To become an ADHD coach, you need a combination of experience, specialized coaching education, and life coach insurance to run a successful business.
Interested in helping people with ADHD find ways to thrive in a world that isn’t designed for them? ADHD coaching might just be the right path for you. But how do you turn your dream into a reality, and how do you know if this is really your calling?
Our guide covers all this and more, including insights from real ADHD coaches, a free, downloadable checklist for getting started, and a breakdown of how life coach insurance protects your ADHD coaching business.
What Do ADHD Life Coaches Actually Do?
ADHD coaches work with individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is characterized by impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation. These symptoms can often manifest themselves as difficulty with:
- Establishing routines
- Time management
- Memory
- Executive functioning
Based on 2024 data from the Center for Advancing Health (CFAH), 1 in 22 American adults has ADHD.
Increased awareness and decreased stigma have led to better (and earlier) diagnoses. This has caused a bump in the number of diagnosed children and adults living with ADHD over recent decades.
It also means ADHD coaching has become a more popular life coaching niche. Coaches in this profession help their clients build new skills, develop their strengths, and make lifestyle adjustments that improve their quality of life.
What Don’t ADHD Coaches Do?
It’s critical to understand that ADHD coaches are not therapists or psychiatrists. They are not qualified to diagnose clients with ADHD; instead, they help them develop helpful habits and incorporate strategies that improve their lives.
The same is true for mental health concerns or struggles outside their wheelhouse. According to Patty Laushman, Founder and Head Coach of Thrive Autism Coaching, “It’s really critical to know when it’s time to bring in other professionals when clients are also dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or burnout.”
A coach should never give advice about medication, diagnosing, ADHD, or treating trauma because these are outside the scope of coaching unless you are separately licensed and working in that role. Even then, you must keep the roles clearly separated.
How to Become a Certified ADHD Coach in 5 Steps
If ADHD coaching sounds like a good fit for you, use this step-by-step guide to move from “curious about coaching” to working with your first client.
1. Leverage Your Experience
Like all life coaches, those specializing in ADHD need experience and familiarity with this disorder. The best ADHD coaches can point to one (or both) of these types of experience in their backgrounds that help qualify them for the job.
Personal
It’s common for personal experience to play a role in someone’s decision to become an ADHD coach. Some coaches have firsthand experience with this disorder, having been diagnosed with it themselves. Others may have loved ones living with ADHD, such as siblings, partners, or children, and have an intimate understanding of the struggles they face.
Laushman strongly recommends that all aspiring ADHD coaches start with real-life experience.
This can be through past work (education, social services, healthcare, coaching, mentoring) or lived experience (being ADHD or autistic yourself, or parenting/partnering with neurodivergent people). You do not need to have ADHD yourself to be an effective coach, but you do need deep empathy and a willingness to question “typical” expectations around productivity, success, and communication.
Educational/Work
Having ADHD or knowing someone with it is not a requirement to become an ADHD coach. You can also gain experience and knowledge of this disorder through education, such as with a psychology degree.
This is also true of previous work experience, particularly in counseling or social work, where you worked with people who have ADHD.
Kristina Proctor, Founder and Executive Coach at Neurodivergent Ventures, recommends another route to gaining experience that many coaches overlook: getting coached yourself.
I know that seems odd, but understanding what that looks like to receive coaching, what it feels like, [and] how others experience it can give you an understanding of the value and the focus of the kind of coaching you'd be interested in.
2. Build Skills by Obtaining Certifications
Certifications are an excellent way to enhance your existing experience with new skills and knowledge, helping you become a more effective ADHD coach. Plus, clients love to see that you’ve put in the work to take relevant courses, as it boosts your credibility and their confidence in you.
According to Laushman, every ADHD coach should have “a good foundation in core coaching skills with additional training focused on ADHD and executive functioning, not just generic life coaching. It is important to understand how ADHD shows up in adults of different genders, backgrounds, and life stages.”
Some of the most popular certifications for ADHD coaches include:
Pro Tip: Check out our guide to becoming a certified life coach for more information about what certification entails.
3. Start Your Business
The truth about becoming an ADHD coach is that it’s not all about understanding ADHD and knowing how to help your clients navigate this disorder. A big part of it involves running a business, and this can often be the most daunting aspect for many coaches.
As someone who lives with ADHD and dyslexia, “[The biggest challenge] is my own ADHD getting in the way [of managing] my business along the way,” says Proctor.
Establish Pricing and Packages
Pick a rate that matches your level of experience and qualifications. According to ZipRecruiter, the average ADHD coach in America charges almost $20 an hour.
