You searched "ADHD coach NYC" and got back 200 results. Half of them are therapists who also do coaching. A quarter are life coaches who took a weekend workshop and added "ADHD-friendly" to their website. The rest are a mix of legitimate specialists, social media personalities, and people whose entire credential is having ADHD themselves. Welcome to finding ADHD support in a city with eight million people and seemingly just as many wellness practitioners.

The sheer volume of options in New York should make this easier, but it actually makes it harder. You open a dozen tabs, compare websites that all say the same reassuring things, read reviews that could be about anyone, and end up more overwhelmed than when you started. That research spiral hits differently when the executive function challenges you're trying to get help with are the same ones making it impossible to sort through your options.

And the pricing. You've seen everything from $75 to $500 per session with no clear explanation of why one coach costs six times more than another. Are the expensive ones better? Are the cheap ones cutting corners? There's no Consumer Reports for ADHD coaching in Manhattan.

This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in an ADHD coach, what credentials actually matter, how to tell a structured methodology from a glorified chat session, and how to make this decision without losing another weekend to research paralysis.

What is the difference between ADHD coaching, therapy, and psychiatry

Before diving into how to find a coach, it helps to understand what coaching actually is and how it fits alongside other types of ADHD support. These three categories get blurred together constantly, especially when you're starting to explore your options.

ADHD coaching is a collaborative partnership focused on the present and the future. You and your coach work together to build strategies, systems, and habits that help you reach your goals. Coaching is action-oriented. It focuses on what you want to accomplish and what's getting in the way right now. Your coach helps you develop personalized tools and frameworks for things like time management, prioritization, organization, and follow-through. They work with how your brain actually functions rather than trying to force it into a neurotypical mold.

Therapy goes deeper into the emotional and psychological side. A therapist can help you process past experiences, work through anxiety or depression that often co-occurs with ADHD, and address emotional patterns that affect your daily life. Therapy is about understanding the "why" behind your struggles and healing underlying wounds. In New York, where therapy is practically a cultural institution, many people start here. And that's a perfectly valid path. But therapy alone doesn't always give you the practical, tactical tools for managing executive dysfunction day to day.

Psychiatry is the medical side. A psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, prescribe and manage medication, and monitor your overall neurological health. If you're exploring medication or need a formal diagnosis, this is where that happens.

These aren't competing options. Many adults with ADHD benefit from a combination. You might see a psychiatrist for medication management, a therapist for processing the emotional weight of living undiagnosed for decades, and a coach for building the daily systems and habits that keep your life running. In New York's insurance landscape, therapy and psychiatry visits may be partially covered depending on your plan, while coaching typically is not. More on that in a bit.

The key distinction with coaching is that it's forward-looking and practical. You're not rehashing your childhood. You're figuring out how to actually get through your inbox, stop missing deadlines, and build routines that stick.

What credentials should an ADHD coach actually have

"ADHD coach" is not a protected title. There's no state license required. No board certification you have to pass. Anyone can put up a website tomorrow, call themselves an ADHD coach, and start charging $200 an hour. In a market as crowded as New York's, that means there's a significant range in quality hiding behind similar-looking websites.

So how do you tell the difference?

PAAC certification (Professional Association of ADHD Coaches) is one of the strongest indicators. PAAC-certified coaches have completed ADHD-specific training programs that meet rigorous standards, including supervised coaching hours and demonstrated competency in ADHD-related challenges. This isn't a weekend course. It's a significant investment in specialized education.

ICF credentials (International Coaching Federation) are another important marker. The ICF is the gold standard in the broader coaching industry. An ICF-credentialed coach has completed substantial training hours, logged a minimum number of coaching hours, and passed an evaluation process. ICF credentials alone don't guarantee ADHD expertise, but combined with ADHD-specific training, they indicate someone who's serious about their practice.

