1.Jessica Van der Merwe, LPC, LMHCVerified
(360) 818-8322
6011 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97213
ADHD · Anger Management · Anxiety
proteacounselingpnw.com · orcounselors.com/provider/jessica-van-der-merwe
Specialties
ADHD Therapists in Oregon
ADHD affects adults and children differently. Oregon ADHD specialists provide comprehensive assessment, behavioral strategies, and therapeutic support to help manage attention, organization, and executive function challenges.
ADHD also matches related modalities: ADHD in adults, ADHD Assessments, Psychological & ADHD Testing, ADHD Skills. Results below include all of them.
RelatedAutism (80)Behavioral Issues (72)School Issues (12)ADHD in adults (4)ADHD Assessments (2)Psychological & ADHD Testing (2)ADHD Skills (1)Executive functioning (1)
Oregon Counselor Directory lists many therapists listed on Oregon Counselors who specialize in ADHD as of April 2026 — including childhood ADHD, adult ADHD (newly diagnosed or long-known), ADHD with co-occurring anxiety / depression / trauma, executive-function struggles, and the relational and self-esteem layer that almost always comes with adult ADHD. Many offer telehealth, many accept Oregon Health Plan, many offer sliding-scale fees. ADHD therapy focuses on the dual track of skill-building (executive function, time management, environmental design, behavioral activation) and emotional work (rejection sensitivity, shame, the trauma layer many adults carry from years of being misread as lazy or careless). Effective modalities include CBT specifically adapted for ADHD, ACT, mindfulness-based approaches, and IFS for the inner-critic component. Most ADHD specialists here work in coordination with a separate prescriber if you also want medication management.
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Related Articles
From Oregon providers writing about this topic.
Therapy and Medication for ADHD Are Different Kinds of Help
I am not a prescriber. I do not recommend medications or comment on what anyone should take. What I can do is explain how the two kinds of help differ, because people are often choosing between them without being told they are not the same thing.
ADHD vs Anxiety in Women: How to Tell the Difference (and Why It Matters)
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, overthinking, or struggling to focus, you might wonder: Is this anxiety – or could it be ADHD? For many women, the answer is surprising. ADHD in women is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety, leading to years of frustration and treatment that only partially helps. Understanding the difference…
Twelve Million People in the Blind Spot: The Invisible Reality of ADHD
When we hear that ADHD affects about 3.5% of people, it’s easy to think that’s just a small number, like a rare blip in the grand story of human experience. But when you actually think about what that means in real life, it’s pretty mind-blowing. We’re talking about roughly twelve…
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: The ADHD Experience Nobody Warned You About
For many adults with ADHD, the hardest part is not focus, it is the crushing, physical wave of pain that follows even mild criticism or rejection. It has a name: rejection sensitive dysphoria. Here is what it is, what it is not, and what helps.
Late ADHD Diagnosis in Oregon Adults: What the Wait Means for Treatment Outcomes
More Oregonians are receiving adult ADHD diagnoses in their 30s and 40s than ever before. Here's what late diagnosis means clinically, how the comorbidity picture differs from childhood ADHD, and what an evidence-based treatment plan actually looks like.
Neurodivergent Couples: When Both Partners Are Wired Differently
Couples therapy approaches designed for neurotypical pairs frequently misfire when one or both partners are ADHD, autistic, or both. Here's the clinical framework for what neurodivergent couples actually need, and how it differs from standard EFT or Gottman approaches.
ADHD in Oregon, key facts
Researched data on this topic, every figure links to its source.
Among Oregon children, 9.1% had ever been diagnosed with ADHD and 8.7% had current ADHD, per the 2016-2019 National Survey of Children's Health (state-level estimates published in PMC, 2022).
Source: National Survey of Children's Health (PMC) (2016-2019)Of Oregon children with current ADHD, 70.2% received medication and/or behavioral treatment, and Oregon was one of four states where the share getting behavioral treatment significantly declined over 2016-2019 (NSCH).
Source: National Survey of Children's Health (PMC) (2016-2019)As of 2023 (CDC), an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults (6.0%) had a current ADHD diagnosis, and about half (55.9%) were first diagnosed at age 18 or older.
Source: CDC MMWR (2023)As of 2022 (CDC), an estimated 7 million U.S. children aged 3-17 (11.4%) had ever been diagnosed with ADHD, with boys (15%) diagnosed nearly twice as often as girls (8%).
