clarity clinic

ADHD Treatment & Testing in Chicago

Struggling with disorganization, tardiness, forgetfulness, and a daily feeling of being overwhelmed are all common ADHD symptoms (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This condition impacts the brain's ability for planning and decision-making. Without proper treatment from an attention deficit disorder specialist, ADHD can negatively affect every aspect of life, including academic performance, professional success, and personal relationships. Clarity Clinic is the best ADHD clinic near you for ADHD medication, ADHD treatment, and ADHD testing in Chicago. Book a consultation Today!
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What is ADHD ?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affects executive functioning or the basic functions of the brain (memory, organization, time management, and concentration).

While it is typical for individuals – particularly children – to exhibit hyperactive, energetic behaviors at times, those with ADHD display intense, more consistent ADHD symptoms that interrupt daily life, affecting family dynamics and social interactions.

ADHD was originally believed to be a childhood disorder that kids would eventually grow out of, but more research has shown that ADHD can last a lifetime and change from hyperactivity/impulsivity behaviors in kids to more inattention, lack of focus, and disorganization in adults.

While more than 16 million Americans suffer from ADHD symptoms, many go undiagnosed and struggle with schoolwork, workplace functioning, and relationships. ADHD symptoms can manifest as early as 6 years old and must be present and consistent for at least six months for a clinical diagnosis. Clarity Clinic specializes in ADHD testing and treatment, including ADHD medication evaluation and management, as well as psychotherapy.

ADD vs ADHD: What’s The Difference?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. ADD is a type of ADHD that does not include the hyperactivity component – constant movement or fidgeting. However, ADD is no longer considered a separate disorder in the medical community and is lumped under ADHD with the subtype “Predominantly Inattentive.” Those with this subtype typically struggle with focus and concentration, and struggle with organizational issues but lack hyperactivity or impulsivity traits.

What are Executive Functions?

Executive functions are a set of mental processes that help you achieve your goals and manage yourself. Executing functioning skills taps into the frontal lobe part of your brain that is responsible for organization, memory, impulse control, concentration, focus, and detail orientation.

When executive function skills aren’t working correctly, it can affect major life functions including learning, interactions with others, and being able to take initiative and work independently. Because ADHD affects executive functioning skills, those struggling with ADHD symptoms often have trouble with:

  • Keeping track of details and/or day-to-day appointments
  • Initiating goal-oriented behavior, such as finishing a project or cleaning your room
  • Maintaining focus, such as being able to watch a movie or read a book
  • Regulating emotions often lashing out at others and without mindful responses.
  • Difficulty with recall or short-term memory, often time forgetting what they wanted to say or misplacing things.

ADHD Symptoms and Signs

Those with ADHD have a persistent pattern of common symptoms that include:

Inattention:

  • Makes careless mistakes
  • Struggles to sustain attention
  • Does not follow through on instructions
  • Has trouble organizing tasks
  • Easily distracted
  • Often forgetful

Hyperactivity:

  • Fidgets or squirms frequently
  • Leaves seat often
  • Excessive running or climbing
  • Cannot play quietly
  • Seems always "on the go"
  • Talks excessively

Impulsivity:

  • Answers questions prematurely
  • Can't wait for their turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others
  • Difficulty paying attention (Inattention)
  • Overly active (Hyperactivity)
  • Acting or doing without thinking things through (Impulsivity)
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ADHD Testing in Chicago

An ADHD diagnosis requires an evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD. Our clinic offers ADHD testing and ADHD treatment for children, teens, and adult ADHD aimed at understanding issues of inattention, impaired concentration, hyperactivity, and restlessness.

Additionally, Clarity Clinic provides comprehensive educational and psychological testing to assess a variety of functions – social development, memory, and cognitive – in order to rule out any other medical or psychiatric conditions before diagnosing ADHD.

Best ADHD Treatment In Chicago

Pharmacological and psychotherapy treatments have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall functioning. Our psychiatrists and psychologists ( ADHD experts) ensure a proper diagnosis to determine the source and nature of the attention deficits that kids and adults experience in order to guide them toward the proper treatment.

Our psychotherapists work in conjunction with the treatment team to individually tailor ADHD treatments and therapies, which may include cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies, learning time-management strategies, or learning appropriate self-care.

Our therapists also include psychoeducational training with parents and caregivers to provide at-home strategies to reduce maladaptive behavior and provide structure and routine to children struggling with ADHD symptoms.

Parents are crucial in fostering an environment that nurtures structure, routine, and essential skills, empowering children to reach their full potential. Additionally, since ADHD can strain adult relationships, leading to conflict and distress, Clarity Clinic's family and couples therapists are equipped to help couples understand how ADHD symptoms may drive destructive patterns and negative interactions. Our therapists assist in developing more effective strategies to manage and improve these interactions, promoting healthier and more constructive relationships.

