If you’ve ever looked into coaching and thought, “This is way out of my budget!”, you’re definitely not alone.
The good news? ADHD coaching is one of the most effective ways to get on top of the chaos ADHD brings into your life. It helps you take charge of your to-do list without feeling like time keeps slipping away. The not-so-good news? Coaching can be expensive and not everyone can afford it.
However, just because coaching might be pricey doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’re wondering how to get help without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll break down what ADHD coaching typically costs, dig into some budget-friendly alternatives, and even look at creative ways to find support for your ADHD. You don’t have to go it alone, and with a little know-how, you can find the help you need.
💵 How much does ADHD coaching cost?
Generally, ADHD coaches charge per session, with rates typically ranging from $75 to $250 per hour. An ADHD coach with specialized training and extensive experience often charges closer to the higher end of this range, while a newer ADHD coach tends to offer services at the lower end.
As the frequency of sessions increases, the overall cost of ADHD coaching can add up quickly. For instance, if you opt for weekly sessions at $150 each, your monthly total would be around $600.
Many ADHD coaches also offer monthly packages, which can be more cost-effective than paying for individual sessions. These plans usually range from $425 to $725, depending on the number of sessions included and the coach's pricing structure. For example, a coach might offer four sessions per month bundled into one package with a slight discount compared to purchasing each session separately.
By comparison, Shimmer’s 30-min/week plan costs only $230/month. That’s 30 minutes each week of 1:1 time with your coach in a live video call, plus access to your coach via text throughout the week.
💲 Why is ADHD coaching so pricey?
The high variability in ADHD coaching pricing might have you scratching your head. It’s difficult to choose between options when you don’t fully understand what goes into pricing.
- Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans don't cover ADHD coaching unless prescribed by a doctor. This means we usually pay out of pocket, unlike therapy, which insurance often helps cover. While coaching focuses on practical strategies that make a real difference, covering the full cost ourselves can feel like a lot.
- Supply and demand: As more people learn about ADHD and seek support, the need for qualified coaches keeps growing. This increased demand tends to affect pricing, especially for coaches with specialized training.
- Coach background: More experienced coaches often charge more. Their years of working with ADHD clients and advanced training help them offer personalized solutions that really work. This expertise usually comes with higher fees.
- Time and scheduling: How long and how often we meet affects the total cost. Longer or more frequent sessions cost more but might help us see progress faster. Shorter check-ins can be budget-friendly but might mean taking more time to reach our goals.
- Online vs in-person: Meeting online usually costs less than in-person coaching, especially in big cities where coaches have higher business expenses. Online sessions give us the same quality support while keeping costs down.
- Extra support: Many coaches offer help between sessions through emails, quick calls, or helpful resources. While this ongoing support makes a big difference in reaching our goals, it adds to the overall cost since coaches spend more time supporting clients outside of sessions.
😊 Affordable ways to access ADHD coaching
There are some affordable ways to get the coaching you need without turning your wallet inside out! Let’s break them down.
- Sliding scale fees: Many coaches adjust their rates based on what you can afford. While not every coach offers this option, it's always okay to ask. Most of us want to help make coaching accessible and understand that finances can be tough.
- Group coaching: Want support that's easier on your wallet? Group coaching brings together people facing similar challenges at a lower cost than one-on-one sessions. You'll learn from both the coach and other participants. Sometimes hearing someone else say "that happens to me too!" is exactly what we need.
- Online coaching: Skip the commute and connect with coaches from your couch! Online platforms like Shimmer make it simple to find the right coach and schedule sessions when they work for you. Plus, online coaching often costs less than in-person visits.
- Training coaches: Working with coaches who are finishing their certification can help you save money while still getting great support. These coaches are supervised by experienced professionals and often charge reduced rates while building their practice. You get quality guidance that fits your budget.
👥 Support options when ADHD coaching is out of your budget
ADHD support groups
Looking for community that gets it? ADHD support groups connect us with others who understand our experiences. Whether online or in-person, these free or low-cost groups give us space to share stories, swap tips, and build friendships. Sometimes just hearing "me too" from others facing similar challenges makes all the difference.
- Find a local ADHD support group with CHADD’s affiliate locator
- Find virtual peer support groups for ADHD through ADDA
Self-help resources
There are lots of ways to learn more about living with ADHD through books, podcasts and online courses. These fit easily into daily life - listen while cooking, read during your commute, or watch videos when it works for you. The best part? You can pause, rewind, and go at your own speed. Here are some recommendations to get you started!
Workplace support
Did you know your job might help cover ADHD support costs? If you've been diagnosed, check with HR about:
- Workplace accommodations
- Coaching reimbursement programs
- Benefits that cover ADHD support
- Using HSA/FSA funds for coaching
Many companies want to help but don't advertise these options. It never hurts to ask what's available. Your HR team can explain which expenses qualify under different plans.
💸 Affordable options, endless possibilities
From sliding scale fees and group coaching to online platforms and student coaches, affordable ADHD coaching options are available. Support groups and self-help resources also provide valuable guidance at little to no cost, and workplace accommodations may offer unexpected perks. The key is to find what works best for your needs and budget.
Don't let the cost of coaching hold you back—there's help out there, and with some research and initiative, you can access the support you need. Start today by reaching out to a coach and finding out if they’re the best fit for you, exploring local support groups, or even talking to your HR department about possible benefits. Your ADHD doesn't have to limit you—find the resources that can help you thrive!
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