Do I need talk therapy if I already take ADHD meds?

Do I need talk therapy if I already take ADHD meds?

If you are asking yourself this question or reading this blog, you likely already know the answer but let’s take a moment to explore why talk therapy helps with ADHD, especially when you take ADHD meds.

Back in grad school, I took a class in psychopharmacology. As my teacher went over the vast array of medications, he repeated the phrase “pills don’t teach skills” like a mantra. I remember wondering why he said it so much every class as it got stuck in my head like a song after each lecture.

As a therapist, “pills don’t teach skills” has become one of my guiding principles and why I truly believe that talk therapy is just as important as medication when it comes to ADHD. 

Essentially, ADHD meds are like glasses but for your brain. Without them, you can likely get around but things might be kinda fuzzy sometimes. Much like glasses, ADHD meds are going to likely help you put things into focus but what happens next? Glasses don’t teach you how to read or drive a car even once you can see clearly. Similarly, ADHD meds don’t teach you how to gain insight into your life nor do they magically summon coping tools to navigate a world that wasn’t exactly built for you.

Talk therapy is where you get to build your tool kit while ADHD medication is like the key that helps unlock your personal tool box. In sessions, you can talk to your therapist about creating the kinds of systems that help your life run more smoothly and unpack some of the emotions and stories you might have around living life with the brain spice. ADHD medicine is undoubtedly an essential component of treatment, but it is only half the battle. To lead a fuller life, individuals with ADHD should seek holistic support that includes talk therapy. A comprehensive approach to ADHD management addresses the root causes of ADHD and helps individuals develop the skills they need to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

If you feel that talk therapy could help you live your best ADHD life, please reach out to us to consult with one of our ADHD affirming therapists.