Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025You’re in the right place to find ADHD support in Philadelphia. Explore trusted local therapists, psychiatrists, and resources for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. We make it simple to connect with care in your neighborhood so you can focus, organize, and thrive.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat ADHD, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife, Sexual Identity.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424
Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat ADHD, Life Transitions, Eating Concerns.
Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat ADHD, Phobia, Borderline Personality.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist
Remote only
Robert Buzan is a Counselor in undefined, undefined. They treat ADHD, Work/Life Balance, Anxiety.
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.
Psychologist
Remote only
Tristan Guarini is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat ADHD, Depression, Intimacy Concerns.
Licensed psychologist providing warm, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, trauma, and attachment—supporting insight, growth, and lasting change now.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Virginia Mittnacht is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat ADHD, Self-Esteem, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family.
I work to create a safe and comfortable space for self-growth and self-exploration.
The private side of ADHD often shows up as a fast, crowded inner dialogue—ideas spark quickly, priorities blur, and a steady hum of “Did I forget something?” lingers. Many people describe feeling driven and stuck at the same time: energized by new possibilities, yet weighed down by guilt about unfinished tasks or missed details. That pressure can fuel self-talk like “I should be able to do this,” “Why can’t I focus?” or “I’m letting people down,” which can snowball into shame. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many folks in Philadelphia carry these thoughts quietly, even while showing up for work, family, and community every day.
Therapy and self-awareness can help you slow the inner rush enough to notice patterns without blame. Together, we can name what’s ADHD—and what’s a harsh inner critic—then practice tools to refocus attention, set realistic plans, and reframe “I’m failing” into “I’m learning what works for my brain.” Over time, this builds kinder self-talk, steadier routines, and more confidence in your strengths. In Philly, you deserve support that fits your life, honors your resilience, and helps your inner voice become a source of guidance—not judgment.
ADHD can make it hard to trust your own judgment when you miss details, act on impulse, or struggle to follow through, which can chip away at your sense of value and abilities. In a Philadelphia classroom, you might study hard but still lose points for late work, making you doubt whether effort even matters. Parenting in a busy Philly household can feel overwhelming when routines slip, leading to self-criticism despite deep care for your kids. In relationships or during workplace reviews in Center City, mixed feedback about being “bright but inconsistent” can leave you questioning who you really are. Therapy and self-awareness can help rebuild a balanced, compassionate self-view.
ADHD can complicate communication with partners, friends, and family, leading to missed cues, interrupted conversations, or forgotten plans. What looks like disinterest is often distraction, which can spark hurt feelings or arguments. Motivation can swing from intense focus to avoidance, making it hard to follow through or respect agreed-upon boundaries. People may overcommit to please others, then struggle to deliver, creating a cycle of tension and guilt.
In Philadelphia’s workplaces and schools, concentration and performance can suffer when deadlines, emails, and meetings pile up. Open offices, long days, or SEPTA delays can compound time-blindness, making punctuality and attendance a challenge. Students at campuses like Temple, Drexel, or CCP may find note-taking, test prep, and online portals overwhelming without clear systems. At work, paperwork backlogs or late deliverables can be misread as lack of effort, even when someone is trying hard.
Support, structure, and professional care can restore balance and connection across these areas. Evidence-based treatment—therapy, coaching, medication, and reasonable accommodations—helps translate intentions into consistent action. Simple systems like shared calendars, reminders, and clear routines reduce friction at home, while communication tools and boundary-setting rebuild trust. At work or school, tailored strategies and accommodations boost reliability and confidence, showing how treatment improves relationships, performance, and well-being—not just symptoms.
ADHD can show up in everyday moments, not just big ones. You’re not alone—many people in Philadelphia notice patterns like these.
- Frequent negative self-talk or feeling “behind,” even when you’re trying your best
- Difficulty making decisions or getting started, especially on everyday tasks
- Emotional exhaustion after a busy day, commute, or social time
- Changes in sleep—staying up late, trouble winding down, or irregular patterns
- Fluctuating motivation: bursts of energy followed by crashes or avoidance
- Trouble focusing on routine tasks, yet hyperfocus on special interests
- Misplacing items, missing details, or losing track of time between errands
- Feeling overwhelmed by choices, emails, or city noise and interruptions
Consider reaching out for professional help if ADHD symptoms are disrupting your daily life, work or school performance, relationships, or safety, or if self-help strategies haven’t been enough. Early support often leads to better outcomes by preventing problems from snowballing and helping you find effective tools sooner. MiResource lists licensed therapists and psychiatrists in Philadelphia who can provide the right kind of care and guide you through options like therapy, coaching, and medication. If you’re unsure, that’s a good reason to check in now—getting help promptly is a strong, practical step forward.
