Therapy for ADHD
Picture feeling good about yourself
Dr. Lee Ann Thill, Art Therapist for ADHD in Livingston, NJ
Virtual art therapy for teens
Therapy that accepts & values .
your unique way of thinking, learning & experiencing the world
ADHDer Teens: What can you get from working with a therapist for ADHD?
I’ll help you:- Feel understood, rather than judged or like you need to be “fixed,” and stop hiding parts of yourself that others find annoying or don’t get, so that you can find “your people” – friends who understand and accept you
- Find personalized ways of managing the intense emotions that come with ADHD, so that you don’t feel embarrassed the next time you have a reaction that pushes people away because they think you’re “too dramatic”
- Find unique ways of working with your ADHD brain, not against it, so that school becomes something you can not only tolerate, but consistently succeed at
- Understand yourself and your needs better so that you can advocate for yourself at school and with your friends and family without feeling like something is wrong with you or l=like you’re “different” or “weird”
- Manage your teachers’ and parents’ expectations by understanding what you need and how to ask for it, so that you feel capable and successful (because you are!)
Solutions to Fit Your Family
Parents and ADHDer teens, I’lll help you:
- Identify unique challenges of adolescence+ADHD and respond based on what works for your family – this will reduce blame and frustration on both sides
- Improve how you handle disagreements and misunderstandings, so there’s less anger and defensiveness, and more respect and willingness to hear each other and figure out solutions
- Build routines for responsibilities at home and school for things like homework, projects, and chores, that are structured enough for success, but also flexible enough for your family’s needs (without being overly permissive)
Art Therapy for Teens with ADHD
in Gibbsboro, NJ
For an ADHDer, school can be a deeply frustrating experience.
You understand the material, but the organizing and planning parts trip you up…
- You have notes for one class in different notbooks and because sometimes you forget to bring the right notebook
- You spend hours completing an assignment, but can’t turn it in because you left it at home
- You forgot your notes for that big presentation worth half your grade, sending you into panic mode
It’s not that you don’t care about school – you do. But when you sit down to write your 5-page essay or do that huge math assignment, you can feel your brain melting.
You always seem to underestimate how much time it will take to finish your work. It made sense to start it at 8 the night before it was due because you thought it would only take an hour, but by 11, you’re tired, annoyed, still not done, and kind of freaking out.
You promised yourself you wouldn’t procrastinate this time, and yet it happens again and again.
As an ADHDer myself, I get where you’re coming from.
The thing is, you’re not a “bad student” or a “slacker” or anything like that. You’re actually really smart and good at a lot of things. But you DO have a brain that the school system wasn’t designed for.
Think of it like one of those shape-sorting toys babies play with: school is a square shape, and your brain is a star shape. Neither are wrong, but they don’t match.
This just means you need a different approach to be successful in school than your non-ADHD friends. Maybe you already have an official 504 plan, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle because it’s more complicated than a list of accommodations.
You have to actually do stuff to make the plan work, and sometimes people who are supposed to support you don’t understand or get frustrated, even when you’re really trying. Plus, there’s a whole mindset and emotional part that can trip you up.
This is something I’ll help you with during therapy. You need strategies to work WITH your brain, not against it, plus, if you tend to get in your head about all of it, we can figure that out together.
It’s not just school. There’s also everything at home.
At home, you’re probably feeling micromanaged by your parents. They’re constantly on you about school: classes, grades, homework. Then there’s everything at home: chores, keeping your room semi-organized, and anything related to time – being on time, how you use time – can lead to an argument.
You might feel like you’re constantly being monitored and judged. They’re up in your business telling you what to do, and then you get told what you should have done differently. You’d give anything for more independence.
Together, you and I can come up with ways of talking about your struggles with your parents – ways that are less likely to lead to anger and disappointment. We’ll figure out what works for everyone. This way, you get some of your needs for independence met, and they’ll trust you more.
Friending and Dating with ADHD
Another topic we can talk about in therapy is your social life. Feeling judged by friends or other people at school can make you feel like “too much” and other times you’ve felt like “not enough.”
You want to find the group who will accept you and respect you for who you are – your normal self – without it feeling fake.
Your emotions might seem like they’re all over the place. You can feel them build, but it doesn’t take very long until they are overwhelming.
You don’t always know how to talk about emotions with your friends or S.O.. You get upset when your friends or S.O. make assumptions about your feelings, but you either get flustered and can’t collect your thoughts to express your feelings or you word vomit.
