ADHD Care for Children & Adolescents

Understanding ADHD in Children and Adolescents

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be diagnosed in children, adolescents and adults. Research estimates that roughly 3–5% of children and adolescents meet the criteria for ADHD. Young people with ADHD often experience challenges with focus, hyperactivity and impulsivity—though not every child will display all three types of symptoms.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Children & Adolescents

Children who exhibit hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors may be identified more quickly, as these symptoms are more noticeable in settings like the classroom. For example, a student who frequently leaves their seat or disrupts others may prompt concern from a teacher, leading to an ADHD evaluation.

On the other hand, children whose ADHD symptoms are primarily inattentive—such as difficulty focusing, daydreaming or falling behind academically—may be overlooked, especially if they are quiet and compliant in class.

Additional signs that may suggest your child could benefit from an evaluation for ADHD by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner include:

• Increased anxiety
• Low mood or depression
• Poor self-esteem
• Behavioral outbursts
• Avoidance of school
• Declining academic performance
• Other behavioral or emotional changes
• Conflict with peers
• Substance use

ADHD Treatment Options for Children & Adolescents

Effective ADHD care should be personalized by an experienced mental health professional. At Fine Tune Psychiatry, treatment may include:

ADHD Evaluations & School Accommodations

Our evaluations for children and adolescents begin with a detailed 60–120 minute session conducted by a fellowship-trained and board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in pediatric mental health.

This process includes exploring non-medication strategies such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to support your child’s success at school. Your provider will coordinate with teachers, therapists, psychologists and pediatricians as needed. If medication is indicated, the benefits and risks of ADHD medication will be reviewed in detail.

Therapy for ADHD

We offer in-person and virtual therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD. Treatment may include behavioral interventions, organizational skills coaching, ADHD-specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Many of our child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide both therapy and medication management for a streamlined, coordinated care experience.

If you are looking for a compassionate, highly trained child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in pediatric mental health to care for your child or adolescent with ADHD, our team is here to help you navigate evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management so your child can thrive.

ADHD Medication Management

Our fellowship-trained and board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializing in pediatric mental health both recognize that starting medication is an important and personal decision. If you and your provider decide to move forward, we use the lowest effective dose to manage symptoms while minimizing side effects. We also assist families in navigating ADHD stimulant medication shortage should that be necessary.

Why Choose Fine Tune Psychiatry for Your Child or Adolescent’s ADHD Care?

At Fine Tune Psychiatry, our fellowship-trained, board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners with pediatric experience specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD in young people. Many of our clinicians are affiliated with prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania and bring academic expertise and associated evidence-based care as well as empathy and compassion to each patient interaction.

• Expert Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Clinicians with academic backgrounds and teaching experience at institutions such as Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, Tufts Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and other leading institutions
• Appointments typically available within 2-3 weeks
• Convenient in-office and online options for children and adolescents
• Treatment for co-occurring psychiatric conditions
• Holistic care approach—addressing the whole child, not just the diagnosis
• Collaboration with your child’s other healthcare providers
• 60-minute initial sessions and 20 to 30-minute follow-ups
• Most major insurance plans accepted

For more information, visit our general Child & Adolescent Psychiatry page.