Source: CDC (2022)Among U.S. adults with ADHD who took a stimulant in 2023, 71.5% reported difficulty filling their prescription because the medication was unavailable (CDC MMWR).
Source: CDC MMWR (2023)As of 2020-2022 (CDC NCHS), 11.3% of U.S. children ages 5-17 had ever been diagnosed with ADHD, rising to 14.3% among those ages 12-17.
Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief (2020-2022)Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this coverage in Oregon.
Can a therapist diagnose adult ADHD in Oregon?
Licensed psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists can diagnose adult ADHD in Oregon; LPCs and LCSWs typically refer out for the formal diagnostic battery. A full assessment usually involves clinical interviews, validated rating scales (DIVA-5, Conners), and ruling out anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and trauma — which can mimic ADHD.
Do I need a psychiatrist or a therapist for ADHD?
Both, usually. A psychiatrist or PMHNP handles diagnosis and medication (stimulants like Adderall / Vyvanse, or non-stimulants like Strattera / Wellbutrin). A therapist handles the executive-function coaching, time management, and emotional-regulation work that medication alone doesn't address. Many Oregon ADHD specialists explicitly do "ADHD coaching" alongside or instead of traditional talk therapy.
What therapy works for ADHD without medication?
CBT specifically adapted for ADHD has the strongest evidence — it focuses on practical structures: external task management, time-blindness compensation, and reducing the shame spiral that typically accompanies adult ADHD. Coaching (often weekly accountability calls) helps with implementation. Mindfulness-based interventions reduce emotional dysregulation. About a third of adults with ADHD do well long-term without medication using these approaches; the rest find a stimulant + therapy combination most effective.
How much does ADHD assessment cost in Oregon?
Full neuropsychological testing runs $1,500–$3,500 and may be covered by insurance with a referral. A briefer clinical assessment (interview + standardized scales) is $300–$700 and is what most adult ADHD diagnoses are based on.
Will Oregon insurance cover ADHD treatment?
Yes — ADHD is covered under all commercial insurance plans and OHP in Oregon. Therapy sessions and prescriber visits are both standard mental health benefits. The diagnostic assessment is sometimes treated separately and may require prior authorization. Stimulant medications are scheduled drugs, so most plans require a 30-day refill cycle and check-in with the prescriber every 1–3 months.
How do I find an ADHD therapist who actually understands adult ADHD?
Ask the therapist directly: "What percentage of your caseload is adult ADHD?" — you want a clear number, not "I've worked with some clients." Look for training in CBT-ADHD or ADHD coaching.
Why are so many adult women being diagnosed with ADHD now?
Two reasons. First, the diagnostic criteria were built decades ago around hyperactive boys, and it took until the 2010s for clinicians to recognize that women more often show inattentive, internalizing, and emotionally-dysregulated presentations (mind-wandering, perfectionism, exhaustion, masking). Second, hormonal shifts in pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause unmask ADHD that was compensated-for during stable hormone years — many Oregon women in their 30s and 40s describe a sudden inability to keep up with what they used to manage easily. Adult women are currently the fastest-growing demographic for new ADHD diagnoses nationwide.
Are TikTok ADHD videos accurate? I think I have it because of them.
A 2025 review of the 100 most popular TikTok ADHD videos found about 52% contained misleading information. The trap is that many ADHD traits (forgetfulness, restlessness, sensitivity to boredom) overlap with anxiety, sleep deprivation, depression, trauma, and just being a busy human. Self-recognizing in TikTok content is a reasonable nudge to seek evaluation — but a real diagnosis requires a clinical interview, validated rating scales (DIVA-5, Conners), and ruling out the look-alikes. Oregon clinicians strongly prefer a 60–90 minute structured assessment over a 15-minute "screening" appointment.
Can I get an ADHD diagnosis via telehealth in Oregon?
Yes — most Oregon ADHD evaluations are now done via telehealth, and the diagnostic accuracy is comparable to in-person when the assessment is structured (DIVA-5 interview, validated rating scales for self and a collateral informant, ruling out anxiety / sleep / depression / trauma). The exception is pediatric ADHD, where in-person observation is often added. Telehealth is also generally faster — some Oregon practices are scheduling new evaluations within 2–4 weeks compared with the 6–12 month waitlist common at university clinics. After diagnosis, a separate prescriber appointment is needed if you want medication.
What's the difference between an ADHD coach and an ADHD therapist?
