How to Become an ADHD Coach

Hey there, coach! Have you been thinking about expanding your practice by becoming an ADHD coach? Maybe you’ve noticed more and more clients who struggle with focus, organization, or motivation—and you want to know how to serve them better.

Well, you’re in the right place! We’re about to dive into everything you need to know about becoming an ADHD coach and how this niche can transform your coaching business.

By the way, we’re Cass and Tee, the dynamic duo behind Lovely Impact – the ultimate resource for coaches like you. With our years of experience and passion for helping coaches grow, we’ve got the scoop on how to level up your skills and make a real impact in the ADHD coaching space.

Let’s get into it!

Understanding the Role of an ADHD Coach

As an ADHD coach, think of yourself as the talent and potential whisperer! Your clients come to you because they have goals and dreams. But…they have pesky internal blocks that keep them just out of reach.

Your role is to coax out the talent like offering a treat to a timid little kitten. It’s hesitant at first, but then it follows you meowing and begging for head scratches. 

What is ADHD Coaching?

Let’s start out with a refresher. ADHD is not just a fancy acronym. It stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

An ADHD coach tackles the “attention deficit” and the “hyperactivity.”

If we poke at this more we see that ADHD coaching guides clients to: 

• Keep locked on and focused
• Manage stress and embrace calm
• Regulate emotions and stay cool as a cucumber
• Ignite persistence
• Plan efficiently so there’s no hiccups along the way
• Stop procrastination in its tracks
• Nurture relationships so there’s more than enough love, stability, and positivity to go around
• Be more organized than books in a library

What does an ADHD Coach do?

ADHD coaching is like goal-attainment on steroids. EVERYTHING about this type of life coaching is taking a fine-tooth comb to all the ways clients can successfully get to their goals. 

When flaming arrows of distractions and obstacles come hurdling your way, you’re the 5-star general that comes in with a strategy. You’ll play out all the scenarios, and anticipate any force that comes to hinder your client from reaching their goals. Contingency plans and all. 

You’ll be a safe and non-judgmental place for clients to train and work on skills that benefit them and guide them to reach their goals. 

You’ll be their greatest advocate while holding them accountable. 

ADHD Coach vs. Therapist: Key Differences

Let’s clear up a big question: What’s the difference between an ADHD coach and a therapist? 

While both provide outstanding support, a therapist dives into emotional health, trauma, and mental well-being. They work with clients to address things like low self-esteem, anxiety,depression, or other emotional or psychological aspects of ADHD.

An ADHD coach focuses more on the practical, day-to-day aspects of living with ADHD and is intentionally forward-focused. Not therapy or deep emotional exploration. They help clients wrangle the details of their life bouncing around and bring structure, solution-driven approaches, while promoting productivity. 

ADHD coaches share actionable strategies for success in real-life situations and are light on their feet when the situation calls for impromptu re-strategizing. 

ADHD Coach Job Description

ADHD coaches wear many hats! They’re part motivator, and part strategist. 

On any given day, you’ll find an ADHD coach helping a client create a realistic study schedule, provide top-notch tips on managing impulsivity at work, or offering encouragement after a tough week. 

The goal? 

Help clients build sustainable systems that set them up for success.

Here’s what a day in the life of an ADHD coach might look like. 

Daily Activities and Client Interactions

Talking with clients is just one piece of the puzzle to a successful coaching biz. Here’s what a day could look like:

Coaching: Like the white stuff in an Oreo, this is the good stuff you enjoy. You’ll have time blocks for coaching sessions. This is your 1:1 time with clients to help them with time management exercises, task prioritization, building good habits, and improving focus. 

Being there to support clients: A client might come flying in, red-hot on two wheels with a problem. They’ll connect with you to get extra support and guidance, or for you to be a soundboard to reflect. Many ADHD coaches offer regular accountability check-ins to help clients stay on track and feel supported. This could be done through text messages or time management apps such as Asana. 

Refining your marketing content. We know! You live, and BREATH coaching! But don’t forget to set aside some time to take care of business. Don’t let your social media, blog or podcast gather dust. It’s critical to give this love and attention to foster a pipeline full of clients. Not sure where to begin with marketing? Start by creating an irresistible freebie! Check out our guide with 100 freebie ideas designed to boost your email list and attract your dream clients.

Being a life-long learner. Study up! The best coaches have a thirst for knowledge. By exploring new techniques and exercises to help clients, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and deliver more value to your clients.

