ADHD coaches help people manage their ADHD and become more focused, productive and happy in their lives.
They typically work with clients on practical skills like organization, time management, goal setting and accountability.
Unlike therapists, ADHD coaches focus on the present and future. They help their coaching clients create ADHD-friendly strategies and systems rather than processing past trauma or providing therapy.
Many clients seek out ADHD coaches when medication and therapy aren’t enough. They need someone who understands ADHD and can help with daily challenges and give them the structure, systems and accountability to fully unlock their potential.
The field of ADHD coaching is growing rapidly as more children and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD with diagnosis up as much as 200-300% in the last decade.
What You Need To Become An ADHD Coach
You don’t need a psychology degree to become an ADHD coach. However, some background knowledge is helpful and finding other credentials can also be important.
Many successful ADHD coaches have ADHD themselves. Personal experience can help you understand client challenges better than anything.
A background in teaching, counseling or social work can also be useful. But it’s not required – people come to ADHD coaching from many different careers.
The most important qualities are empathy, organization skills and the ability to explain things clearly.
The Essential Steps To Become An ADHD Coach
Here’s how to get started on your journey to becoming an ADHD coach:
1. Learn About ADHD
Start by reading lots of books about ADHD and taking online courses. Understanding the unique traits of ADHD as well as the strength and weaknesses that come with the neurodivergent condition is your foundation.
Join ADHD support groups and online communities. Its important to learn how other people with ADHD think and what challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.
Watch video lectures from respected ADHD experts. This will give you a variety of different perspectives on ADHD treatment and management.
2. Get Basic Life Coaching Training
Take a general life coaching course that teaches you basic coaching skills and ethics.
Look for free ADHD coaching workshops. Many ADHD coaching certification programs offer these as introductions so you can assess if the program is the right fit for you.
Practice with friends or family members who have ADHD. This gives you initial experience and you can start to develop important feedback and testimonials from the people you help.
3. Choose Your ADHD Coaching Certification
Research the main ADHD coaching certification programs, which we have simplified below outlining the different strenghts and teaching styles of popular ADHD coaching programs.
Consider your budget and how you can fit the in-depth certification training into your schedule. Generally, the popular certification programs for ADHD coaching range from 6 months to 2 years and cost between $4,000 to $13,000 USD.
Decide if you want to specialize in specific area of ADHD coaching such as students, adults or workplace coaching. For example, I specialize in ADHD business coaching because I have over a decade of experience in digitial marketing and helping startups grow.
4. Complete Your ADHD Coaching Training
Attend all required classes and workshops. Most programs combine live sessions with self-study. I recommend choosing a program with peer accountability.
Start practicing with real clients under supervision. You’ll probably need at least 25-50 practice hours to earn your full certification but I’d recommend at least 100 hours before launching your ADHD coaching business.
It’s also a good idea to work with an ADHD mentor who can help guide your development and provide emotional support. Their feedback will help you improve much faster than going it alone.
5. Start Your ADHD Coaching Practice
Begin with a few clients while training, you may decide to offer them free coaching or do it at a discounted rate. Most ADHD coaches start part-time alongside another job while they are building their business.
Next, you will want to set up an ADHD coaching business website and decide what channels you want to use to promote your business. I like to use Google Ads, SEO and email marketing as my core promotion channels but many coaches find success with social media too.
It is also a good idea to join a professional ADHD coaching organizations. They can provide you with valuable resources and even referrals in some cases. These organizations can also help you network with other ADHD coaches.
How Much Time Investment Is Needed?
Most people need 6-12 months to complete their certification program. This includes training and practice hours. Generally, it’s a good idea to plan for 5-10 hours per week during training. This includes classes, reading and practice coaching.
Full certification usually requires something like:
- 100-200 hours of training
- 25-50 practice coaching hours
- Weekly supervision meetings
- Final exam or assessment
How To Choose An ADHD Coaching Certification Program
When trying to decide on an ADHD coaching certification program I recommend start by taking an introductory workshop to get an idea if you align with their coaching philosophy.
1. ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA)
ADDCA is one of the pioneers in ADHD coach training and they have been in operation since 1999. In this time they have trained over 1,500 ADHD coaches worldwide and are considered the gold standard in the industry.
Their program splits into two parts: a 4-month foundation course and a 9-month advanced certification. You’ll attend live classes weekly through video calls, usually in small groups of 10-15 students.
What makes ADDCA unique is their heavy focus on neuroscience and ADHD biology. You’ll learn not just coaching techniques but also the scientific background of why ADHD brains work differently.
Their certification program includes real practice with clients under supervision. You get paired with an experienced mentor who watches your coaching sessions and gives feedback. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence.