ADHD Medication Management

Medication management coupled with psychotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment in reducing symptoms of ADHD and improving overall functioning. Medications to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

In general, stimulant medicines improve symptoms in about 70 out of 100 people who have ADHD. There are often quick and dramatic improvements in behavior. Stimulants are the most common type of ADHD medication prescribed. While many people have concerns about these medications, they have the longest track record with the most research to back up their effectiveness.

  • Adderall – known by the generic name Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine, is a stimulant used to treat ADHD. Adderall improves the part of the brain that controls executive functioning, helping those struggling with ADHD symptoms increase focus and concentration, reduce impulsive behaviors and help with organization and task completion.

  • Vyvanse – is also used as an ADHD treatment. Vyvanse has been shown to restore neurotransmitters in the brain to help increase focus and concentration, reduce restlessness, and improve organization skills.

  • Concerta – is also part of the stimulant class of drugs used for ADHD treatment. Known by the generic name methylphenidate, Concerta works by changing certain types of chemicals in the brain that can improve executive functioning skills including focus and concentration, listening skills, and reduction in impulsive behavior. can also improve improves brain functioning

Non-Stimulants

Non-stimulants have been proven successful for ADHD treatment and are designed for children and teens or those who want to avoid stimulants.

  • Strattera – known by the generic name atomoxetine, is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Strattera has been approved for children and teens, as well as adults, and has been shown to improve attention and focus and reduce impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.

  • Clonidine –is also a non-stimulant ADHD medication approved for children and teens. Clonidine has also been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms, including distractibility, restlessness, and hyperactivity, as well as improve focus and concentration.

  • Antidepressants – Certain antidepressants are sometimes also recommended as many times those struggling with ADHD have co-existing disorders, such as depression.

According to studies, taking ADHD medication doesn’t increase the risk of substance abuse later. Many studies have found less alcohol and drug abuse in children and teens with ADHD who had taken stimulant medicines than in those who didn’t receive medicine. But because ADHD medications aren’t a cure, they must be taken continually, otherwise, the symptoms will return.

Family Therapy for ADHD

ADHD can impact not only the individual but also their family and social relationships. We understand the importance of a supportive environment and offer family therapy to help loved ones better understand ADHD and learn effective ways to provide support. By fostering a holistic approach, we aim to strengthen family bonds and create a more harmonious living environment.

Top ADHD Clinic Near You

Clarity Clinic specializes in providing comprehensive support and effective strategies to help you manage your ADHD diagnosis and thrive. Our team of ADHD specialists are here to help you understand your unique strengths and challenges, empowering you to lead a fulfilling life. Don't let ADHD hold you back – Book an appointment with the best psychiatrists and psychologists in Chicago and take a step towards a more successful future.

Head to one of our ADHD clinics in the Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Arlington Heights, and Evanston to find the top ADHD doctors near you. Your journey begins here!

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ADHD Treatment & Testing in Chicago Providers