Typically, you won’t charge by the hour alone. You need to create packages, such as monthly plans or bundles, that clients can opt into and commit to more than one coaching session.
Of course, it can be hard to incentivize people to buy a month’s worth of sessions, so include a free or discounted trial session option for new clients.
Set Up Your Website
A strong coaching website includes:
- An “About Me” page where you can introduce yourself to potential clients
- Your pricing and packages
- A scheduling form for inquiries
- Your contact information (phone number, email, etc.)
- Testimonials from happy clients (hint: ask your coworkers/people in your life who can speak to your ADHD knowledge for quotes until you’ve gotten some from clients)
Remember, your website is likely to be the first place people interact with you, so it’s essential to make a good impression. Hire a web designer to create a beautiful, functional custom site for you, or create one yourself using templates via Squarespace or Wix.
Develop Your Marketing Strategy
A well-crafted promotional strategy is crucial for attracting life coaching clients. Yours might include:
- Building a social media presence
- Networking with other ADHD coaches at industry events
- Creating a referral program for clients to generate word-of-mouth buzz
- Getting involved in online ADHD forums where you can share/exchange knowledge and establish yourself as an expert
Put It All in a Business Plan
Your life coaching business plan is like the story of your business. It should give anyone looking at it (whether that’s you, a potential business partner, or a lender) a holistic view of what you do and how you do it.
A solid business plan is typically organized into the following sections:
- Executive summary (a quick pitch for your coaching business)
- Value proposition (what you offer that other ADHD coaches don’t)
- Market and competitive analysis (understanding your place in the market and how it compares to competitors)
- Marketing strategy (how you’ll promote yourself to clients)
- Pricing and revenue (what you’ll charge and what your revenue streams are)
- Financials (projected income, expenses, and profit)
Pro Tip: Learn more about starting a life coaching business with our comprehensive guide.
4. Protect Your Business With ADHD Life Coach Insurance
ADHD coaches face a variety of liability risks that are inherent in this profession, particularly in relation to the advice they provide to clients.
“When I got business insurance, I was humbled because I [was] reminded that people can claim negligence if my coaching caused them to get into trouble at work or get fired,” says Proctor.
I work with clients on their ADHD and how it impacts work, and part of that is extremely challenging because asking for accommodations has led people to be fired, managed out, or put on PIPs.
Additionally, ADHD coaches who conduct in-person sessions risk damaging their clients’ property or accidentally injuring their clients. For example, if a client trips over an extension cord in your office and breaks their wrist because of the fall, they could sue you to cover their medical bills.
Life coach insurance from Insurance Canopy is designed to protect you in situations like these, bundling professional and general liability coverage into one convenient policy. Plus, it’s affordable, starting at just $21.08 per month.
Learn More About Life Coaching Insurance
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5. Invest in Professional Development and Continuing Education
Your education and skillset shouldn’t stagnate as soon as you start building your client list. There is always room to grow and improve, and in the fast-growing field of ADHD coaching, techniques and philosophies change quickly.
For continuing education, look into:
- Attending ADHD coaching workshops (or other generic life coaching workshops)
- Read recently published books and papers on ADHD and ADHD coaching
- Enroll in additional certification courses or renew any expired certifications
- Take courses on business management to strengthen your entrepreneurial skills
- Join coaching communities or peer groups like the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
- Volunteer at schools or within your community to help people who may not be able to afford hiring an ADHD coach
FAQs About How to Become an ADHD Life Coach
Do ADHD Life Coaches Need to Be Certified or Licensed?
No, ADHD coaches do not need to be certified to serve clients. However, certification courses can significantly enhance your skillset, building your confidence and allowing you to offer more value to your clients.
Can I Specialize in Specific Age Groups or Demographics as an ADHD Coach?
Yes. Many ADHD coaches narrow their focus to a specific demographic, such as children or adults in the workforce. By specializing, you narrow your audience down to your target clientele and play to your strengths.
For instance, if you love working with children and have a background in childhood psychology or development, working with school-age kids diagnosed with ADHD could be an ideal niche.
How Much Does ADHD Life Coaching Insurance Cost?
ADHD life coaching insurance starts as low as $21.08 per month. However, several factors can affect your premium, such as:
- How much you make each year
- Which optional coverages you add to your policy
- If you’ve ever filed claims in the past
Learn more about the cost of life coach insurance.
Does Insurance Cover Online/Remote ADHD Coaching?
Yes, insurance covers both your in-person and virtual coaching activities.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
