So, what is the difference between an OT and an ADHD Coach?
When individuals with ADHD seek professional support to improve their daily lives, they often come across two main options: Occupational Therapists (OTs) specializing in mental health and ADHD, ADHD coaches.
Both professionals offer valuable assistance, but they have different areas of focus, qualifications, and regulatory oversight. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of support professionals, highlighting the unique benefits of working with an OT, especially for those who need comprehensive, multi-faceted help with ADHD.
Training and Qualifications
Occupational Therapist (OT) Specializing in Mental Health and ADHD
Occupational Therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals whose primary role is to help individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities (or "occupations")—whether that involves work, school, or personal tasks. An OT specializing in ADHD and mental health focuses on how ADHD affects a person’s ability to manage tasks, regulate emotions, and function effectively in various environments. OTs do not provide diagnoses, so are unable to provide a Clinical Diagnosis of ADHD.
Training and Qualifications:
OTs are required to earn a Graduate degree in Occupational Therapy (Master’s or Doctorate), which typically takes 2-3 years.
They must be licensed or registered with a regulatory college, which in BC is the CAOT-BC. This ensures they meet and maintain established professional and ethical standards. They must maintain this registration to maintain their delegation of Occupational Therapist.
OTs specializing in ADHD often pursue additional certifications or continuing education related to mental health and ADHD. They also typically have significant experience working in the community or hospital setting assisting mental health, neurological health and cognitive health focused cases, rounding out their experience and understanding of the brain.
Focus Areas of OTs:
Daily Life Skills:
OTs can assess an individual’s challenges and create strategies to help them navigate tasks such as organizing, managing time, and following through on projects.
Sensory Processing:
Many individuals with ADHD experience sensory sensitivities. OTs help identify and manage sensory issues that can impact focus and productivity.
Mental Health:
OTs trained in mental health are equipped to address co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation—common challenges for individuals with ADHD.
Task Breakdown & Goal Setting:
OTs excel at breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, a strategy that is particularly effective for people with ADHD who struggle with task initiation and follow-through.
ADHD Coach
ADHD coaches are professionals who work with individuals with ADHD to help them develop personalized systems and strategies to manage daily activities, work, and relationships. ADHD coaching typically focuses on behavioural change, motivation, and improving executive function skills, such as time management, prioritization, and organization.
Training and Qualifications:
ADHD coaches often complete specialized coaching programs that teach behaviour modification techniques, motivational strategies, and ADHD-specific interventions.
Unlike OTs, ADHD coaches are not required to hold a healthcare degree or obtain licensing. They are usually not trained to treat medical conditions.
Focus Areas:
Goal Setting & Time Management:
Coaches help clients set realistic goals, break them into smaller steps, and track progress.
Accountability & Motivation:
Coaches provide support and accountability to help individuals stay on track with their goals.
Practical Strategies:
ADHD coaches focus on developing systems to improve organization, reduce procrastination, and boost productivity.
Regulatory Oversight and Scope of Practice
Occupational Therapist (OT)
As regulated healthcare professionals, OTs must adhere to strict ethical standards and are governed by a Regulatory body or college. This ensures that they provide competent and evidence-based care. OTs are held accountable for their practice, and their work is supported by research, clinical guidelines, and professional ethics.
Key Aspects of Regulation:
Licensing & Certification:
OTs must pass a licensing exam and maintain certification through continuous professional development and education.
Scope of Practice:
OTs are trained to perform clinical assessments, diagnose functional impairments, and develop individualized treatment plans. They address both physical and mental health aspects of ADHD, including emotional regulation, sensory processing, and task performance. OTs do not diagnose mental health disorders, so are unable to provide a clinical diagnosis for ADHD.
Collaborative Care:
OTs often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as psychologists or medical doctors, to create comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plans for individuals with ADHD.
ADHD Coach
Unlike OTs, ADHD coaches are not regulated by a formal body. They do not hold the same legal and professional responsibilities as healthcare providers, and they are not authorized to diagnose ADHD or any other mental health condition.
Key Restrictions and Scope of Practice:
No Clinical Treatment:
ADHD coaches cannot diagnose ADHD, mental health conditions, or other medical disorders. They cannot provide therapy or offer interventions for anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring issues.
Focus on Behavioural Coaching:
Coaches focus on helping individuals with ADHD improve organizational skills, goal-setting, time management, and productivity.
No Medical or Therapeutic Role:
ADHD coaches cannot provide treatment for underlying mental health conditions or address the sensory processing issues that are often a significant part of ADHD.
So, Why Choose Occupational Therapy Specializing in ADHD Over an ADHD Coach
While both Occupational Therapists and ADHD coaches offer valuable support, there are several reasons why someone with ADHD might choose to work with an OT specializing in mental health and ADHD over an ADHD coach.
An Occupational Therapist takes a holistic approach to ADHD management. OTs are trained to assess how ADHD impacts various aspects of life—beyond just task management and organization. This comprehensive evaluation allows an OT to identify and address a wide range of challenges, such as:
Sensory Processing Issues: Many individuals with ADHD experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input (e.g., noise, light, textures). OTs are trained to assess sensory processing challenges and develop strategies to cope with sensory overload, creating a more comfortable environment for the individual.
Mental Health Co-Occurring Conditions: OTs are qualified to address mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or stress, that often accompany ADHD. By treating both the ADHD symptoms and the related emotional challenges, OTs help individuals achieve more balanced mental health.
Daily Functioning and Task Management: OTs are particularly adept at breaking tasks down into manageable steps, which is crucial for individuals with ADHD who struggle with task initiation and follow-through. This strategy can help improve productivity and reduce procrastination by turning overwhelming tasks into smaller, more achievable goals.
Goal Setting & Organization: OTs help individuals set realistic, achievable goals and create systems that enhance organization and time management. OTs are well-versed in executive function strategies, which are often difficult for individuals with ADHD. They can work with clients to create structured routines and daily schedules that increase productivity and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Personalized Intervention Plans: OTs develop individualized treatment plans that take into account the client’s specific strengths, challenges, and lifestyle. This personalized care ensures that strategies are tailored to the unique needs of the individual, increasing their chances of success.
If you are looking for comprehensive support—especially if ADHD is impacting not just your productivity but also your mental health, emotional regulation, and sensory experiences—an OT specializing in ADHD may be a better fit. OTs are uniquely qualified to manage complex cases where ADHD intersects with other challenges. They can provide a clinical assessment, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and offer interventions that go beyond the behavioral coaching that an ADHD coach provides.
While ADHD coaches offer valuable behavioural and motivational support, Occupational Therapy (OT) provides a more comprehensive, clinical approach that is highly suited to the needs of individuals with ADHD.
If you are interested in scheduling an Appointment with an OT Specializing in ADHD, head to our Scheduling page to book with Krysta Longridge or Katie Eichar, who are both OTs Specializing in ADHD.
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