What about lived experience? Having ADHD yourself can absolutely make someone a more empathetic, intuitive coach. But lived experience without professional training and methodology is not enough on its own. You want someone who combines understanding of the ADHD experience with evidence-based coaching frameworks. The best coaches bring both.

Red flags to watch for:

• A coach who lists no specific training or credentials on their website

• Someone whose only qualification is "I have ADHD and I figured it out"

• Coaches who promise specific outcomes like "I'll cure your procrastination"

• No mention of supervision, continuing education, or a structured methodology

• A coaching approach that sounds like it's just friendly conversation with no framework

Questions to ask any coach you're considering:

• What ADHD-specific training have you completed, and through which program?

• Are you certified through PAAC, ICF, or another recognized body?

• Do you receive regular supervision or peer consultation?

• What methodology or framework do you use in your coaching?

• How do you measure progress with your clients?

• What does a typical engagement look like, and what happens between sessions?

These questions aren't meant to be aggressive. A good coach will welcome them. They've invested significantly in their education and practice, and they'll be happy to share that with you. If someone gets defensive or vague when you ask about their qualifications, that tells you something important.

Why does virtual coaching make sense for ADHD

The traditional model of coaching means finding someone in your area, coordinating schedules, and showing up in person on a regular basis. That model works for some people, but it creates friction that can be especially challenging when you're dealing with ADHD.

For anyone in New York, here's a scenario that probably sounds familiar: you found a coach you're excited about, but they're in Midtown and you work in Brooklyn. Your session is at 3pm, which means you need to leave by 2:15 to get there on time, and you probably won't be back at your desk until 4:30. That's over two hours of your day gone for what might be a 45-minute session. And that's assuming the subway cooperates, which on any given Tuesday is about a coin flip.

Now imagine you just had a rough morning. Your brain is all over the place. The idea of packing up, navigating transit, and being "on" for an appointment feels like climbing a mountain. So you cancel. And then you cancel again next week because something came up. Consistency falls apart, and the coaching relationship never builds the momentum it needs.

Virtual coaching removes geography as a factor entirely. You can meet with your coach from your apartment, your office, a coffee shop, or wherever you happen to be. Sessions can fit into natural breaks in your day. A 30-minute coaching call over lunch or after the kids are in bed is fundamentally different from blocking out half an afternoon.

But the bigger advantage is access to specialization. When you're limited to coaches who happen to practice in the five boroughs, you're choosing based on proximity. When geography doesn't matter, you can match based on what actually counts: expertise in your specific challenges, coaching style that fits your personality, experience with your industry or life stage. A coach in Portland who specializes in ADHD for tech professionals might be a better fit than the generalist life coach three blocks from your apartment.

Virtual coaching also lowers the switching cost. If a coaching relationship isn't working, trying someone new doesn't mean starting a whole new geographic search. You simply match with a different coach and keep going.

What does quality ADHD coaching methodology actually look like

Not all coaching is created equal, and methodology is where the difference shows up most. The gap between structured, evidence-based ADHD coaching and "let's just talk about your week" is enormous.

Evidence-based frameworks are the foundation. Quality ADHD coaches use approaches grounded in behavioral science. One example is the COM-B model, which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation as the three drivers of Behavior change. Instead of just telling you to "try harder" or "use a planner," a coach using this framework helps you identify whether a challenge is about skill (capability), environment (opportunity), or drive (motivation), and then addresses the actual barrier. Implementation intentions are another research-backed technique. These are specific if/then plans that help bridge the gap between wanting to do something and actually doing it. For example, rather than "I'll exercise more," an implementation intention sounds like "When I finish my last meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays, I'll change into running clothes before I sit down."

Structured sessions versus open-ended conversation is a major differentiator. A structured approach means your coach comes prepared, sessions follow a framework, and there's a clear thread connecting one session to the next. Goals are tracked. Progress is measured. You're building on previous work, not starting fresh every week.

Between-session support matters more than most people realize. ADHD doesn't pause between weekly coaching calls. Quality coaching includes some form of ongoing support, whether that's check-ins, messaging, or community access. This continuity is what helps new habits actually stick instead of evaporating by Wednesday.

