ADHD treatment in Miami Florida
Santana Mental Health Services provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations and individualized treatment plans for adolescents and adults. Our providers use evidence-based behavioral strategies and medication management, the two approaches with the strongest clinical support, to help patients reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and reach their full potential. Care is available both in-office and through secure telehealth services.
Understanding ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. Worldwide, ADHD affects approximately 5–7% of children and about 2.5% of adults. Symptoms typically emerge before age 12, and in 40–60% of children with ADHD, the disorder continues into adulthood. ADHD commonly co-occurs with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and learning disabilities.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, staying organized, and managing time. Patients may appear forgetful, easily distracted, or prone to losing things. This presentation is sometimes overlooked because it does not involve disruptive behavior and is more common in girls and women.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Characterized by restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty waiting or taking turns, excessive talking, and acting without thinking. In adults, overt hyperactivity often decreases and may be experienced as inner restlessness or impatience rather than physical overactivity.
ADHD With Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely occurs in isolation. The majority of individuals with ADHD also meet criteria for at least one other mental health condition. The most common co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and oppositional or conduct-related difficulties in younger patients.
Combined Presentation
The most commonly diagnosed presentation, involving significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Symptom patterns can shift over time, which is why the DSM-5 uses the term "presentation" rather than "subtype."
ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed in childhood. In adulthood, symptoms often manifest as difficulty with organization, time management, meeting deadlines, maintaining focus during meetings or conversations, and managing finances. Adults with ADHD are at higher risk for job instability, relationship difficulties, and co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders.
When to Seek an Evaluation
Consider scheduling an evaluation if attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity symptoms are persistent and interfere with your ability to function at work, school, in relationships, or in daily activities. Common signs include:
• Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks, conversations, or reading
• Frequently losing or misplacing important items
• Chronic difficulty with organization, time management, or meeting deadlines
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still
• Acting impulsively, such as interrupting others, making hasty decisions, or difficulty waiting your turn
• Starting many projects but struggling to finish them
• Forgetfulness in daily activities, such as missing appointments or forgetting obligations
• Difficulty managing emotions, including frustration, impatience, or mood swings
How ADHD Is Treated
Effective ADHD treatment typically involves medication, behavioral strategies, or a combination of both. Treatment is personalized based on age, symptom severity, patient preferences, co-occurring conditions, and prior treatment history.
Medication for ADHD
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Stimulant medications are the most effective and most widely studied pharmacological treatment for ADHD. More than 90% of patients show benefit from stimulants, and they have the strongest evidence base of any ADHD treatment.
The two main classes of stimulants are:
• Methylphenidate-based medications (such as Ritalin, Concerta, or Focalin)
• Amphetamine-based medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, or Dexedrine)
Both classes are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. Long-acting formulations are generally preferred because they provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day.
An individual's response to methylphenidate versus amphetamine is variable — approximately 40% of patients respond well to both, while about 40% respond better to one class than the other. If the first medication tried is not effective or causes side effects, switching to the other class is a common and often successful strategy.
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Stimulant medications typically begin working within the first few days of treatment, which is faster than most psychiatric medications.
Some people experience side effects, such as:
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Headache
• Stomach discomfort
• Mild increases in heart rate or blood pressure
These side effects are often manageable and may improve over time. Providers typically start with a low dose and adjust gradually to find the best balance of benefit and side effects. Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and growth (in children and adolescents) is recommended.
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For patients who do not respond well to stimulants, experience intolerable side effects, or have specific concerns such as a history of substance misuse, non-stimulant options are available:
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
• Extended-release guanfacine (Intuniv) — an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
• Extended-release clonidine (Kapvay) — an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
Non-stimulant medications generally have smaller effect sizes than stimulants and may take several weeks to reach full effectiveness. They may also be used as add-on treatments when stimulants alone provide only a partial response.
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Psychodynamic therapy may be helpful for some patients, especially when anxiety is connected to recurring emotional patterns, relationships, or past experiences. The evidence base is more limited than CBT, but it may be appropriate in selected cases.
ADHD Therapy & Treatment
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CBT is the most studied psychological treatment for adults with ADHD. Most CBT programs for ADHD are structured, skills-based, and last about 8 to 12 sessions.