Networking and connecting with other coaches: Find your collective! It doesn’t have to strictly be other ADHD coaches. They can be wellness coaches, financial coaches, or spiritual coaches. Surround yourself with others who are motivated, passionate about what they do, and building successful businesses. You might learn a thing or two. For example, a health coach knows  what foods can boost concentration. A wellness coach will know how to incorporate meditation. Keep your mind open to other coaching techniques. 

Long-Term Objectives for ADHD Clients

Short-term wins are great! But ADHD coaching is about the long game, too. 

Your clients have dreams and goals like completing a degree, starting a business, or nailing down a daily routine. As an ADHD coach, you break those goals down into actionable steps. 

Over time, clients learn to manage ADHD like master mavens, fostering independence and growth. The results feed into long-term objectives. 

Here are some long-term objectives your client might want to complete:

• Perform better in school
• Have better relationships
• Bloom with self-esteem
• Manage disruptive behaviors
• Practice safe behaviors
• Be independent
• Start something and stick to it (like a business, hobby, or routine!)
• Spur professional growth and start a new career

Remember, goals like improving time management or cultivating focus are a prelude to bigger aspirations. Always keep the larger picture in mind!

➡️ Need a simple way to measure progress? Our FREE Monthly Coaching Review Form helps track achievements, uncover growth opportunities, and fine-tune goals to keep your coaching journey on track.

The Path to Becoming an ADHD Coach

Do you feel like you’ve found your calling? We’re going to give you the breakdown for a perfect concoction of education, experience, and certification you’ll need to catapult yourself into the world of ADHD coaching. 

Relevant Educational Background

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to educational background. However, there are some educational pathways that will kick-start your ADHD coaching degree. For example, degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work can give you a hefty boost when it comes to understanding your clients. 

If you’re a scientist, white coat and all, with a degree in neuroscience, your understanding of the brain is an unparalleled advantage in the ADHD coaching world. This is a fantastic way to bring depth to your understanding of ADHD clients. 

If your passion is helping the next generation, then a background in teaching, education, or special education will provide the insight you need to work with students. Your talent for connecting with students will be primed and ready for take off!

Gaining Experience with ADHD and Coaching

Don’t feel like you have to take a ruler to your education and see how your ADHD coach education measures up!

If you don’t have a high-powered degree it can make a world of a difference by having a stand-out experience. 

Personal experience yourself, or with family or friends who have ADHD is priceless stuff. 

If you don’t have any of that — not to worry! You can build up your experience:

Secure an internship: No better way to know how it’s done than to watch a seasoned pro do their coaching thing. See how they drive discussions, interact, and lead clients toward reaching their goals. Don’t forget to take notes on how an ADHD coach business is run like a well-oiled machine. For example, administrative tasks, invoicing, scheduling, and communicating with potential clients. 

Shadow a coach: Similar to an internship, but instead you’ll have to inquire within (be brave!). Find someone who’s ok with having a silent observer. A fly on the wall can take in and learn A LOT.  

Get in on training programs: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. People with ADHD have a unique way of thinking and there are professionals who want to help educate others on how to understand their thinking. YOU coach, should be first in line. The more you understand ADHD the more impact you’ll have!

Top Certifications

When you decide to be an ADHD coach, life-long learning is your best friend.

We’re going to give you the backbone of your education. An ADHD coach certification.

Where to start?

Here are some guideposts to get you primed for success. 

Professional Association for ADHD Coaches. The PAAC has a few options for continuing education. Even if you haven’t gone to the school, you may still be eligible to get in on these valuable courses. See the requirements here. These courses get bonus points because they are ICF accredited (International Coaching Federation). 

ADD Coach Academy. For new or established coaches, the ADDCA offers a course to power you up with the help of seasoned coaches and mentors. The course is approved by the ICF and PAAC. Check out the deets here.

International ADHD Coach Training Center. The iACTC comes with three mission objectives. To prepare, inform, and spark self-awareness for new coaches. If you have a deep desire, empathy, and passion for helping people with ADHD this course is for you. Take a look here. 

Hungry for more options? 

An ADHD coach has another name: Executive function coach.

So, if you want to find a program that’s a perfect fit try looking under this title. It’ll open up your world to more options. 

Starting Your Coaching Practice

Ready to turn your passion for coaching into a thriving business? Let’s walk through the steps!