Hospitalization is usually recommended when symptoms feel unmanageable or safety is a concern. A doctor, therapist, emergency room clinician, or mobile crisis responder may suggest it, and you can also ask for help yourself. On arrival, staff do a medical and mental health evaluation, ask about your history and medications, and complete safety checks, including screening for self-harm risk and securing belongings that could be unsafe. You’ll get a simple explanation of the plan and have chances to ask questions. Units are structured and supportive, with regular check-ins, groups, and medication review. Most inpatient stays are brief—often 3 to 7 days—focused on stabilization and making a plan for what comes next.
You have rights to be treated with respect, to understand your care, to ask questions, to communicate with loved ones, and to participate in decisions whenever possible. Visitation typically follows set hours, with limits on items brought in and a short check-in process for safety; staff can help arrange phone or video visits if needed. Discharge planning starts early and includes a safety plan, follow-up appointments, continued ADHD care (such as medication management and skills coaching), and community supports. In Philadelphia, inpatient psychiatric care is available at Pennsylvania Hospital (Penn Medicine), Temple University Hospital – Episcopal Campus (including its Crisis Response Center), Friends Hospital (with a Crisis Response Center), Belmont Behavioral Health System (Jefferson Health), Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia (with a Crisis Response Center), and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. If you’re unsure where to start, calling 988 or a local Crisis Response Center can guide you to the right level of help.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis related to ADHD in Philadelphia, you’re not alone and help is available right now. If you feel unsafe or at risk of harming yourself or others, seek immediate help using the options below. You can choose what feels most comfortable—phone support, a mobile team, or going to a crisis center or emergency department. If you call 911, you can request a mental-health trained response.
People in Philadelphia experiencing a mental health crisis have several immediate options for help. If symptoms related to ADHD escalate into unsafe behavior, severe agitation, or risk to self or others, support is available 24/7. You can contact trained crisis counselors, request mobile help to come to you, or go to an emergency department. If there’s imminent danger, call 911 and state it’s a mental health emergency.
Crisis and Immediate Care Resources in Philadelphia
1) 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (national)
- Call or text 988, or chat for 24/7 support and guidance.
2) Local crisis lines and mobile response teams (Philadelphia)
- Philadelphia Crisis Line (Mental Health Delegates): 215-685-6440 (24/7). They can provide immediate support and dispatch Adult or Child/Adolescent Mobile Crisis Teams to your location when appropriate.
3) Emergency rooms or 24-hour psychiatric centers in Philadelphia
- Go to the nearest emergency department if there is immediate risk. Local options with 24/7 psychiatric evaluation include: Temple University Hospital – Episcopal Campus Crisis Response Center (CRC), Einstein Medical Center – CRC, Friends Hospital (24/7 intake), and Belmont Behavioral Hospital (24/7 assessment), as well as major hospital EDs citywide.
4) Police co-response or mental health crisis units
- If you call 911, request a CIT-trained officer and a behavioral health co-responder (through DBHIDS). Clearly state it’s a mental health crisis and provide any safety concerns (e.g., risk of impulsive behavior related to ADHD) to guide the response.
Recovery from ADHD is a gradual, steady rebuilding of confidence, emotional regulation, and daily stability. Many people find that small, consistent steps—like setting manageable goals, practicing skills between sessions, and celebrating progress—create momentum. Evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can strengthen planning, problem-solving, and self-talk; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can build distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills; and mindfulness-based approaches can improve attention, awareness of cues, and self-compassion. Over time, these tools help reduce shame, restore self-trust, and make room for a life that fits your values.
