ADHD Therapist in Asheville, NC

Design a life that works for your unique mind

Hi, my name is Selina Kelly, and I’m an ADHD specialist in Asheville, NC.

When you live with ADHD, you may feel like you’re trying to simply exist in a world that wasn’t built for you—you’re worried all the time, afraid of how your ADHD might “mess things up” for you, and finding it difficult to relax or concentrate because of it. 

You might even be fighting with family, friends, or significant others because of how ADHD shows up in your life. 

You wish people understood how much you try to show up for them, but that ADHD can make you seem flaky and inconsiderate. Your self-esteem keeps taking the hits, and you’ve started to internalize a lot of criticism and shame.

You’re tired of explaining that your brain just works differently—that you’re trying your best to show up how they want, but sometimes it just isn’t gonna happen.  

I understand, and I’m here to help.

I love helping my clients find ways of feeling more comfortable at work, in relationships, and in their own brains and bodies. 

When we work together, we’ll help you design the type of life that works with your ADHD, not against it.

If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with me today. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for out of ADHD therapy, and whether I am the right ADHD therapist for you.

My approach to therapy for ADHD

I truly believe that the way to change the world is through embracing diversity, unique identity, and creating more affirmative spaces. In my work as an ADHD therapist, my goal is to help you find more ease, more confidence, less conflict, and less anxiety. To start, we’ll first work toward an unconditional acceptance of yourself just as you are, not by trying to shift you closer to neurotypical standards.

When you work with me, we’ll craft a plan that takes into account your unique brain and the way it works best—rather than the way you think it “should” work.

Therapy for ADHD with me includes:

  • Developing a deep acceptance that ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, which includes learning how to work with what you’ve been given, not comparing it to how you think things should be.

  • Unpacking, processing, and healing the negative things you believe about yourself that have developed as a result of being told time and time again to “try harder” or “be more considerate”—especially for folks who were diagnosed later in life.

  • Understanding (and maybe even appreciating!) your unique executive functioning patterns. This includes developing strategies and systems specific to your brain, that help to “build scaffolding” for the hardest parts of your life.

  • Getting creative together about designing a life that works for you and allows you to feel successful more often (something that I like to refer to as spending more time in your areas of strength/”zone of genius”).

Does this sound familiar?

“Why can’t I keep up?”

“Why are some things so hard for me and look so easy for everyone else?”

“Why am I so competent in some areas but still so bad at time management and feeding myself?”

“Will it always be like this?!”

Who I Work Best With

My clients are adults of all genders—from college through middle age—who are struggling to keep up with the demands of everyday life. They’re diagnosed with ADHD (or strongly suspect that they have it) and they’re looking for ways to unpack the emotions, traumas, and negative self-beliefs that come with being neurodivergent, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+—or some combination of all of the above.

My clients regularly struggle with shame, guilt, and perfectionism, and feel like they are never good enough or should be doing more—even though they are already completely overcommitted in their personal and professional lives. This overcommitment comes with energy management struggles and the boom/bust cycles of productivity, which is—to put it plainly—exhausting.

More often than not, my clients have a history of childhood trauma. This shows up in their moods, their relationships, and their work performance, even when they’re able to function and comfortably sustain their livelihood. They know deep down that their trauma is impacting them, but they can’t seem to regulate their reactions or emotions when it seems to matter most. In therapy for ADHD for those with trauma, we work together to bring healthier relationships into the picture, help folks feel more comfortable in their bodies, and give them tools to show up in a way they feel proud of.

At the end of the day, therapy is for people who are tired of the daily struggle—who want to stop feeling so afraid of disappointing others, “f*cking up,” or letting themselves down. Therapy is a space for folks who are ready to understand themselves on a deeper level, and who are invested in designing a life they love to live, free from shame, guilt, and fear.

