Photo of David Bradshaw, MS, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
David Bradshaw
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Everett, WA 98203  (Online Only)
I'm David Bradshaw, I am from Washington State, and I currently live in Birch Bay WA. I was born in 1990, I'm an avid reader, I also enjoy Chess, Meditation, Backpacking, Hunting, and Boxing. I'm a bit of a nerd as well, and I build my own desktop computers. I would say the Pasayten Wilderness Area is one of my happy places. I practice Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I work with clients aged 12 and up, including adults and couples. I am also a Clinical Supervisor and can train new counselors helping them earn hours toward their licensure.
I'm David Bradshaw, I am from Washington State, and I currently live in Birch Bay WA. I was born in 1990, I'm an avid reader, I also enjoy Chess, Meditation, Backpacking, Hunting, and Boxing. I'm a bit of a nerd as well, and I build my own desktop computers. I would say the Pasayten Wilderness Area is one of my happy places. I practice Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I work with clients aged 12 and up, including adults and couples. I am also a Clinical Supervisor and can train new counselors helping them earn hours toward their licensure.
(360) 227-5914 View (360) 227-5914
ADHD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for ADHD?

You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.

How does treatment for ADHD work?

Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.

Are there specific medications for ADHD?

Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.

How long does treatment for ADHD take?

It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.