During therapy sessions, we can start to talk about the emptions you’re dealing with, so you don’t feel like you’re pushing away the people who matter to you. We’ll do it in a way that doesn’t feel “weird” or “awkward.” We’ll try to figure out what works for you, as far as understanding and expressing your feelings, so you can avoid misunderstandings and have stronger friendships and situationships.
Parents
Art Therapy for Teens with ADHD
ADHD is so much more than being a little scatter-brained, and aside from your teen, no one knows that better than you.
Living with ADHD is chaotic for your teen, and frustrating and disheartening to watch as a parent.
One day your teen has to turn the house upside down to find that book – and they’re already running late. The next day, they have to write a paper they haven’t started that’s due the next day (but was assigned weeks ago!), so it’s another late night.
Their struggles pile up, which wears them – and you – down:
-
- Procrastination, so much procrastination
- Keeping track of time and important dates, like when projects are due
- Breaking big school projects into manageable chunks
- Forgetting – instructions, homework, their phone, the last thing you asked them to do
- Being on time to leave the house, get to class, get up in the morning, go to bed at night
- Misplacing stuff – phone, backpack, shoes, that $20, the sweater they want to wear (is it in that pile of clothes on the floor, the laundry, the backseat, a friend’s house?)
And when they get going on a more involved task, they get into hyperfocus mode, and don’t stop – not even to eat or go to bed – because it was so hard to start in the first place, and they’re finally making progress.
School Issues
You’ve seen how smart and capable they are, but staying on top of stuff can be such an ordeal. They get frustrated with whatever they’re trying to do, you try to help, they get frustrated with you, and then you’re frustrated too.
You know your teen can excel when they’re interested in something – you’ve seen it with your own eyes. But when it comes to anything boring, tedious or overwhelming, it’s like pulling teeth to get them to start and finish a task.
Feedback from teachers can be a mixed bag. In subjects they like, the teachers love them. However, for classes they don’t like, you hear about your teen’s “unrealized potential” and how they space out, forget assignments, and don’t participate because they didn’t do the reading or homework.
Your teen and I will talk about how to use their strengths to make school more manageable, and we’ll explore feelings and beliefs that might be getting in the way of imagining success, so they can actually be successful.
Social Issues
Socially, your teen sometimes misses the mark: they interrupt others, don’t always pick up on social cues, or they don’t follow through with plans.
Your teen’s friends have misunderstood them as being too focused on themselves, when actually, the conflict was likely due to your teen’s deficits in skills like planning and execution, decision-making, paying attention, etc.
What’s worse, they’ve had the painful experience of being rejected or even bullied by their peers for being “weird” or “intense.” Your teen takes criticism (perceived or actual) really hard. It leaves them feeling like they’re either “too much” or “not enough.”
This peer rejection has led your teen to “mask” (AKA camouflage or hide) parts of themselves to fit in – but it’s exhausting for them, and it breaks your heart to watch.
As their parent, of course, you see your teen’s huge strengths: empathy, creativity, resilience, and a sense of adventure. You don’t want them to hide who they really are!
You want your teen to feel free enough to express themselves – for their own mental wellbeing, and so that they can have friends they have a real, authentic connection with.
Part of what your teen and I will do in therapy is healing the hurt they’ve experienced by being rejected or bullied so that they are confident enough to express who they truly are, which will ultimately attract true, lasting friendships with friends who don’t require them to trade authenticity for acceptance.
Teen + ADHD = All the Emotions
Your teen’s moodiness likely adds to their academic and social struggles, but it also makes life at home stressful. You walk a tightrope, unsure about when or how to help, or worried that a simple comment or request will lead to a outsized response.
Maybe you sense that something is off, but they won’t share or ask for help because they think they can handle everything on their own. To be fair, sometimes they work it out – that’s a positive sign they’re becoming more independent – but they’re still a kid and sometimes they need help from their parents.
You’ve noticed small annoyances cause them to lose their cool. You’re getting whiplash from mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe their friends have pulled away, and teachers express concern about their behavior or mental health.
To your teen, these emotions are genuine and deeply felt, but managing those feelings is tough. They might even feel embarrassed after losing their temper, hurt if they’re told they’re being “dramatic,” or angry if they’re not taken seriously.
You want to feel less frustrated with your teen, but you also deeply feel for their struggles, and you want them to have the support they need.
You’re ready to work with a therapist for ADHD to help your teen reach more of their potential in school, enjoy fulfilling friendships, and be more pleasant and present at home.
That’s where I come in.
