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Treatment choice

ADHD coaching or psychiatry: what suits you?

Coaching and psychiatry may seem similar, but they are fundamentally different. Only psychiatric care can diagnose, prescribe medication and, with a suitable insured indication, qualify for reimbursement.

Comparison

Both can be valuable, but for different goals and in different situations.

ADHD coaching
  • Non-medical, no BIG registration required
  • No diagnosis possible or required
  • No medication
  • Focused on practical skills and strategies
  • No referral letter needed
  • Not covered by basic health insurance
  • Wide range of providers, variable quality
Psychiatry (mental health care)
  • Medical-specialist, BIG-registered
  • Formal diagnostics and diagnosis
  • Medication possible when indicated
  • Evidence-based treatment
  • GP referral letter required
  • May be insured care with a valid referral and suitable indication
  • Regulated by IGJ and NZa

Coaching

An ADHD coach helps people with (suspected or confirmed) ADHD to function better in daily life. This happens through practical guidance on planning, time management, prioritisation and building routines.

Coaching is not medical treatment. A coach:

  • Does not make diagnoses — even if they have ADHD themselves or know a great deal about it.
  • Does not prescribe medication — and has no authority to do so.
  • Is not BIG-registered — there are no statutory requirements for the training of an ADHD coach.
  • Is not reimbursed — coaching falls outside the basic health insurance package.

Coaching can be a valuable addition after a diagnosis has been established and medical treatment is under way. As a substitute for psychiatric care, it is insufficient.

Psychiatry

Diagnostics

A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist carries out standardised assessment: intake, questionnaires (CAARS, ASRS), collateral history and clinical evaluation. Only after this process can a formal ADHD diagnosis be made.

Treatment plan

Based on the diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan is drawn up. This may include psycho-education, behavioural therapy and medication — depending on your situation and preferences.

Medication (if desired)

Only BIG-registered doctors and psychiatrists may prescribe ADHD medication. At AvondFocus we provide full support during medication initiation if you choose this option, including monitoring and periodic evaluation.

AvondFocus

We are a specialised mental health clinic — not a coaching service.

BIG-registered

Our clinicians are BIG-registered professionals. You can verify this via the BIG register. This gives you assurance of quality, training and disciplinary accountability.

Formal diagnostics

We diagnose ADHD through standardised psychiatric assessment. This is the foundation for all further treatment and is required for reimbursement via your health insurer.

Evening hours, online

All consultations take place via secure video connection on Wednesday evenings. This allows you to combine care with work and private life — without travel time or waiting rooms.

Decision guide

Choose psychiatric care (such as AvondFocus) if:

  • You do not yet have a diagnosis but recognise symptoms that suggest ADHD
  • You want to know whether medication is an option for you
  • You previously received an ADHD diagnosis but no adequate treatment
  • Your symptoms seriously affect your work, relationships or daily functioning
  • You want to claim reimbursement from your health insurer

Coaching can be a useful addition if:

  • A diagnosis has already been established and medical treatment is running
  • You specifically want to work on planning, organisation or work structure
  • You want additional support alongside regular treatment

Frequently asked questions

Can an ADHD coach make a diagnosis?

No. An ADHD coach is not a BIG-registered healthcare provider and is not permitted to make diagnoses. A diagnosis requires psychiatric assessment by a BIG-registered professional — a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Only after a formal diagnosis is insured treatment and possible medication available.

Is ADHD coaching covered by my health insurance?

No, ADHD coaching falls outside the basic health insurance package. ADHD diagnostics and treatment within mental health care may be insured care when there is a valid referral, suitable care need and insured indication. At AvondFocus you receive an invoice that you can submit to your health insurer.

When can coaching be useful alongside psychiatry?

Coaching can be a valuable supplement to psychiatric treatment — not a replacement. Think of practical support with time management, organisation or work structure, once a diagnosis has been established and treatment is under way. At AvondFocus we provide psycho-education and practical guidance as an integrated part of the psychiatric treatment.

More about ADHD

ADHD in adults → Treatment offering → ADHD medication →