Step 1: Legal considerations: Choosing the right business structure

Before you dive in, you gotta choose the right business structure to prepare you for being an ADHD coach — sole proprietorship,  or LLC (limited liability company). Each has its pros and cons, so do your homework, or consult a legal professional.

We suggest you start by registering as an LLC. This is because, as a sole proprietor, your personal and business assets are considered the same thing. That’s not a good thing, coach.

And we’ll tell you why. If a client decides to sue you they can go after your personal assets, too!

An LLC prevents that from happening. An LLC builds a fortress around your personal assets (think: car, home, or personal bank account) and tells the world: You can’t touch this! It’s not a part of the business. 

Step 2: Conducting market analysis

Once you zip through the formation of your business, take a careful look at the industry. Know what you’re faced with so you can sharpen your fabulous message of impact to the right people in the RIGHT places. 

• Who are your clients/who is your tribe? 
• What makes them scream internally each night with frustration? 
• What makes you a unique flavor of an ADHD coach? 

Conducting a market analysis will help you answer these questions and refine your business strategy. Go in with knowledge rather than shooting arrows in the dark!

➡️ Looking to level up your market research? Grab our FREE Marketing Research Workbook and get step-by-step guidance to better understand your audience and sharpen your marketing strategy.

Step 3: Developing your signature coaching program

Now, we’re on to the juicy stuff! With research checked off, you’re armed with the info you need to craft an engaging offer for your tribe. 

Your signature coaching program should have a special blend of your passion and what your ideal client needs help with. 

Think about these questions to get the gears turning and spark something irresistible. 

• What aspects of ADHD do you want to help with the most?
• What problems keep your client up at night, playing on repeat, and screeching for attention?
• How long will your coaching program be and with what frequency will you meet clients?
• What will you use to measure success?
• What is the secret sauce you’ll add to spice up your signature coaching identity?

See how knowing the market analysis answers and developing your signature program answers lineup like a mind-blowing eclipse? The answers will guide you to developing a oh-so-dreamy coaching program. 

➡️ Want to launch a coaching program that stands out? Our Money-Making Offers Workbook walks you through creating and selling offers that not only attract clients but also help you hit your financial goals.

Step 4: Designing your brand identity

Your brand is more than a logo — it’s the personality of your coaching practice. From colors to fonts to your overall vibe, make sure it reflects your ADHD coach values and attracts your ideal clients.

Here are some ways you can start creating your brand identity masterpiece.

1. Choose a business name and follow it up with a compelling slogan or tagline. Make sure it aligns with the outcomes your clients dream of. 
2. Pick your color palette. Choose colors that not only represent your personality but also capture the heart of your coaching business.
3. Develop your brand personality and voice. Tone is important! Do you want to be known as a knowledgeable, energetic, adventurous, highly motivating, calming, or reflective ADHD coach? Your branding personality should go hand-in-hand with your actual coaching personality. AND be seamless throughout ALL your content. 
4. Make your mission and vision crystal clear! The clearer your message the more your clients will get on board with it. 

This is where you put on your talent/potential whispering cloak and begin speaking to hopeful clients.

➡️ Looking to get crystal clear on your brand? Our Brand Clarity Guide will take you step-by-step through uncovering your brand mission, vision, and personality, helping you build a brand that truly reflects who you are as a coach.

Step 5: Building a professional coaching website

With all that branding work done, you can roll right into making an ADHD coach website. 

Your website is your virtual front door and should reflect your branding to a “T”. Make sure it’s professional, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates how you help clients. 

Include client testimonials, blog posts, and an easy way for clients to book sessions.

Don’t hide important buttons like “schedule now” or “book now.” 

You’re not playing hide and seek! 

You’d be surprised at how many people will click away if things are hard to find. Make it as easy as possible for interested clients to understand what your call-to-action is; AKA how they can sign up with you.

If you are looking to launch your website with ease, our Showit templates are customizable, user-friendly, and perfect for coaches who want a professional, polished online presence without the hassle.

➡️ Don’t have a drop of technical know-how? Don’t let that stop you from making an impact as an ADHD coach superstar! We’ll help you get your services out into the world. Talk with us here!

Step 6: Launching your ADHD coaching services

With your signature program, brand, and website in place, it’s time to launch! Get the word out on social media, through email marketing, or by hosting a webinar to introduce potential clients to your ADHD coach services.

Consistency is key! 

