapy typically last?
There's no fixed timeline. Some people work with us for a few months to address a specific challenge. Others continue for a year or more as they build deeper skills and navigate life transitions. You set the pace, and we check in regularly about whether therapy is still serving you.