ADHD Therapy in Asheville FAQs

  • ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning and development. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood but can continue into adulthood. It affects both children and adults, leading to challenges in education, work, and personal relationships. For those seeking more information or help, going to Google and typing in “ADHD specialist near me” can provide tailored results and access to support. If you’re ready to get started with ADHD therapy today, you can schedule a free ADHD therapy consultation with me to see if I’m the right fit to help.

  • If you think you might have ADHD, you can start by looking for long-term symptoms like difficulty with paying attention or being easily distracted, problems staying organized, or having a hard time completing tasks. You might also notice signs of hyperactivity like frequent fidgeting , feeling like you’re being driven by a motor, or impulsivity. These symptoms should last for at least six months and have a big impact on your daily life. To figure out if your symptoms might be explained by an ADHD diagnosis, a good first step is to get an adult ADHD screening. If you’re ready to take that first step, reach out and schedule a free consultation with me. We’ll talk about whether therapy for ADHD might be a right fit for you, and we can talk about options for ADHD screenings and treatment as well.

  • To find ADHD testing near you, you can start by chatting with your primary care physician, who can refer you to specialists. You can also search online for local clinics or mental health centers that offer ADHD assessments. Websites like Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association have directories of professionals, allowing you to filter results by location. If you are in Asheville, I can help offer local referrals to trusted professionals.

  • Therapy for ADHD often includes a combination of interventions that are meant to help you work with your strengths and develop strategies for your challenges. This might include things like cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral coaching, traditional psychotherapy (“talk therapy,” like in the movies), and sometimes medication. Executive functioning coaching helps you develop ways to manage your ADHD symptoms so they don’t have such an outsized impact on your life—things like time management, task management, and organizational skills. Working with a supportive therapist can help you get to the root of your negative thought patterns and behaviors, especially those that cause feelings of shame, guilt, fear, or anger as a result fo your ADHD symptoms. A therapist can help you build emotional regulation skills to find better daily balance. Medication, including stimulants or non-stimulants, might be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Consulting an ADHD therapist and a medication prescriber can help tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

  • There is no cure for ADHD—it is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder—but it can be effectively managed with a combination of treatments. Medications, behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, and educational support can help folks with ADHD lead successful and fulfilling lives. Early intervention and ongoing support are crucial for managing the disorder. For personalized management plans, consider consulting a neurodivergent therapist or search for “ADHD specialist near me”.

  • An ADHD coach and an ADHD therapist are not the same. An ADHD therapist is a licensed mental health professional who provides therapy and counseling to address the psychological aspects of ADHD and can diagnose and treat the condition. An ADHD coach focuses on helping individuals develop practical skills and strategies to manage their daily life, such as goal-setting, time management, and organization. Sometimes, an ADHD therapist will incorporate coaching into a client’s ADHD therapy, to create a well-rounded treatment plan to address multiple aspects of ADHD. However, an ADHD coach who is not a licensed therapist is not qualified to provide psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medication management for folks with ADHD.

  • ADHD therapy is often covered by health insurance, though coverage can vary based on the plan and provider. Check with your insurance company to understand what specific services are covered, any limitations, and whether a referral from your primary care physician is needed. Mental health parity laws in some regions require insurance plans to cover mental health services, including therapy for ADHD, at the same level as other medical services.

  • ADHD coaching is generally not covered by insurance, as it is considered a non-medical service. However, some flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) may allow you to use funds for coaching services. Check with your insurance provider and the coaching service to explore possible financial assistance or payment options. For those in need of diagnostic services, searching for "ADHD assessment near me" can provide information on covered options.

Get help from an ADHD specialist who gets it

When you’re living with ADHD, it’s so important to have a place where you can let your messiness be seen without judgment, and where you can get both validation and support in working toward the big dreams you have for yourself and your life. I’d love to talk with you to see if I can be that support as you take this next step toward living a life you love free of shame, guilt, and fear.

To get started, schedule a free phone consultation today.

Note: My practice is 100% HYBRID and I offer telehealth state-wide in North Carolina, not just Asheville!