Executive dysfunction-specific approaches are non-negotiable. Generic coaching techniques often assume a baseline level of executive function that people with ADHD don't consistently have. A methodology designed for ADHD accounts for working memory challenges, time blindness, difficulty with task initiation, and the emotional component of executive dysfunction. It builds systems around these realities rather than pretending they don't exist.

Community and peer support adds a dimension that isolated 1:1 coaching can't provide. Connecting with other adults navigating similar challenges creates accountability, normalization, and shared learning. It's one thing for your coach to suggest a strategy. It's another to hear from someone in a similar situation that they tried it and it worked.

Coach supervision and ongoing training is something most people never think to ask about, but it's critical. Coaches who work in isolation with no oversight can develop blind spots, drift away from best practices, or continue using outdated techniques. Regular supervision means someone qualified is reviewing their approach, providing feedback, and ensuring quality stays high.

The problem is that from the outside, all of this looks the same. Two coaches can have similar websites, similar pricing, and similar bios, but one is using a rigorous evidence-based methodology with ongoing supervision, and the other is winging it based on personal experience. Without asking the right questions, you'd never know the difference.

How much does ADHD coaching cost

Cost is a real factor in this decision.

Nationally, ADHD coaching sessions typically range from $150 to $300 per individual session. Ongoing monthly arrangements run anywhere from $300 to $600 per month depending on frequency, session length, and the coach's experience level. In New York specifically, prices tend to sit at the higher end of those ranges, especially for coaches with established practices in Manhattan.

The natural instinct is to find the cheapest option. And budgets are real, so cost absolutely matters. But the cheapest coaches tend to be the least experienced, with fewer credentials and less structured methodologies. That's not a judgment on their character. It's just the reality that coaches who've invested thousands of dollars in specialized ADHD training, ICF certification, and ongoing supervision typically charge more because their overhead is higher and their expertise is deeper.

Insurance typically does not cover coaching. This is true across most states, including New York. Coaching is not therapy. It's not a medical service. Most insurance plans don't recognize it as a covered benefit.

FSA and HSA funds can often be used for coaching. This is a genuinely helpful workaround. If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, ADHD coaching may qualify as an eligible expense. This effectively lets you pay with pre-tax dollars, which can reduce the real cost by 20-30% depending on your tax bracket.

When you're evaluating cost, it helps to think in terms of return on investment. What's the cost of continuing without support? Missed promotions because you can't consistently deliver. Relationships strained by forgotten commitments. The mental toll of feeling like you're constantly underperforming. Effective coaching pays for itself many times over when it helps you show up consistently in the areas that matter most.

How do you actually find and vet coaches in New York City

With a clear picture of what coaching is, what credentials matter, and what methodology should look like, the actual search can begin. In a city like New York, the process gets tedious fast.

Where to search:

The PAAC directory (Professional Association of ADHD Coaches) is the most targeted starting point. Every coach listed has met specific ADHD training requirements. The ICF directory is broader but useful for verifying credentials. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has a New York City chapter and the Manhattan Adult ADD Support Group (MAADDSG) has been running since 1992, providing peer support and community for adults with ADHD in the metro area. These can be excellent resources for recommendations and firsthand experiences.

The vetting process:

Once you have a shortlist, the work really begins. You'll need to review each coach's website, verify their credentials independently (not just trusting what their site says), schedule consultation calls, and assess fit. Most coaches offer a free or low-cost initial conversation, which is your chance to ask those credential and methodology questions from earlier.

During a consultation call, pay attention to:

• Do they ask about your specific challenges, or jump straight into selling their program?

• Can they clearly explain their methodology?

• Do they mention supervision or ongoing training?

• Does their communication style feel comfortable and natural?

• Are they transparent about pricing, session structure, and expectations?