An ADHD coach helps with skills and systems — calendars, time-blocking, task initiation, follow-through, adapting your environment so your brain works with you instead of against you. They are not licensed mental-health providers; sessions are not covered by insurance, and they cannot diagnose or treat co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma. An ADHD-specialized therapist (LPC, LCSW, psychologist) treats the whole picture — the executive function piece plus the emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and self-esteem layer that almost always comes with adult ADHD. Many Oregonians see a therapist first and add a coach for accountability once the emotional layer settles.
Can a therapist diagnose ADHD in Oregon, or do I need a psychiatrist?
In Oregon, licensed psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists can formally diagnose ADHD. Most LPCs and LCSWs cannot make the diagnosis themselves but can do an extensive screening, refer for formal testing, and provide treatment after diagnosis. A proper assessment uses a structured interview (often DIVA-5), validated rating scales for self and a collateral informant (partner, parent, longtime friend), and rules out look-alikes (anxiety, sleep issues, trauma, depression, thyroid issues). A 15-minute screening for medication is not a diagnosis.
What is rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and is it real?
RSD isn't in the DSM but is widely recognized clinically — it describes the intense, sudden emotional pain that many adults with ADHD experience in response to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. It can feel disproportionate, comes on fast, and tanks self-esteem in waves. The neuroscience is still being mapped, but the lived experience is consistent enough that most ADHD-specialized therapists work with it directly. CBT, IFS, and sometimes specific medication adjustments help — and naming it is often a major relief in itself.
Should I see an ADHD coach or an ADHD therapist?
Coaches focus on systems and skills (calendars, time-blocking, task initiation, environmental design). Therapists treat the whole picture — executive function plus the emotional dysregulation, RSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma layer that almost always travel with adult ADHD. Insurance covers therapists; coaching is usually self-pay. Many Oregonians use both: therapist for the depth work, coach for accountability. If you can only afford one, an ADHD-specialized therapist usually offers more comprehensive value.
Will I have ADHD forever, or can it be cured?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease — about half of children with ADHD continue to meet full criteria as adults, and many of the remaining half have residual symptoms. The framing that's most useful with adult clients in Oregon: you're not broken and you can't be fixed, but you can build a life that works with your brain instead of against it. That involves understanding your specific profile, the right structural supports, possibly medication, and resolving the shame that built up before you knew what was going on.
Can a therapist diagnose adult ADHD, or do I need a psychiatrist?
Adult ADHD can be assessed by qualified psychologists and many licensed therapists using clinical interviews and rating scales; a prescriber (psychiatrist, PMHNP, or some PCPs) is needed if you want medication. On this directory you can filter for providers who do testing/evaluation or who can prescribe.
Does therapy help ADHD, or is medication the only thing that works?
Medication helps core attention symptoms for most adults, but therapy and ADHD coaching are powerful for the day-to-day side — building routines, time management, organization, and managing the anxiety or low self-esteem that often come with ADHD. Many people do best with both.
What happens in an adult ADHD evaluation?
Expect a detailed interview about your history (often back to childhood), standardized rating scales, and sometimes input from a partner or family member or brief computerized testing. It usually takes one to a few sessions. Bring report cards or past evaluations if you have them.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in Oregon?
A full evaluation can range widely — roughly $150 for a focused clinical assessment up to several hundred or more for comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Coverage varies, so confirm with the provider; filter this page for your insurance, OHP, or sliding-scale options.
How many Oregon therapists specialize in ADHD?
there are many therapists specializing in ADHD, providing a variety of treatment options to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Do Oregon ADHD therapists accept OHP / Oregon Health Plan?
Yes, many therapists specializing in ADHD accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), providing potentially low-cost or no-cost therapy sessions to eligible individuals with Medicaid coverage in Oregon.
Is telehealth available for ADHD in Oregon?
Yes, many therapists specializing in ADHD offer telehealth services, making it convenient for clients across Oregon to access treatment from the comfort of their homes.
Do Oregon ADHD therapists offer sliding scale fees?
Yes, many therapists specializing in ADHD offer sliding scale fees, which can be a helpful option for clients who may not be able to afford standard therapy fees.
Many therapists listed on Oregon Counselors are specializing in ADHD. These providers offer a range of services, including 57 who provide telehealth, enabling access for Oregonians across the state, regardless of location. Many therapists accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which is Oregon's Medicaid program, potentially offering low-cost or no-cost therapy sessions. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, accommodating clients with varying financial circumstances. Common evidence-based approaches used by these therapists include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help manage ADHD symptoms by altering thought patterns and behaviors.