ADHD Therapy: CBT, Family Therapy & 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 psychologists provide evidence-based therapy for both children and adults with ADHD, in clinic in Doncaster or via Zoom telehealth.
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
An ADHD coach is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological therapy. An ADHD coach can enhance medical and psychological treatment by helping clients with ADHD put therapeutic strategies into practice in daily life. By focusing on skills like organisation, time management, and goal-setting, coaches offer regular accountability, support habit formation, and tailor solutions to the client's unique environment.
Because ADHD coaching is not a registered psychological health service, it is not eligible for a Medicare rebate, unlike therapy provided under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Many families use coaching alongside, rather than instead of, psychological therapy, pairing the practical, day-to-day support of coaching with the clinical work of a psychologist.
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.
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 21/08/2026 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