Cost Breakdown:
- Basic Training: $4,995
- Advanced Training: $7,995
- Payment plans: Yes, monthly options available
- Extra costs: Books ($200-300)
2. ADHD Coach Academy (ACAC)
ACAC is newer but has quickly gained respect for their modern, tech-savvy approach. Their program runs entirely online with a mix of live and recorded sessions.
They focus heavily on digital coaching tools and techniques. You’ll learn how to use video platforms, digital organization tools, and apps specifically designed for ADHD clients. This makes them perfect for coaches planning to work remotely.
Their curriculum incorporates the latest ADHD research and coaching methods. They update their material quarterly to include new tools and techniques, especially around technology and virtual coaching.
Students get access to a private online community where they can practice coaching techniques and share experiences. This community stays active even after graduation, providing ongoing support.
Cost Breakdown:
- Full Program: $5,995
- Payment plans: Yes, 6 or 12-month options
- Extra costs: Technology setup ($100-200)
- Student discount available: 10%
3. JST Coaching & Training
JST specializes in academic ADHD coaching, making them unique in the field. They focus on working with students from elementary school through college.
Their program includes special modules on working within educational systems. You’ll learn how to collaborate with teachers, understand IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), and navigate school accommodations.
The training covers different age groups extensively. You’ll learn specific techniques for elementary students, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students. This includes understanding how ADHD presents differently at each age.
They provide extensive materials for parent coaching, as working with parents is crucial in academic coaching. You’ll get ready-to-use worksheets, assessment tools, and parent education materials.
Cost Breakdown:
- Full Program: $8,995
- Educator discount: 15% off
- Payment plans: Yes, up to 18 months
- Extra costs: Materials ($300-400)
4. International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACT)
iACT stands out for its global perspective on ADHD. They offer training in multiple languages and teach cultural considerations in ADHD coaching.
Their program includes modules on how ADHD is viewed and treated in different cultures. You’ll learn how to adapt your coaching style for clients from various cultural backgrounds.
The international practicum is unique – you’ll practice coaching with clients from different countries. This gives you experience in cross-cultural coaching and working with interpreters if needed.
They provide extensive training in virtual coaching techniques, as most international coaching is done online. This includes managing time zones and cultural communication differences.
Cost Breakdown:
- Core Program: $6,495
- International practicum: $1,500
- Translation services if needed: $500
- Payment plans: Yes, international currency options available
5. Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC) Approved Programs
PAAC doesn’t offer direct training but accredits various programs that meet their strict standards. This gives you flexibility in choosing a program that fits your needs.
All PAAC-approved programs must include at least 100 hours of training and supervised practicum experience. This ensures quality while allowing for different teaching styles and focuses.
Programs vary in length from 6 months to 2 years. Some are fully online, others blend online and in-person training. You can choose based on your learning style and schedule.
The big advantage is networking – PAAC programs connect you with the larger ADHD coaching community. You get access to their job board, continuing education, and professional development resources.
Cost Breakdown:
- Program costs vary: $4,000-$10,000
- PAAC membership: $199/year
- Continuing education: $200-500/year
- Various payment options depending on program
How Much Does An ADHD Coach Typically Earn?
The demand for ADHD coaches is growing steadily. More people are getting diagnosed with ADHD each year, especially adults and women.
Most coaches earn between $75-150 per hour. Experienced coaches with strong reputations can charge $200+ per session. However, without business systems for marketing and sales, most coaches struggle to pay the bills.
Full-time coaches typically work with 15-20 clients per week, unless they make the transition from 1:1 client coaching work to a 1:many group coaching program.
Many ADHD coaches maintain a flexible schedule with both daytime and evening sessions, as neurodiverse people often thrive when they can design their own unique schedule.
Final Thoughts About ADHD Coaching Certifications
ADHD coaching can be an incredibly rewarding career. You help people transform their lives by using their ADHD strengths and better managing their challenges.
The field welcomes people from all backgrounds because people with ADHD are on a wide spectrum of neurodiversity. Your unique experiences and perspective can benefit your future clients.
Whether you choose to coach people with ADHD part-time or full-time, you’re entering a growing coaching field with real opportunities to make a difference in the lives of other people.
Remember: Every expert coach started as a beginner. Take your ADHD coaching journey one step at a time and in a couple of years, you can build a successful coaching practice that helps others while allowing you to find a work-life balance that works for your unique ADHD brain.
I built ADHD Flow State to help entrepreneurs with ADHD find their sweet spot for deep work and flow states where passion meets purpose and profitability.
I believe that the key to thriving with ADHD traits is finding your unique "zone of genius" so you can develop your uniquely human ability to create meaning, connection and community (that A.I. can't replicate).
I’m also the founder of Social Creators, an AI-powered marketing automation platform that helps experience creators sell their group coaching, workshops and retreats.
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