ADHD Therapy in Los Angeles
Do You Struggle with ADHD?
Are your ADHD symptoms causing a lack of motivation to set and achieve your goals? Is struggling to balance your priorities or a lack of follow through hurting your relationships? Maybe a lack of self-love or self-worth? Have you heard “ADHD is a superpower” but feel that, for you, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits? These self-perceptions can make you feel like your leg is stuck in a trap and you either can’t move forward or have to drag the burden along with you.
Through a combination of executive functioning skills and therapeutic processing, learn how you can not only cope, but thrive with a brain that works differently. I am a Certified ADHD Psychologist offering virtual therapy across California, and I would love to help you build a life that works with your brain rather than against it.
“Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities, views about life.”
— Carl Rogers
The Adult ADHD Experience
How ADHD Shows Up in Adults
ADHD in adults often looks very different from the hyperactive child stereotype that most people picture. Many of my clients describe years of feeling like something was “off” without being able to name it. They are smart, capable people who nonetheless struggle with chronic procrastination, lack of focus, time blindness, impulsivity, or a gap between what they know they can do (or should be able to do) and what they actually accomplish.
Some clients come to me after decades of compensating with sheer effort and anxiety, which works…until it doesn’t (not to mention the stress that puts on our nervous system!). Others are newly exploring whether ADHD might explain patterns noticed throughout their lives. Wherever you are in the process, there’s space for you here.
ADHD is not about laziness or a lack of willpower. It is a neurological condition that affects how your brain processes information, manages attention, and regulates motivation. Understanding this is the first step toward building a life that works with your brain rather than against it.
Personalized, Evidence-Based
What ADHD Therapy in Los Angeles Can Help With
As an ADHD Certified Psychologist, I help you understand which issues in your life are caused, exacerbated by, or worsening your ADHD symptoms. Together, we will identify treatment goals and I will help keep you on track to accomplish them. These are not generic tips from a book; they’re personalized strategies built around the way your specific brain works, your routines, and each context of your life.
If relevant, we can also work together to discern whether medication and/or accommodations at work or school would be beneficial, and I can help you get the assessments needed to obtain these.
Behavioral Strategies We Build Together
- › Increase motivation and follow-through
- › Decrease procrastination loops and time-blindness
- › Improve attention and focus
- › Decrease impulsivity
- › Decrease the “ADHD tax” on relationships
- › Decrease forgetfulness
My Core Specialty
ADHD and Anxiety: A Common Combination
One of my specialties is the anxiety that can go hand-in-hand with ADHD. Sometimes anxiety can be motivating, which is why people with ADHD often procrastinate until a deadline looms to tackle the assignment. But this produces a vicious cycle of anxiety and ADHD symptoms exacerbating each other. Not to mention, using stress as a motivator can wreak havoc on your nervous system.
The procrastination-panic pattern is exhausting and unsustainable, and it erodes your confidence over time. I help clients understand the interaction between these two conditions and lower anxiety as we develop healthier, more reliable sources of motivation.
Two Paths Forward
Assessment or Therapy — Or Both
If You Need a Diagnosis
ADHD Assessment
If you do not yet have a formal ADHD diagnosis, I offer comprehensive psychological assessment for ADHD, prior to therapy. This helps avoid spending months (or longer!) spinning your wheels wondering why behavioral strategies for ADHD aren’t working for you, if a different diagnosis could better explain your symptoms. We can discuss your options during a free consultation and determine the right path forward.
If You Already Have a Diagnosis
ADHD Therapy
For clients who already have a diagnosis, therapy for ADHD focuses on building skills, developing strategies, and addressing the emotional toll that years of living with unmanaged ADHD can take on self-esteem, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Instead of simply recommending behavioral strategies to manage your symptoms, I’ll tailor them to your needs: what’s working vs not working, and where in the process is the issue occuring.
Credentials That Matter
Why Work with Dr. Shannon Thomas for ADHD Therapy?
I am a Certified ADHD Psychologist (ADHD-CCSP) and licensed Psy.D. in California with specialized training that goes well beyond a standard therapy license. I also hold certification as a Sleep Therapist, which is especially relevant because sleep issues and ADHD can sometimes be closely linked.
All sessions are via telehealth, so you can attend from anywhere in California, including my two primary areas: Los Angeles and Pasadena. I typically see new clients within one week of our consultation.
Fee: $290 per session. Superbills provided for out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you diagnose ADHD as well as provide therapy?
Yes! I offer separate psychological assessments for ADHD in addition to ongoing therapy. If you suspect you have ADHD but do not have a formal diagnosis, we can discuss your options during a consultation and determine the best path forward.
Is ADHD therapy available via telehealth?
Yes. All sessions are conducted via HIPAA-compliant telehealth. You can access ADHD therapy from home, a private space at work, your car, or anywhere in California.
Do you work with adults with ADHD, or only children?
I work primarily with adults (though I conduct assessments with almost all ages). If you are looking for therapy for an adolescent, I am happy to offer a consultation to see if we are the right fit as I do not offer play therapy but, rather, talk therapy.
How is ADHD therapy different from an ADHD assessment?
Assessment involves formal psychological testing to evaluate and diagnose ADHD. Therapy is an ongoing, collaborative process focused on managing symptoms, building practical skills, and improving quality of life. Many clients benefit from both.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance directly, but I provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover a significant portion of out-of-network (OON) therapy costs once your OON deductible is met.
Schedule a Free Consultation
I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s talk.
Call to schedule a free 15-minute first session to learn how I work and ask any questions you may have about the process. If I’m with another patient when you call, please leave a voicemail with your availability so I can call you back.
(626) 784-7115
therapy@drshannonthomas.com