Staying connected makes the progress stick. In Philadelphia, ongoing community participation—peer support groups, neighborhood meetups, libraries and rec centers, recovery-friendly faith and cultural spaces, and volunteer opportunities—offers belonging, accountability, and encouragement. Supportive routines built around local resources—using public transit and walking routes, scheduling library work blocks, attending weekly groups, and planning care with nearby providers—turn skills into habits. You are not alone here; with the right mix of treatment, community, and daily structure, it’s possible to feel calmer, more capable, and ready to move forward at your own pace.
Healing can start with small, steady actions you can do today. These tools are meant to reduce overwhelm, build focus, and support your well-being while you wait for or complement ADHD therapy. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on a SEPTA commute in Philadelphia, these steps can help you feel more in control and supported.
- Structured routines: Use the same morning and evening cues daily (timer for a 10-minute tidy, outfit set out, bag by the door). Anchor tasks to existing habits and keep a simple visual checklist on the fridge or phone.
- Mindful pauses: Practice 2–3 minutes of box breathing or a body scan between tasks or before meetings. Try it on the bus or while waiting in line to reset attention and reduce stress.
- Journaling for clarity: Do a quick “brain dump” to capture to-dos and worries, then pick the top one next step. End the day with three lines: what worked, what was hard, what to try tomorrow.
- Creative hobbies: Set a 20–30 minute “play block” (drawing, music, crafting, cooking a new recipe). Keep supplies visible and ready to lower the barrier to starting.
- Physical activity: Short, regular movement boosts focus—walk a few blocks, take the stairs, try a stretch break or a loop on the Schuylkill River Trail. Pair movement with a podcast to make it enjoyable.
- Self-compassion exercises: Speak to yourself like you would a friend. Try: “This is hard, and I’m learning. I can take one small step.” Notice wins, not just misses; track them in a notes app.
- Peer check-ins: Set up a weekly 15–20 minute call or text thread with a trusted friend, coworker, or local support group member to share goals, celebrate progress, and troubleshoot roadblocks.
Finding ADHD care in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming. These trusted local resources help you identify evaluation, treatment, crisis support, and education options for children, teens, and adults—and reinforce MiResource’s role as a clear, authoritative guide to next steps.
Hospitals with psychiatric units
County or city mental health departments
Crisis stabilization centers or mobile response teams
Nonprofits or advocacy groups
Peer and family education programs
1) Why do I feel like my mind won’t turn off?
Racing thoughts are common with ADHD; your brain is scanning for stimulation and unfinished tasks. Try a quick “brain dump” list, a 2–5 minute breathing exercise, and a consistent wind-down routine to cue your brain for rest. Limit late caffeine and screen time, and use gentle movement if you feel restless. Talk with your therapist about strategies or medication options, and consider local ADHD/mindfulness groups in Philadelphia for added support.
2) How can I rebuild confidence after struggling with ADHD?
Start small and specific: pick one habit, one tool, and one next action you can finish today. Track wins you can see—sent an email, set a timer, put keys in the same spot—and celebrate them out loud. Ask for accommodations at work/school and try body-doubling or co-working to boost follow-through. Keep therapy on your calendar, and check out Philadelphia resources like CHADD Greater Philadelphia and NAMI Philadelphia for skills groups and community.
3) What are the early signs that I’m improving?
You notice more “good enough” days: smoother mornings, fewer lost items, or using your planner a bit more. Tasks feel more startable, and the self-talk gets kinder when plans change. You recover faster from hiccups and stick to one or two routines most days. Keep a simple weekly check-in with your therapist or coach, and lean on local Philly support groups to reinforce momentum.
4) What happens if I relapse or symptoms return?
Setbacks are part of ADHD recovery, not a failure—expect them and plan a reset. Go back to basics for a week: sleep, meds as prescribed, one priority per day, and short, timed work blocks. Reconnect with your therapist, tell your support person, and trim nonessential commitments. If you’re in Philadelphia and feel overwhelmed, call 988 and use DBHIDS resources to re-establish care quickly.
5) Can friends or family help during recovery—and how?
Yes—ask for specific, time-limited help like body-doubling, reminders, childcare swaps, or a weekly planning check-in. Share what ADHD is (a brain-based difference) and what actually helps you, then write a simple support plan together. Invite them to therapy sessions or local education groups so they understand your tools. In Philadelphia, point them to NAMI Philadelphia, CHADD Greater Philadelphia, and community meetups to learn how to support you well.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