How art therapy helps teens with ADHD
Art therapy is a different experience than talk therapy, especially for an ADHDer.
During art therapy sessions, your teen and I are both looking at their artwork instead of directly at each other talking. For many teens, this can feel like a more comfortable and less pressure-filled experience than sitting and talking directly across from a therapist.
Art gives teens a way to express themselves even if they don’t have the words. This can be especially helpful for ADHDers who have strong emotions that sometimes overwhelm them and make it hard for them to collect their thoughts.
Art therapy doesn’t require an ADHD teen to sit still for an hour. Creating art helps your ADHD teen’s brain enter a “flow” state, making focus and concentration a much more natural experience that doesn’t feel forced.
Art therapy helps your teen understand and express themselves, and this ultimately leads to them feeling better – less anxiety, stress, depression, and improved communication skills because they’re learning to translate their feelings, which can lead to better relationships.
Art therapy helps ADHDer teens build concrete skills they typically struggle with:
- Decision making: Through the process of selecting art materials, making choices about images and process, and then discussing the thought process behind those choices, your teen will become more aware of how they make decisions, which will start to make decisions you make in other situations easier and less stressful
- Organization and planning: Working with different materials (paint, collage, markers, etc.) and following certain steps to accomplish different artistic effects, can help your teen learn how to plan and organize better
- Becoming more flexible and forgiving themselves when they make a mistake: Being creative and making art naturally involves “mistakes” and unexpected results, and these are opportunities to practice going with the flow, becoming more flexible in how your teen responds to an unexpected outcome, and learning how to adapt
Working Together
What should I expect?
To start, you’re welcome to contact me to set up a free 15-minute phone or video consultation if you’d like to discuss working together in more detail.
Once we decide to work together, I will send you a link for intake forms and payment set-up. These both need to be completed at least 24 hours before your first session to avoid an automatic session cancellation.
During the first session, I’ll talk with both you and your parent/caregiver. I’ll ask about your history, what’s worked for you and what hasn’t, and your main reasons for coming to therapy. This will give me important information to help you, and help me know what topics we should focus on in future art therapy sessions.
We’ll also get into more details about how I can tailor art therapy to meet your needs. For virtual art therapy, I can make suggestions about art materials and workspace. We’ll also discuss what will work best for you to make sure therapy is private, which is important no matter what age you are, but can be extra concerning for some teens.
You and I will meet mostly by ourselves after the first session. Your parent/caregiver won’t be involved unless we decide together that they should be involved (or if there’s a really urgent reason they need to be involved, like if you’re not safe).
What to know about getting started with art therapy:
- At first, we’ll use basic drawing supplies, like colored pencils and markers. Later, we can get into other materials, like paint or collage, depending on what works best for you – materials you have, workspace.
- I’ll help you with what types of things to draw, so there’s no pressure to decide what to make.
- Don’t worry about whether or not you’re “good” at art. Our focus isn’t on learning art skills, but I can definitely help if you want to work on any technique, especially if it makes it easier to represnts your ideas.
- When you create something, I’ll ask questions about your art (like decisions you make or feelings that come up), and you can share whatever feels comfortable. I’ll never ask you to go beyond your comfort level. My job is to help you connect your art to why you’re in therapy and how to make things better.
- In virtual art therapy, it’s important to be able to adjust your camera so I can see you make art. Most people use a laptop and angle the camera to show their hands and art while working. When your art is finished, I’ll as you to send a photo, so I can see your art while we talk about it.
Will I be involved in my teen’s therapy?
By the time you’re looking for a therapist for your teen, you’ve likely tried countless resources to help them – planners, youtube, books for you, workbooks for them.
Maybe you’ve already met a therapist who wasn’t a good fit. If you’ve tried talk therapy, maybe it didn’t feel helpful because your teen need less talking and more doing. Many teens are unbearably uncomfortable in traditional talk therapy, like they’re under a microscope, which makes them feel judged and doubt therapy can help.
If more conventional types of therapy have had mixed results, so your teen is still struggling, you want to find the thing that will help them turn the corner. Art therapy is especially good if your teen needs an action-oriented, multisensory approach. so you can look forward to seeing your kid deal with frustration without flipping out, ask for help before things get out of hand, and use ADHD hacks that work for them based on their strengths.
Is art therapy right for your teen?
