ADHD
Integrated Care for ADHD
Individuals who struggle with ADHD often run into problems with the law, continuity within employment or school settings, may have substance abuse difficulties, and have difficulty with the day-to-day functional tasks that keep life organized and focused on moving forward. CNS provides integrated and comprehensive care for patients with ADHD, utilizing a multi-disciplinary team. This team includes psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, neuropsychologists, psychotherapists and case coordinators, all working together to provide a whole-person approach. People need to feel that time directed towards personal and professional tasks, is time spent efficiently and productively.
Why Integrated ADHD Treatment?
According to Tuckman (2007), “Traditional therapeutic techniques are not sufficient to deal with the many manifestations of this multifaceted condition.” He follows by suggesting integrated treatment that encompasses four distinguishing concepts: education, medication, coaching, and psychotherapy. CNS utilizes these four pillars to facilitate and maintain change in persons suffering from ADHD.
During the initial assessment you will discuss with your psychiatrist potential approaches to treating your ADHD symptoms, including medication, psychotherapy, and/or life skills management. In addition, our program seeks to educate patients about ADHD (symptoms, impacts on daily life, impacts on relationships, and impacts on emotional well-being).
Upon entering the program, each patient receives a comprehensive assessment of his or her health status, including:
* Confirmation of diagnosis of ADHD and evaluation of current ADHD type;
* Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation;
* Neurocognitive testing for the presence and severity of cognitive difficulties that commonly arise from
ADHD (e.g., maintaining attention, hyperactivity, etc.);
* Analysis of how these difficulties interfere with your day-to-day functioning (e.g., work, school,
relationships);
Results from this comprehensive assessment guide the individualized treatment plan and services to be provided. ADHD symptoms and other mental health concernsare addressed simultaneously.
Program Specifics
Case coordinators review assessments with each patient and integrate both health and treatment services into an Individual Care Plan. Together, patients and case coordinators plot the treatment course and identify a specific, intrinsically-motivated treatment regimen including: individual therapy, ongoing psychiatric care, medical consultation, educational therapy, exercise programs, and linkages to other supportive services. Case Coordinators meet1-2 times per weekwith the patient to identify progress on the individual care plan, celebrate successes in meeting objectives, and address any other needs that have emerged. The Individual Care Plan is updated as needed.
The Integrated Treatment Team meets every3-4 weeksto monitor patients’ progress, and review treatment goals and outcomes. These Treatment Team meetings occur internally with the CNS Treatment Staff. In order to encourage patients to be an active and dynamic part of the Treatment Team, we also conduct Treatment Team Appointments which fosters collaboration between the patient and the team.
The treatment team works together with patients to:
* provide a platform for patients to have an active voice in the overall treatment plan;
* improve overall health and functioning;
* offer medication management to address inattention, distraction, impulsivity, or hyperactivity
* increase motivation to make and sustain change;
* address underlying emotional difficulties related to low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship
struggles, and life disorganization
* facilitate the application of the skills acquired in the CNS Comprehensive ADHD Program to practical
matters in everyday life;
Our comprehensive team’s goal is to provide you with the best chances for success and optimum functioning, while minimizing the difficulties ADHD and any related conditions may be causing you. Patients leave the CNS program with new tools for:setting achievable goals, managing both time and resources on a day to day basis, developing and maintaining positive relationships, and gaining the confidence and fortitude to commit fully to future endeavors.