Laura
Laura Valiukenas, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Nikhil
Nikhil Verma, MA
Therapy
Evelia
Evelia Czarnik, LPC
Therapy
Anisha
Anisha Monga, MA
Therapy
Lauren
Lauren Juarez-Duran, MSW
Therapy
Sarah
Sarah Hand, LSW
Therapy
Ian
Ian Dowdy, MA
Therapy
Carson
Carson Vasile
Therapy Clinical Intern
Stefan
Stefan Dabizljevic, LSW
Therapy
Patrick
Patrick Arant, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Mackenzie
Mackenzie Liotta, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Prezley
Prezley Pietszak, MA, LPC
Therapy Clinical Intern
Terese
Terese Daly, LPC
Therapy
Camryn
Camryn McKee, LPC, MS, Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Therapy
Stephanie
Stephanie Michalski, LSW
Therapy
Giedre
Giedre Antanaitis-Rudawski, MA
Therapy
Kortney
Kortney Genske, MA
Therapy
Caroline
Caroline Frogozo, MA, LPC
Therapy Clinical Intern
Peyton
Peyton Pazera
Therapy Clinical Intern
Serena
Serena Etcheson, MSW
Therapy
Hana
Hana Khan, LSW
Therapy
De'Ayne
De'Ayne Scaife, LSW
Therapy
Jasmine
Jasmine Barlow, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Amanda
Amanda Fox, LCPC
Therapy
Sophia
Sophia Frane, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Amanda
Amanda Stephans, LCSW, MSW
Therapy
Elin
Elin Seay
Therapy Clinical Intern
Natalie
Natalie Eden, LCPC
Therapy
Jack
Jack Kim
Therapy Clinical Intern
Natasha
Natasha Hingorani
Therapy Clinical Intern
Karen
Karen Schmitz
Therapy Clinical Intern
Michael
Michael White
Therapy Clinical Intern
Shahera
Shahera Khan
Therapy Clinical Intern
Jenny
Jenny Mantis, LCSW, MBA
Therapy
Bryanna
Bryanna Tartt, LCSW, CADC
Therapy
Nicholas
Nicholas Oliva, PsyD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Alexandra
Alexandra Gremp, LPC, MEd, PEL
Therapy
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy
Ross
Ross Pepper, MD
Psychiatrist
Jessica
Jessica Selk, LPC
Therapy
Anish
Anish Desai, MD
Psychiatrist
Reid
Reid Alley, MD
Psychiatrist
Sheena
Sheena Patel, PA-C
PA-C
Eldina
Eldina Okic, LCPC
Therapy
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA-C
Psychiatry
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Ehler, LSW
Therapy
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Maisha
Maisha Lowery, LCPC
Therapy
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Hope
Hope Hirsch, LPC
Therapist
Nathaniel
Nathaniel Epstein, MA
Therapist
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Maggie
Maggie Semprevivo, LSW
Therapy
Kamille
Kamille Haywood, LSW
Therapy
Zubair
Zubair Khan, PA-C
PA-C
Michelle
Michelle Augoustatos, LCSW
Therapy
Zachary
Zachary Delgado, LSW
Therapy
Jordyn
Jordyn Pope, MA
Therapist
Laurel
Laurel Meiborg, LSW
Therapy
Haley
Haley Tarling, LPC
Therapist
Debby
Debby Fox, LPC
Therapist
Raul
Raul Andrade, MA
Therapist
Sarah
Sarah Tarabey, LCPC
Therapist
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Kyla
Kyla Goggin, LCSW
Therapist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
Therapy
Yenisis
Yenisis De Los Santos, LSW
Therapy
Sloan
Sloan Kodroff, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Tonie
Tonie White, LCSW
Therapy
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Virginia
Virginia Harren, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Callie
Callie Perlman, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Maria
Maria Vasilopoulos, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Chad
Chad Gaynier, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Sean
Sean Saltzberg, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Timothy
Timothy Kaatman, MD
Psychiatry
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Tara
Tara Meidinger, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sara
Sara Fakhri, MA
Therapy
Veronika
Veronika Schroeder, MA
Therapy
Shanta
Shanta Gomez, LSW
Therapy
Reggie
Reggie Pacheco, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Renie
Renie Stoller-Zak, LCPC
Therapy
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Shelby
Shelby Gordon, LCSW
Therapy
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Raymond
Raymond Monge, LPC, NCC
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Melissa
Melissa Melzer, LPC
Therapy
Mary
Mary Leighton, LPC
Therapy
Raymond
Raymond Myles, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michael
Michael Colombatto, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Lovea
Lovea Smith, LCPC
Director of Therapy– Loop
Leslie
Leslie Wolf, LCPC
Therapist
Lindsey
Lindsey Ashamalla, PsyD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Khrystyna
Khrystyna Helner, LPC, MBA
Therapist
Laura
Laura Schroeder, LCPC
Therapist
Katerina
Katerina Fager, LCPC
Clinical Specialist
Kelli
Kelli Lo, LSW
Therapy
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Karen
Karen Richardson, LCSW, ICDVP
Therapy
Keri
Keri Perillo, LCPC, CADC
Therapy
Lizzie
Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Kimberlie
Kimberlie Kuehne, LCPC
Therapy
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Delaney, MA, ATR-P
Therapy
James
James Histed, MA
Therapist
Keith
Keith Merrifield, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CCSP
Therapist
Julia
Julia Ray, MA
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Erika
Erika Bielenstein, LCPC
Therapist
Janel
Janel Wenger, AMFT
Therapist
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Julie
Julie Daley, MSW
Therapist
Emily
Emily Maurer, LCPC
Therapist
Frank
Frank Sassetti, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Shelton, LCPC, LMHC, CADC, CAGCS, CRSS
Therapy
Eric
Eric Buchkoe, PsyD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Tyler
Tyler Basham
Therapy Clinical Intern
Liz
Liz Russell, MA
Therapist
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Daniel
Daniel Shuter, LSW
Therapist
Victoria
Victoria Akhteebo, LPC
Therapy
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Stella
Stella Tantillo, LSW
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Budyszewick, LCSW
Director of Therapy- Evanston
Sydney
Sydney Means, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Sara
Sara Pickens, LCSW
Therapy
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Cindy
Cindy Meraz, LPC
Therapy
Chloe
Chloe Wesley, MA
Therapy
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Samantha
Samantha Espinosa, MA
Therapy
Randi
Randi Schulman, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Savanna
Savanna Murphy, LSW
Therapy
Kaitlin
Kaitlin Digrispino, LPC, CADC
Therapy
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LPC, CRC
Therapy
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Stanley, LCSW
Therapy
Meredith
Meredith Henry, LSW
Therapy
Mark
Mark Bey, LPC
Therapy
Samantha
Samantha Adjekum, LCPC
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Joel
Joel Muller, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Therapy- River North
Mary
Mary Ivory, LCPC
Therapy
Cynthia
Cynthia Sodini, LCSW
Therapy