We’re going to drop a truth bomb right here! If you want to be successful, you need to promote yourself shamelessly! 

Yes, it’s true! No one is more passionate about your ADHD coach business than you. So get down to business on your social media, hash out those emails, and show up to your webinar —  even if it’s just a handful of people. 

Show up daily until the launch date! Get going, coach!

Step 7: Attracting and retaining clients

You’ve launched — now what? 

Keep attracting new clients with consistent marketing. Go beyond email and social media. What about launching a Podcast? 

Don’t forget—retaining clients means nurturing relationships and continuing to churn out results to keep your ADHD coach business humming along.

You can also work on:

• Collecting testimonials like precious gems.
• Networking with others and treating them as long-time friends (AND potential sources of clients, BUT as respected fellow collaborators FIRST!)
• Partner with local clinics. You never know if a manager or director will absolutely LOVE having a coach on-site.

Why Choose ADHD Coaching as a Career?

The number one reason to become an ADHD coach is because you have a heart for it! You love guiding people on a transformative journey to reach their full potential.

A close second is because people are looking for YOUR coaching talent! That’s pretty encouraging. If there’s a niche for it, it’s a green light all the way! 

Making an Impact on Individuals with ADHD

If you take a field trip through the vines of any chat forum where ADHD is a focus, you’ll find that people are looking for ways to make lasting changes in their lives. 

They don’t want ADHD taking control of their habits or futures. That’s where you come swooping in to save the day.

When you become an ADHD coach you help people break free from bad habits, foster better performance and relationships, and reach new heights. 

That’s an invaluable venture!

The Growing Demand for ADHD Coaches

Here’s a BIG statistic: 1 out of 20 people globally have ADHD (Positive Psychology). If we break out the calculator, that’s 350,000,000 people! You can find your tribe in these numbers and make a positive difference as an ADHD coach while you make enough to bring home the cheddar. 

(There’s also a huge chunk of the population who are undiagnosed!)

You can also be confident that some of these people are hungry to not let ADHD rule their lives.

That said, the demand for ADHD coaches is on the rise. It’s a rewarding career path with plenty of growth opportunities!

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you’ve got some questions about becoming an ADHD coach, and we’re here to answer them! Whether you’re curious about the value of ADHD coaching, the costs involved, or how much you can expect to earn, we’ve got all the details right here. Let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions about ADHD coaching!

Is an ADHD coach worth it?

Absolutely! ADHD coaching can be life-changing for individuals struggling with focus, organization, or managing daily tasks. As an ADHD coach, you’ll help clients build personalized strategies to overcome challenges and reach their goals. For clients, this type of coaching offers them a support system that truly understands their unique needs. If you’re passionate about helping people unlock their potential, becoming an ADHD coach is definitely worth it!

What does an ADHD coach cost?

The cost of an ADHD coach varies depending on location, experience, and whether sessions are one-on-one or in a group setting. On average, clients can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per session. Some coaches offer sliding scales or package deals to make their services more accessible. Keep in mind that many clients find the long-term benefits of ADHD coaching to be well worth the investment!

What is the role of an ADHD coach?

An ADHD coach helps clients develop skills to manage the unique challenges that come with ADHD. This includes working on time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and even boosting self-esteem. As a coach, you’ll guide clients through practical solutions and provide accountability to help them stay on track. It’s all about empowering them to live their best life with ADHD!

How much do ADHD life coaches make?

ADHD life coaches can make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on factors like client load, experience, and the services offered. Coaches who offer group programs, online courses, or additional resources may increase their earnings even more. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to expand your skills, the potential earnings in ADHD coaching can be quite rewarding!

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helped you understand the steps to becoming an ADHD coach!

To recap, we started by discussing what an ADHD coach does and how they support clients with focus, organization, and goal setting. We explored the key differences between an ADHD coach and a therapist, as well as the daily tasks and long-term goals ADHD coaches focus on with their clients.

We also covered the educational background and certifications you’ll need, along with practical tips on starting your own ADHD coaching practice—from legal considerations to designing your brand and attracting clients.

Now it’s your turn:

What part of becoming an ADHD coach excites you the most?

Are you looking forward to building your signature coaching program, or are you more focused on earning your ADHD coaching certification? Or maybe you’ve got a question about one of the steps we covered.

Either way, drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts! And if you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow coaches who are ready to make an impact as an ADHD coach.