Art therapy with me is a good fit for your teen if:
- Your teen enjoys art, or they are open to trying it and seeing if they enjoy it
- They want a different experience in therapy than just sitting and talking
- They are interested in working with a therapist who’s neurodivergent and queer so they feel more comfortable and better understood
- You and your teen are looking for a therapist who can form a respectful, trusting relationship with your teen, so they feel like they’re being heard
- You want your teen to have dedicated time to focus on what’s on their mind
- You want a therapist who values your perspective and will keep you in the loop according to your teen’s comfort level (note: safety concerns are always shared with caregivers)
Art therapy with me is not a good fit for your teen if:
- Your teen is not open to the idea of making art in therapy
- You’re looking for a family therapist – my job is to work with just your teen, but I can refer you to a family therapist who can see your whole family if necessary
- You’re in a custody dispute – I’m not trained to assess who should have custody. I’m happy to give you a referral to someone with those credentials
- Your teen is in crisis and needs urgent care – I’m not available outside of work hours, so if your teen needs a therapist who is available on-call or on evenings/weekends then I would not be a good fit for their needs
- You need to work with a therapist who’s in-network with your insurance – I’m not in-network with insurance, and my fees are $175 for 50-minute sessions ($200 for our initial meeting)
- You’re primarily looking for a prescriber – I do not prescribe medications, but I’m happy to refer your teen to a prescriber while we work together in ongoing therapy (therapy and meds combined provide the best outcomes)
- You’re looking for short-term treatment that takes a highly structured step-based approach – art therapy with me is a style of therapy that emphasizes building trust and being responsive to your teen’s unique needs, and building that kind of therapeutic relationship differs for each person
Details for Parents
How much does art therapy cost?
The initial session with me is $200. Each 50-minute session after that is $175. I don’t bill insurance directly for art therapy. Here are the main reaons:
Licensing
In New Jersey and Connecticut, I have an art therapy license, which isn’t accepted by insurance companies. This means I’m unable to be in-network. Previous clients have had success getting out-of-network reimbursement though (see below for other options).
Client Privacy
When a therapist bills your insurance, they are required to provide information about your mental health to the insurance company. Insurance companies are increasingly auditing therapists, requiring records about sessions. But, by operating outside insurance, I am able to maintain your privacy and provide treatment without needing to label you with a diagnosis that could follow you in your health record.
Treatment Flexibility and Choice
Insurance companies can decide that you no longer need therapy (or you never needed it in the first place) and deny coverage, limit what interventions can be used, or require therapists to continuously justify why a client still needs therapy (even if the client simply wants it!).
By not working with insurance, you and I are free to decide the most appropriate length of therapy, use methods (like art therapy) that you feel most comfortable with, and I can make decisions that are based on your unique needs, not on an insurance company’s restrictions.
Quality of Care
By not participating in insurance networks, I am able to maintain a smaller caseload. Having a small caseload for a therapist is like when a bakery advertises “small batch” cookies – the cookie quality is higher because the baker has more time and attention to devote to it.
Similarly, maintaining a smaller than average caseload helps protect my own capacity and energy levels, which helps me be a more present and supportive therapist.
Having a small caseload also allows me to give my clients much more individualized attention. This includes things like reading up on topics you and I have talked about in between our sessions so that I come to our sessions prepared with helpful information or resources.
Reimbursement
Insurance reimbursement rates for therapists are low compared to other healthcare providers with similar levels of education in their field. Rates have stagnated for at least 10 years, and some therapists are seeing rate decreases.
Also, insurance companies do “clawbacks,” which means they paid a therapist, change their mind about covering the service, and make the therapist pay them back. This can happen up to 2 years after payment, and recovering those funds by billing clients for services that were initially covered means therapists frequently never recover that income, especially if the client has already ended treatment.
Is there another option for using insurance benefits?
If you need to use insurance benefits, you might have out-of-network benefits, with or without a deductible. Not everyone’s plan has these benefits, but many do. You might be surprised at how much this can offset costs.
It’s very important to get details about your out-of-network benefits from your insurance company or plan administrator (the person or department at your workplace that manages employee benefits).
To do this, contact your employer (for most people, this is Human Resources) and they can direct you to the person who can answer these questions. Some employers work with a separate company that offers a Patient Advocate, so you can get help with specific insurace issues without disclosing personal information to your employer.
Alternatively, you can call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask for your “out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health.”
How do out-of-network benefits work?
You pay me directly. I provide a monthly Superbill (an itemized receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company (you will need to ask your insurance company or plan administrator how to submit the superbill), and they reimburse you directly for part or all of the session cost, according to your benefits.
