Supporting children & Teens with ADHD This School Year: adhd therapy in UPPER montcliar, nj

Learn More About Child & Teen ADHD Therapy in NJ.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

 ✅ What an ADHD therapist does and how they can help
✅ The types of therapy most effective for ADHD
✅ The gold standard for ADHD treatment
✅ What happens at ADHD therapy sessions
✅ Rules and strategies like the 10 and 3 rule, the 24 hour rule, and the 80 20 rule for ADHD
✅ Answers to cost and insurance coverage questions
✅ The primary goals of ADHD therapy and how long results take

What Does ADHD Look Like in Children?

Parents sometimes wonder “What does a 5-year-old with ADHD look like?” or “Can a child with ADHD sit and watch TV?”. ADHD symptoms can vary by age and setting, but common early signs include:

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions
• High energy that feels “beyond typical” for their age
• Trouble sitting still for meals, reading, or group activities
• Impulsive actions without considering safety or consequences

You may also ask, “What does high-functioning ADHD look like in a child?” — these kids may meet academic expectations but still struggle with organization, emotional regulation, and maintaining friendships.

Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit From ADHD Therapy

• Difficulty focusing on tasks or following through with commitments
• Struggling with time management or meeting deadlines
• Frequently misplacing items or forgetting important information
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
• Experiencing impulsive decision-making or restlessness
• Challenges in maintaining relationships or managing emotions

Myths vs. Facts about ADHD Treatment

Myth: Only children need ADHD therapy.
Fact: ADHD can persist into adulthood, and many adults benefit from specialized therapy to manage symptoms.

Myth: Therapy cannot help ADHD, only medication works.
Fact: While medication, such as stimulants, which research shows have the highest success rate for ADHD—is part of the gold standard treatment, therapy plays a critical role in building coping strategies and addressing emotional challenges.

Myth: Any therapist can treat ADHD.
Fact: An ADHD therapist has specific training in evidence-based strategies like CBT, DBT, and executive function coaching.

Coping Strategies for ADHD

⏳10 and 3 rule:

• Have your child focus on homework or chores for 10 minutes, then take a fun 3-minute break to stretch, draw, or grab a snack, then repeat.

🕒 24-hour rule:

• If your child wants to make a big decision, like quitting a sport or spending birthday money, encourage them to wait 24 hours to think it through.

📊 80/20 rule:

• Help your child focus on the 20% of schoolwork or activities that make the biggest difference in their grades, confidence, or happiness.

🖐️ 5-second rule:

• When your child is stalling on starting homework or cleaning their room, have them count backward from 5, then take action right away.

💙 Practice the 3 C’s:

• Teach your child Consistency (stick to routines),
• Clarity (clear instructions and expectations), and
• Compassion (self-kindness when mistakes happen).

We also coach parents on what not to do with a child with ADHD, how to discipline in a way that works, and what to avoid saying so your child feels supported instead of discouraged.

How Therapy Helps With ADHD

If you are wondering, “What kind of therapist do I need for ADHD?”, the answer is usually a licensed mental health professional trained in ADHD-specific interventions. At Mountains Therapy in Montclair, NJ, we focus on:

• Teaching executive functioning skills for organization, time management, and planning
• Helping clients reduce procrastination and manage emotional regulation challenges
• Providing tools to stay present and engaged during daily tasks

For many families, we discuss whether ADHD is genetic from the mother or father, if ADHD is a form of autism, and how early ADHD can be diagnosed, helping them understand the whole picture before making treatment decisions.

ADHD Services We Offer in Montclair, NJ & Online

• Individual Therapy for ADHD – One-on-one sessions that teach children and teens focus-building skills, emotional regulation strategies, and executive functioning tools for school success.
• Family Therapy for ADHD – Collaborative sessions that help parents and siblings understand ADHD, improve communication, and create effective home routines.
• Parent Coaching for ADHD – Guidance for caregivers on consistent discipline, structure, and encouragement strategies that work for kids and teens with ADHD.
• Online Therapy for ADHD – Flexible and secure virtual sessions for children and teens in NJ, NC, FL, and UT.
• In Person Therapy for ADHD – Face-to-face ADHD therapy for children and teens at our Montclair, NJ office.

FAQs About ADHD Therapy

Q: What is the most effective treatment for ADHD in children?
A: The gold standard is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication, tailored to the child’s needs.

Q: What drug is commonly used for children with ADHD?
A: Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications are most common.

Q: What is the earliest age to diagnose ADHD?
A: Symptoms can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 4–5, though younger children can be evaluated if concerns are significant.

Q: Can you tell if a 3-year-old has ADHD?
A: Some signs may be present, but diagnosis at this age is made cautiously to ensure accuracy.

Q: How to handle or discipline a child with ADHD?
A: Use consistent rules, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement, while avoiding overly punitive approaches.

You Are Not Alone! Start Child & Teen ADHD Therapy in NJ Today

If your child or teen is ready to manage ADHD symptoms and build skills for a more balanced life, Mountains Therapy can help. We offer in-person sessions in Montclair, NJ, and online sessions in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, and Utah.

Contact us to find the best child adhd therapist NJ near me and the best teen adhd therapist NJ near me.