CBT can help you:
• Build organizational and time-management skills
• Develop strategies for managing distractibility and procrastination
• Challenge negative thought patterns related to ADHD, such as self-criticism or avoidance
• Improve emotional regulation and frustration tolerance
CBT for ADHD is often used alongside medication and can help patients develop lasting skills that medication alone does not provide.
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For children and adolescents with ADHD, behavioral parent training is a well-established treatment. It teaches parents specific strategies for setting clear expectations, using consistent consequences, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Guidelines recommend behavioral parent training as a first-line treatment for preschool-aged children and as an important component of treatment for school-aged children.
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Organizational skills training helps children and adolescents with ADHD develop strategies for managing schoolwork, materials, and time. For adults, ADHD coaching focuses on practical skills such as planning, prioritizing, and building daily routines.
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Mindfulness training may help some patients with ADHD improve attention regulation and reduce emotional reactivity. The evidence base is growing but more limited than for CBT or behavioral interventions.
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For most patients, the best outcomes come from combining medication with behavioral or psychological strategies.
Medication can reduce core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while behavioral strategies help build the practical skills and habits needed for long-term success at work, school, and in relationships.
Your provider will work with you to choose a treatment plan that fits your symptoms, goals, and preferences.
Telehealth for ADHD Treatment
ADHD evaluations and follow-up appointments are available through secure telehealth. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth-delivered ADHD care, with studies showing significant improvement in attention, functioning, and symptom management through video-based treatment. Expert consensus guidelines support the continued use of telepsychiatry for ADHD evaluation and medication management, while recommending appropriate monitoring and safeguards.
Take the next step toward better focus and functioning. Book a secure telehealth appointment today and get support from the comfort of home, on a schedule that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
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Yes. ADHD is a well-established neurodevelopmental disorder recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). It involves differences in brain development and functioning, particularly in areas related to attention, impulse control, and executive function. ADHD is one of the most researched conditions in psychiatry.
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Yes, particularly in younger children and in cases of mild symptoms. Behavioral parent training is recommended as a first-line treatment for preschool-aged children. For older children, adolescents, and adults with moderate-to-severe ADHD, medication is generally the most effective treatment, but behavioral strategies and CBT can be used alone or in combination with medication based on patient preference and clinical needs.
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Not always. While some symptoms, particularly hyperactivity, tend to decrease with age, 40–60% of children with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children and may first seek evaluation when the demands of adult life reveal longstanding difficulties with attention, organization, and impulse control.
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Stimulant medications have been used for decades and have an extensive safety record. The most common side effects — decreased appetite, sleep difficulty, and mild increases in heart rate or blood pressure — are generally manageable. Stimulants have not been shown to increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients without pre-existing heart conditions. Your provider will review your medical history, monitor vital signs, and adjust treatment as needed.
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ADHD medication is designed to improve focus, attention, and impulse control — not to change who you are. Some patients notice they feel calmer or more organized, which can feel different at first. If a medication causes emotional blunting or feels like it is changing your personality, your provider can adjust the dose or try a different medication.
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Yes. Both initial evaluations and ongoing follow-up appointments are available through secure video telehealth. Research and expert consensus support the use of telepsychiatry for ADHD evaluation and treatment, with appropriate monitoring.
Important Notice
This page is for educational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any mental health condition. If you are experiencing symptoms or concerns, a professional evaluation can help clarify what you may be experiencing and what treatment options may be appropriate. Santana Mental Health Services is here to offer compassionate care, guidance, and support.
Medically reviewed by: Mailyn Santana, MD, DABPN
Clinical review: Child, Adolescent, Adult & Addiction Psychiatry
Last reviewed: March 18th, 2026
Written by: Santana Mental Health Services Editorial Team
Sources: Pediatrics, The Lancet, American Psychiatric Association, New England Journal of Medicine, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, PLOS One, American Academy of Family Physicians, Psychological Medicine, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Journal of Affective Disorders, New England Journal of Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, Frontiers in Psychology, CNS Spectrums, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New England Journal of Medicine, Archives of General Psychiatry, JAMA Network Open, JAMA Network Open, JAMA Psychiatry, JAMA Psychiatry
Disclaimer: Educational only; not a substitute for professional evaluation.