If you have additional questions about if you have benefits that might apply, I will help you. If I’m unable to answer your questions, I can make suggestions about what to ask and who to contact.
Therapy for ADHD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy for ADHD?
Therapy for ADHD is dedicated time for your child to explore how ADHD is impacting their day-to-day life – contributing to meltdowns, arguments, frustration with inconsistency – and then figure out effective coping skills, so they can feel good about successes and life at home is less tense.
In addition to identifying coping skills, we’ll talk about how to decide what’s working and what’s not, how to adapt to different situations, having realistic expectations, and not spinning out when things don’t go right.
We’ll also focus on the benefits of having an ADHD brain, like being creative or being able to focus on specific topics or skills.
Some teens and young adults also find it helpful to think about “the big picture,” like what having ADHD personally means and how they imagine their future as an ADHDer.
How does therapy for ADHD work?
As a client in therapy for ADHD, we’ll start by exploring what you’d like to get out of therapy because it’s important that you feel like our time together is meeting your needs.
Therapy consists of a combination of talk and art therapy. Specifically, my approach to art therapy is intended to help you develop an appreciation for your unique style, and equally important, let go of preconceived ideas about what art “should” be. The goal is to build confidence, enhance self-compassion, and better understand your unique needs and strengths.
An important aspect of therapy is building the therapy relationship so you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with and feelings about ADHD. A judgment-free therapy experience is a step towards learning to be kinder and gentler towards yourself and your ADHD brain.
When is therapy for ADHD needed?
Therapy for ADHD can be useful for people who suspect they have ADHD, are recently diagnosed, or have known they have ADHD, but are struggling to manage it.
If you’re also dealing with anxiety, depression, an eating disorder or other mental health challenges, then you’ll certainly want to think about what support will best meet your needs. There’s a connection between ADHD and other mental health struggles, so addressing them together offers therapeutic benefits.
It’s not unusual for girls and women to develop mental health issues as a result of undiagnosed or late-diagnosed ADHD. Often, girls and women only suspect ADHD after they’ve already spent time, sometimes years, trying to address other mental health issues. It’s important to work with healthcare providers who understand the complexity of this experience.
Lastly, some people find it helpful to explore the more existential questions of life with ADHD. What does it mean to be neurodivergent? How do you find your place in the world and live authentically with ADHD? How do you make sense of a late diagnosis? Questions without easy answers that tend to bring up complicated emotions are worth exploring, especially when they can improve self-compassion and understanding.
How much does therapy for ADHD cost?
A 45-50 minute intake session is $200. After intake, the fee for a 45-50 minute regular sessions as an established client is $175.
How long does the therapy for ADHD process take?
As long as long as therapy seems helpful. It might not be a satisfying answer, but there isn’t a one-size-fits most amount of time.
Factors to consider include your child’s age, specific difficulties, personality, life circumstances, and whether or not your child has depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or other mental health struggles common to ADHDers.
I want you and your child to have a sense that therapy is a good use of time. Also, we need to make sure we’re on the same page with expectations and goals, so it’s important for us to regularly check on how it’s going.
How do I know if therapy for ADHD is right for my child?
Young people with ADHD benefit from an affirming, strengths-based approach that emphasizes practical skills and developing a positive sense of self as an ADHDer.
Therapy for ADHD might be right for your child if it’s interfering in their life and causing chaos at home. This could include:
- incomplete and forgotten school assignments
- unexpected and worrying grade changes
- late nights completing school work at the last minute
- expectations that you drop everything to help your child with projects and assignments they should have been working on for days or weeks
- anger and arguments about forgetfulness, inattention and impulsivity
- low self-esteem and harsh comments about themselves, saying they’re a “failure” and “can’t do anything right”
Kids with ADHD can aso benefit from therapy if there are other mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or eating behavior concerns.
You might also want your child to start therapy if they’re newly diagnosed or you strongly suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD.
What type of therapist is best for ADHD?
Art therapists can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. They use creative expression as a therapeutic tool, allowing clients to communicate feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Art therapy helps improve focus, enhance problem-solving skills, and develop emotional regulation by engaging clients in hands-on activities. This approach can foster a sense of control over their environment and promote mindfulness, which are essential for managing ADHD symptoms effectively. Additionally, art therapy can create a safe space for self-exploration and personal growth, making it an excellent option for those with ADHD.
Do people with ADHD need a therapist?
While not everyone with ADHD requires therapy, many can benefit significantly from it. Therapy provides tools to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and enhance overall functioning. It can be particularly helpful during transitions or when facing challenges like work stress or personal relationships.
