What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain wiring difference that changes how you focus, plan, and manage your emotions. It is not a discipline problem or a character flaw. About 10% of children and 4-5% of adults in the US have it. Many people -- especially women, artists, and self-employed workers -- make it well into adulthood without ever being diagnosed.
ADHD shows up differently in everyone. Some people cannot sit still. Others can sit perfectly still but their mind is somewhere else entirely. Some hyperfocus on creative work for hours and then cannot start a simple task like paying a bill. In Asheville, we see a lot of creative professionals and freelancers who have built their lives around their ADHD without realizing it -- until the workarounds stop working.
How We Treat ADHD
We begin with a thorough evaluation -- not a quick checklist. Your provider will spend time understanding your symptoms, your history, and how ADHD is showing up in your daily life. For children and teens, we include parents in the conversation and can coordinate with schools when that helps.
When medication makes sense, we prescribe from the full range of options. Stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta are the most effective treatment for most people. For those who prefer a non-stimulant approach or cannot tolerate stimulants, we also prescribe Strattera, Wellbutrin, Qelbree, and guanfacine.
If you have tried medications before without success, we offer GeneSight genetic testing to help identify which medications are most likely to work for your body.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is about 60 minutes. We ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your work, relationships, and daily routines. We may use screening tools, but the conversation matters most. If ADHD is the right diagnosis, we can often start treatment the same day.
Insurance and Payment
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid plans (Healthy Blue, WellCare, AmeriHealth Caritas). Cash pay options are available for uninsured patients.
When to Get Evaluated
If you start projects and never finish them. If your mind races while your body feels stuck. If you have a hard time following through on things you actually want to do. If people call you 'scattered' or 'flaky' and you know that is not really who you are -- those are signs worth exploring. ADHD is treatable, and most people notice a real difference within weeks of starting the right medication.