Seeking Therapist that understands /focuses in adult ADHD in Houston- that takes insurance. Diagnosed four years ago- please help

[twothousandounces]

I have a good psychiatrist that agrees I need guidance beyond what cbt offers. I was diagnosed late in life and need some help. But his only recommendation was pay out of pocket and expensive. My current therapist is nice enough but has made suggestions to me that I later come to find out would not be suggested to someone w/adhd. I can’t tell if he’s hurting or helping me at this point. I live in one of the largest cities in the nation, with a GIANT medical community….so they must exist here…..right? All anthem search engines bring up SO MANY people that all ‘treat adhd’ but there’s no search function for specialization. (Or, rather, in fact, they ALL specialize in it….but in reality….they just treat it) yes I’ve tried to call, no that did not work.

Counselor, therapist, psychologist…social workers with a focus in neurodivergent ppl like me? any focus in adult adhd related ish- that takes insurance. ….”specific people/groups here/areaish? Or farther away! Virtual sessions are ideal anyway. Please, don’t send me to anymore ‘directories’ , unless they have a way for me to search if they take insurance and if they really have a focus in adhd, for reelzeez.

I’ve spent so much time trying to find someone, I’m overwhelmed. I’m trying to seek out podcasts and youtube channels to supplement for things that would actually be recommended to someone in my situation. That, is a job within itself. It all feels. So. Hard.

Should I give up on this idea ?

Sigh.

If you don’t have advice, maybe just emoji me for now if you connect in anyway to this issue? At least then it wouldn’t feel like I’ve completely wasted my time writing this.

[BlessedLady]

Call your insurance company and ask for psychiatrists and psychologists that accept your insurance in your area. Then call the doctors to verify. You will probably have to see several doctors before you find the one that is right for you. Remember Medicine Is A Business. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medications and only spend a short time with patients. Only a few states allow psychologists to prescribe medication. I do not know about Texas. Some psychologists work with doctors that prescribe medication for them. Psychologists spend more time talking with patients. You might need to see a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

Internet search results are not specific. ADHD is considered a psychiatric disorder. So the names that come up are doctors in the mental health field. There is no way the internet knows or can tell which doctors accept a particular insurance.

Is there a organization in your area that deals with people that have ADHD/ADD? Sometimes they can suggest medical professionals that treat the disorder. But they do not know which insurance they take or how a particular doctor will treat a individual.

[twothousandounces in reply to BlessedLady]

BlessedLady Thanks for your response. I already have a psychiatrist and a psychologist but I'm looking for personal recommendations in my area. The options here are excessive. I guess I was hoping I'd find ppl in Texas on this forum. I will look into local support groups and organizations.... Thanks!

[kmdtx23]

I started by going to psychologytoday.com and using their provider search. Then I checked against my insurance to make sure they were in network, then googled each one to get a clearer picture of what they and/or their practice was about. I ended up finding a great therapist who has adhd and was diagnosed at 35.

[twothousandounces in reply to kmdtx23]

If you're in the Houston area (or in Texas & they do virtual visits) ...and have a specific person to reccommend , I would appreciate it!

[Jawa7]

I wish a had the magic answer for you that didn’t involve so much calling around- which can be hard for some of us. I was where you are. My inattentive ADHD hit me hard a couple of years ago. I’ve done some research trying to find a specialist but I’ve run into the same thing. I found my current therapist on psychology today. He’s ok, he has more understanding of your more common type of hyperactive ADHD. Working with him and doing my own research, I’ve decided to become a specialist myself. I’m an LCSW. It’s something I hyper-focus on so why not? I’m currently going through a training and can’t wait to help others like myself. Have you come across any research on Dr Amen? I know people have their opinions about him , but I find his books informational and his suggestions seem to work for me. He also has a podcast, YouTube, etc

[twothousandounces in reply to Jawa7]

Thanks for your response Jawa7 ! It seems like you understand the situation. I'll guess I'll need to track down some local support groups for specific names.

You're not the first person who has mentioned Dr. Amen, so I just looked him up! First, I need to say I'm happy that his ideas are helping you. But you should note that I would say the same thing if you told me rubbing Cheetos on your face was also helping you. Mostly, I mean to say that I recognize that faith in anything has power. But multi-level integrated marketing and search algorithms is real, and it also has power.

Just in case you didn’t know: Multiple reputable sources have noted that he has not subjected his treatment approaches to the level of systematic scientific scrutiny expected for scientifically-based medical practice. I'm repeating some of the best advice I’ve received over the years; be very leary of anyone who cannot submit their work to the peer-based scientific process. Anyone can get a medical degree and create a series of information that seems legit. But the scientific process is the real deal.

Thanks again for connecting.