Should I see a therapist or psychiatrist for ADHD?
Often, a combination of both is the most effective approach, as medication can help manage symptoms while therapy addresses behavioral and emotional aspects.
Is group therapy good for ADHD?
Group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. It provides a supportive environment where participants can share experiences, learn from others, and practice social skills. This setting can also foster accountability and motivation, making it easier to implement strategies learned in therapy.
What is the most effective ADHD treatment?
The most effective treatment for ADHD typically combines medication and behavioral therapy. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are commonly prescribed and have shown significant efficacy. However, integrating behavioral strategies through therapy enhances self-management and coping skills, leading to better overall outcomes.
Who is the best specialist for ADHD?
Look for professionals who have experience specifically with ADHD assessments and treatments, as they will be more equipped to provide tailored support.
Is ADHD a disability?
ADHD is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it significantly impairs major life activities. This designation can provide individuals with certain protections and accommodations in educational and workplace settings.
Can ADHD get worse with age?
ADHD symptoms can change over time, and while some individuals may find their symptoms diminish with age, others may experience increased difficulties, particularly with organization and time management. Stressors related to adult responsibilities can exacerbate symptoms, making effective management crucial.
What age is ADHD hardest?
ADHD often presents significant challenges during adolescence, around ages 12 to 18, when social dynamics, academic pressures, and self-identity issues intensify. This age group may struggle more with impulsivity and emotional regulation, making it a particularly difficult time.
Does ADHD affect IQ?
No. ADHD does not directly affect IQ; individuals with ADHD can have a range of intellectual abilities. However, the symptoms of ADHD can impact academic performance and learning, leading to misconceptions about intelligence.
Are you born with ADHD or do you get it?
ADHD is believed to have a strong genetic component, suggesting that individuals are born with a predisposition to the condition. Environmental factors may also play a role in its expression, but the core traits often appear in early childhood.
Is ADHD a form of mental illness?
ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a mental illness. It involves differences in brain development and function that affect attention, impulse control, and activity levels.
What is the best lifestyle for people with ADHD?
A lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, structured routines, and adequate sleep is beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Mindfulness practices and time management strategies can also enhance focus and reduce stress, creating a supportive environment for managing symptoms.
What can untreated ADHD lead to?
Untreated ADHD can lead to various challenges, including academic underachievement, difficulties in relationships, increased risk of substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Early intervention is crucial to reduce these risks and improve quality of life.
Mental Health Resources
near Livingston, NJ
Consistency instead of chaos. Peace instead of power struggles.
Teens, you can be less frustrated – with school, your family, yourself – so you can focus on what’s important to you. Parents, you can have less conflict at home and enjoy time with your teen as they become more independent.
Book a consultation or first appointment to get started with Dr. Lee Ann, therapist for ADHD, in Livingston, NJ
Additional ADHD Therapist Locations
Livingston is a suburban township located in Essex County, New Jersey, in the northeastern part of the state. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools, Livingston offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities for residents. Livingston features Riker Hill Art Park. Once home to dinosaurs, the Riker Hill Complex includes the Walter Kidde Dinosaur Park. In the mid 1900s, Riker Hill was a US missile base, and the decommissioned facilities were renovated into art studios. It is now a one-of-a-kind vibrant center for artists that offers community art classes, scenic space with outdoor art installations, and live arts events. For more information about Livingston, you can visit the Livingston Township official website.
Driving Directions to Livingston
From the North (starting in Oakland): Take I-287 South to I-80 East, then connect to I-280 East. Exit onto Eisenhower Parkway (CR-609) and follow it into Livingston. This route typically takes about 30-35 minutes, though rush hour traffic on I-280 can significantly increase travel time.
From the South (starting in Union): Take Garden State Parkway North to I-280 West. Exit at Livingston Avenue or South Orange Avenue, following local roads north into Livingston. The drive usually takes about 25-30 minutes, with potential delays during peak commuting times on both the Parkway and I-280.
From the East (starting in Jersey City): Take I-280 West directly toward Livingston. Exit either at South Orange Avenue or Eisenhower Parkway, following signs to Livingston. This is one of the more direct routes but can be heavily congested during rush hours, typically taking 30-35 minutes in good traffic.
From the West (starting in Morristown): Take Columbia Turnpike (Route 510) east through Florham Park and East Hanover, continuing onto South Orange Avenue into Livingston. Alternatively, take Route 10 East to Eisenhower Parkway. Either route typically takes about 25-30 minutes.