If it's not a good fit:

This is the part nobody talks about. What happens when you go through this entire process, commit to a coach, and after a few sessions realize it's not clicking? You're back to square one. New search, new vetting, new consultation calls, new financial commitment to try again. For someone with ADHD, restarting that process feels roughly as appealing as cleaning out a garage.

Even with excellent resources, the burden falls entirely on you to do the research, make the calls, verify the claims, assess the fit, and start over if needed. It's a lot to ask of anyone, and it's an especially heavy lift when the very challenges you're seeking help with make sustained research projects feel impossible.

Why did we build Shimmer

Every frustration outlined above is exactly why Shimmer exists. We built it because we've lived through the same exhausting search and thought there had to be a better way.

The vetting problem is solved before you ever show up. Shimmer's coaches go through a rigorous selection process with a 4% acceptance rate. Every coach has ADHD-specific credentials, whether that's PAAC certification or equivalent specialized training. They don't just get hired and left to their own devices, either. Shimmer coaches receive ongoing supervision and continuing education, which means they're consistently held to a high standard. The methodology is consistent across the platform, grounded in behavioral science frameworks that are specifically designed for how ADHD brains work.

Matching is built into the experience. Rather than spending weeks researching and guessing, Shimmer matches you with a coach based on your specific needs, preferences, and goals. And if the match isn't right, you switch. No awkward breakup conversation. No restarting the search from scratch. No financial penalty. You just match with someone new and keep going. This is a massive shift from the traditional model where switching coaches means starting over completely.

The methodology goes beyond weekly sessions. Shimmer's approach is rooted in science-backed frameworks for behavior change and executive function support. Sessions are structured, goal-oriented, and connected from one to the next. But the support doesn't disappear between sessions. Shimmer includes community access where you connect with other members navigating similar challenges. That combination of expert 1:1 coaching and peer community creates accountability and support that a single weekly session can't replicate.

The risk is minimal. Shimmer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing is transparent and straightforward. You know exactly what you're getting and what it costs before you commit. Compare that to the traditional route where you might spend $300 on a first session with a coach you found through a Google search, only to realize two sessions later that their approach doesn't work for how your brain operates.

Virtual-first means all of New York City is covered. Whether you're in Washington Heights, Astoria, Park Slope, or Staten Island, you get the same access to quality coaching. No subway rides to Midtown. No rearranging your afternoon around a commute. Just consistent, expert support that fits into your life where you already are.

Shimmer's coaches work with adults across every industry and background you'd find in New York. Tech professionals managing the chaos of startup life. Finance workers trying to stay on top of detail-heavy workflows. Creative professionals dealing with project-based schedules and inconsistent routines. Parents balancing work and family while their own ADHD goes unmanaged. The matching process accounts for these differences so you work with someone who gets your specific situation.

How do you get started with ADHD coaching

Taking the first step feels big, and that's completely normal. If you've been researching ADHD coaching for a while and haven't pulled the trigger yet, you're in good company. Decision paralysis around getting help for ADHD is incredibly common, and kind of painfully ironic.

Getting started is straightforward: you sign up, get matched with a coach, and have your first session. That initial conversation is about your coach understanding you, your goals, your challenges, and what you've already tried. You don't need to come prepared with a perfect list of goals or a detailed history. Your coach is trained to guide that conversation and help you identify where to focus first.

The early sessions are about building a foundation. You and your coach will establish what matters most to you right now and start developing strategies tailored to how your brain works. Expect it to feel exploratory at first. You're testing approaches, learning what sticks, and building a relationship with someone who's going to be in your corner.

Realistic expectations matter. Coaching is not a magic fix. You won't walk out of your first session with all your executive function challenges solved. What you will have is a structured starting point, someone who understands ADHD at a deep level, and a framework for making consistent progress over time. Most members start seeing meaningful shifts within the first few weeks as new habits begin to click.

If you're ready to skip the research spiral and work with a vetted, expert ADHD coach who actually gets it, Shimmer is a good place to start.