Various medical professionals can prescribe ADHD medication. But there are some unique advantages to working with a psychiatrist to manage your ADHD.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are healthcare providers who focus on mental health. They have the most knowledge of how to use medication to address the ways that ADHD affects the mind and body.
If you decide to try medication for ADHD, your psychiatrist will monitor your medication’s effectiveness and make changes as necessary over time.
About 15.5 million adults in the U.S. live with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you have ADHD (or suspect you might) and are interested in medication, there are several different paths you can take. Psychiatrists can prescribe ADHD medication and may also offer talk therapy and coordinate treatment with your other providers.
Working with a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) offers some unique advantages for people living with ADHD. These medical doctors and nurse practitioners specialize in treating mental health, so they’re especially good at navigating complex and co-occurring conditions. A psychiatric provider will review the full picture of your physical and mental well-being. From there, they can ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right care for your needs.
Who can prescribe ADHD medication?
There are many ways to manage ADHD. It often includes a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care. Your care team might include your doctor, a therapist, and other medical or mental health professionals.
But only certain providers can prescribe ADHD medication. These include:
Psychiatrists and PMHNPs: When it comes to treating symptoms of ADHD with medication, these providers are the most qualified. Psychiatric providers have deep expertise in how ADHD affects the mind and body. Medication management is the main component of psychiatric care, although it can also include other approaches.
Primary care physicians (PCPs): These providers are often the first point of contact for someone seeking ADHD care. They can prescribe medication and monitor its effectiveness. However, for complex cases, they may refer you to a specialist.
Neurologists: If you have ADHD and a co-occurring neurological disorder, you may benefit from working with a neurologist. These doctors can prescribe and monitor ADHD medication.
All of these providers can do a great job supporting someone with ADHD. But ultimately, the provider you choose may come down to some personal factors and the kind of care you have access to. For example, you may need to choose a provider based on your insurance coverage, wait times for appointments, or specialized expertise.
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How to get a prescription for ADHD medication
At a minimum, to get a prescription for ADHD medication, you need to receive an official diagnosis from a medical provider. This typically includes a formal evaluation, conversations about your medical and mental health history, and a review of your symptoms.
Once your provider verifies that you have ADHD, you can begin the process of trying medication. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this process:
Verify your insurance. Make sure you know what types of medication and providers your health insurance plan will pay for. This can help you avoid surprise bills and understand the financial obligations associated with your ADHD care. You can contact your insurer by calling the number on the back of your insurance card or visiting your member portal online. If cost is a concern, talk to your provider. They may be able to prescribe a generic medication. These are typically cheaper than name-brand medications.
Be direct with your provider. Let your provider know that you’re interested in taking medication to manage your ADHD. Ask them about their approach to prescribing medication and what you can expect from the process. If for some reason they don’t prescribe ADHD medication, request a referral to someone who can.
Have patience with the process. There can be lots of steps between getting an ADHD diagnosis and picking up your prescription at the pharmacy. Although the process can be frustrating, try to remember that your providers want to make sure you get the right care for your needs, and this can take some time. Nationwide psychiatrist shortages can also impact treatment timeframes.
Four things to know about taking ADHD medication
If you’re interested in taking ADHD medication, here are a few things to know:
It isn’t an exact science. You may need to try multiple medications to find the right one for you. Always let your psychiatric provider know if you’re experiencing side effects or something doesn’t feel right. In many cases, they can recommend alternatives.
It can take some time to kick in. When you take your first dose of medication, don’t expect to experience immediate relief. Different medications can take different amounts of time to take effect. But you can always ask your provider when you can expect your medication to start working.
It can complement other supports. Medication can be a helpful component of your ADHD treatment plan. But you have other options too. For example, many people find it helpful to combine therapy with medication. There are therapists who specialize in supporting people with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence.
It can be hard to secure. Over the past few years, medication shortages have made it difficult for people with ADHD to get their prescriptions filled. This may or may not affect you, depending on what type of ADHD medication you take and where you live. If you’re unable to fill your prescription, your pharmacist and provider can help you brainstorm solutions.
A common misconception people have about ADHD medications is that they’ll eliminate all of your symptoms. Although they can significantly improve your symptoms, it’s still important to have skills in place, like using a calendar, alarms, and/or to-do lists.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Many people with ADHD take medication to manage their symptoms. But if you’re new to this process, you might be unsure who to turn to for help.
While a variety of providers can write prescriptions for ADHD medications, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified. These medical doctors focus on mental health and have the most knowledge of how ADHD affects the mind and body. They can provide a formal evaluation, issue a diagnosis, and help you manage complex and co-occurring conditions. Psychiatrists can also prescribe ADHD medication, monitor its effectiveness over time, and recommend other supports (like therapy) as needed.
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Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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