ADHD Therapy and Psychologists in Melbourne: CBT, Counselling and Coaching
ADHD therapy focuses on building practical, everyday skills — attention, planning, self-regulation, and communication — rather than targeting symptoms directly the way medication does. It's most effective as part of a broader multimodal approach, working alongside medical treatment rather than replacing it. At BNC, our registered psychologists provide evidence-based ADHD therapy and counselling in Melbourne for children, teenagers and adults, in clinic in Doncaster or by telehealth anywhere in Australia.
Haven't been assessed yet? Start with our ADHD assessment and diagnosis guide.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
CBT for ADHD focusses on helping children or adolescents develop better self-control, manage impulsivity, and improve organisational skills. It teaches practical techniques for coping with distractions, planning tasks, and managing emotions. Therapy often includes skill-building exercises and homework, with progress reviewed regularly.
In adults, CBT for ADHD focuses on the same core skills, attention, planning and emotional regulation, while also addressing the secondary anxiety, low self-esteem or work/study difficulties that often build up around years of undiagnosed symptoms.
Research reviewed by Cochrane and other independent bodies has found that CBT can meaningfully reduce ADHD symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning, particularly in adults and especially when combined with medication. At BNC, CBT for ADHD is typically delivered as a structured, time-limited program – often around 8 to 12 sessions – with clear goals set and reviewed at each stage, rather than an open-ended commitment.
Family Therapy for ADHD
Family therapy involves working with the whole family to improve communication, solve problems, and reduce conflict. The therapist helps family members understand each other's perspectives and strengthens relationships. This approach can address issues such as sibling rivalry, parental stress, and overall family functioning, making day-to-day life smoother for everyone.
This often includes structured parent-training strategies – consistent routines, clear expectations and positive reinforcement – which have been shown to reduce conflict and improve behaviour both at home and at school, alongside broader family communication work.
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching helps people put therapeutic strategies into practice in daily life. By focusing on skills like organisation, time management and goal-setting, coaching offers regular accountability, supports habit formation and tailors solutions to each person’s environment. Coaching does not replace medical treatment or psychological therapy; it works alongside them.
At BNC, ADHD coaching is provided by our registered psychologists for teenagers, adults and parents, in the clinic or by telehealth, so Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan. To find out more, see ADHD Coaching in Melbourne.
ADHD Counselling and Support for Adults
Many adults come to BNC after a recent diagnosis, or after years of managing ADHD on their own. Counselling with an ADHD psychologist gives you space to make sense of your diagnosis and to work on the areas that affect you most, such as:
- managing time, procrastination and workload
- emotional regulation, frustration and burnout
- anxiety, low mood or low self-esteem, which often sit alongside ADHD
- relationships and communication at home and at work
Sessions combine practical strategies with CBT-based techniques and are tailored to your goals. If you have not been assessed yet, start with our adult ADHD assessment.
Which Option Is Right for You?
With several options available, it can be hard to know where to start. As a general guide:
- Consider CBT if you or your child are dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, or need structured, evidence-based skill-building for attention and emotional regulation.
- Consider Family Therapy if ADHD is creating tension, conflict or communication breakdowns within the family, or if parents need support putting consistent strategies in place at home.
- Consider ADHD Coaching if the main challenge is day-to-day organisation, time management or follow-through, and you want practical, hands-on accountability between sessions.
Many clients benefit from combining approaches – for example, CBT to address underlying thinking patterns alongside coaching for everyday structure. Our psychologists can help you decide which combination suits your situation during an initial consultation.
Sessions, Cost and Medicare Rebates
Therapy is generally most effective when delivered as a structured program rather than a single session. Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly sessions initially, with frequency reduced as skills and confidence build.
With a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or paediatrician, eligible clients can claim a Medicare rebate for a portion of the cost of psychological therapy sessions, for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. ADHD coaching is not a Medicare-rebateable service, though some private health funds offer partial cover. Contact our clinic for current session fees and rebate details.
Why Choose Therapy at BNC
Our approach to ADHD therapy is aligned with the Australian AADPA Clinical Guidelines for ADHD, which recommend combining psychological therapy with medication and lifestyle support for the best outcomes. For a full overview of how therapy fits alongside medication and other treatment options, see our ADHD treatment page.
All therapy at BNC is provided by AHPRA-registered psychologists with experience in ADHD across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. You can meet our team before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBT actually work for ADHD?+
What is the difference between ADHD coaching and ADHD therapy?+
Can therapy replace ADHD medication?+
How many therapy sessions will I or my child need?+
Does Medicare cover ADHD therapy or coaching?+
What age can a child start therapy for ADHD?+
Is ADHD therapy available via telehealth?+
Ready to get started? Contact us to book an appointment in clinic or via Zoom telehealth.
Updated on 04/10/2026 by: Dr Jacques Duff PhD- BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; FANSA, Clinical Neuroscientist.
Reviewed on 21/08/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere- Clinical Psychologist; BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS