---
title: ADHD Treatment & Management in Portland | Beyond ADD Myths
description: Learn about ADHD beyond common misconceptions. Discover how professional treatment can help harness ADD's unique strengths while managing symptoms. Portland-based psychiatric care.
---

<https://www.justinricenp.com/adhd-add-treatment-portland#body>

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- Services 
  
    - [ADHD Treatment in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/adhd-add-treatment-portland)
    - [Binge Eating](https://www.justinricenp.com/binge-eating-disorder-treatment)
    - [Neurodivergence/Autism/ASD](https://www.justinricenp.com/autism-neurodivergence-support)
    - [Ketamine](https://www.justinricenp.com/kap)
    - [Resources](https://www.justinricenp.com/mental-health-resources)
- [Getting Started in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/new-patients-getting-started)
- [About Our Practice](https://www.justinricenp.com/about)
- [Location](https://www.justinricenp.com/location)

- Services 
  
    - [ADHD Treatment in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/adhd-add-treatment-portland)
    - [Binge Eating](https://www.justinricenp.com/binge-eating-disorder-treatment)
    - [Neurodivergence/Autism/ASD](https://www.justinricenp.com/autism-neurodivergence-support)
    - [Ketamine](https://www.justinricenp.com/kap)
    - [Resources](https://www.justinricenp.com/mental-health-resources)
- [Getting Started in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/new-patients-getting-started)
- [About Our Practice](https://www.justinricenp.com/about)
- [Location](https://www.justinricenp.com/location)

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- [Schedule Appointment](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment)

- [Schedule Appointment](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment)

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# ADHD

**Understanding ADHD: Beyond "Poor Focus"**

Do you struggle with organization and prioritization of tasks? Do you procrastinate on following through with your obligations? Are your relationships strained by your struggles to focus and honor commitments? Treating ADHD is not just medication but also includes skills building.

In today's world, "I have ADHD" has become shorthand for feeling distracted or unfocused. But true ADHD is far more complex than occasional difficulty concentrating. While distractability is one piece of the puzzle, it's just a single thread in a rich tapestry of traits and experiences

ADHD brings both challenges and gifts. Those with ADHD often demonstrate remarkable abilities: thinking outside conventional boundaries, thriving under pressure, and achieving intense focus when tackling deadline-driven projects. Although "deficit" is part of the diagnosis's name, I don't believe it reflects the reality of ADHD. These traits aren't shortcomings; they're different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world.

Conversely, difficulty starting and completing a task, poor motivation, avoidance, and severe forgetfulness can negatively impact every area of someone's life from academics, to work performance, and personal relationships.

ADHD treatment isn't about conforming to other people's expectations. It's about identifying your natural strengths and building strategies for the areas that feel challenging. Change takes time, but many patients gain meaningful insights about their lives and discover new ways to structure their world. Together, we'll use tools like medication management and focused therapy techniques that work with, not against, your unique way of thinking.

[Schedule an Appointment Today](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en)

### How do I get tested for ADHD?

While many patients may start with their primary care doctor, a formal evaluation and specialized care through a psychiatric provider is recommended. A psychiatric provider can provide a higher level of care, closer monitoring and a comprehensive treatment plan. Testing and evaluation usually combines a detailed interview, symptom history, rating scales, and review of medical and mental health factors. A prescription is only considered after that evaluation supports a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Not everyone who asks about ADHD testing needs the same workup. For patients previously diagnosed with ADHD, a formal evaluation may not be required. In order to be thorough, our evaluation looks at how symptoms began, how they affect work, school, and daily life, and whether another condition might explain them better. Proper screening rules out other health conditions that may be a contributing such as thyroid conditions, metabolic disorders, or electrolyte imbalances.

Justin Rice, PMHNP provides ADHD evaluations, medication, and therapy tailored to your unique needs. If you are ready to ask about an appointment, contact us at  503-352-4270 or [schedule an appointment.](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en)

### What is the best treatment for ADHD?

Typically, ADHD treatment starts with medications. There are two classes of ADHD medications: non-stimulants and stimulants. Non-stimulants can be helpful for specific kinds of issues like impulsivity or ADHD with depression. If your ADHD is more about distraction and poor motivation then stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Adderall-XR, and Vyvanse are appropriate. 

Adolescent and adult ADHD care includes confirming the diagnosis through a formal evaluation and regular follow-up, reviewing medical and mental health history, and monitoring treatment over time.  Because adult and adolescent ADHD often overlaps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and work stress, your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique needs.

A second part of treatment is ADHD skills coaching and counseling. This is the process of looking at patterns of behavior that started before ADHD treatment and often started in childhood.

[During your sessions,](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en) Justin Rice, PMHNP will carefully review these options with you to meet your needs and to avoid side effects. 

### Who is the best ADHD prescriber for adult ADHD?

Funny question! You want to know you're receiving the best care possible. The truth is, there is no single best ADHD prescriber for every adult. The best fit is a licensed psychiatric provider who does thorough adult evaluations, explains medication and non-medication options clearly, monitors treatment closely, and is accessible for follow-up when adjustments are needed.

Look for credentials, Oregon licensure, experience with adult ADHD, and a process you can understand.

Justin Rice, PMHNP works with adolescents and adults. We invite you to read the provider [bio](https://www.justinricenp.com/about?hsLang=en) and [contact us](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en) for an initial consultation to see if the fit feels right.

### Do I need a referral?

In most cases, you do not need a referral, however a referral can still be helpful. For instance, a referral from your primary care doctor or therapist may share records that make the evaluation more complete and allow for coordination of care between your providers. 

If you are ready to ask about an appointment, contact us at 503-352-4270 or [schedule an appointment.](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en)

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15160 NW Laidlaw Rd., Suite 222  
Located in Alive IV and Wellness  
Portland, Oregon 97229  
503-352-4270   Fax: 503-430-5350  
info@justinricenp.com

[tel:](tel:)

- [Our Style of Psychiatry in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/about)
- [Getting Started in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/new-patients-getting-started)
- [Location](https://www.justinricenp.com/location)
- [Schedule Appointment](https://www.justinricenp.com/schedule-appointment)

- Wellness 
    - [ADHD Treatment in Portland](https://www.justinricenp.com/adhd-add-treatment-portland)
    - [Ketamine](https://www.justinricenp.com/kap)
    - [Binge Eating](https://www.justinricenp.com/binge-eating-disorder-treatment)
    - [Neurodivergence/Autism/ASD](https://www.justinricenp.com/autism-neurodivergence-support)
    - [Resources](https://www.justinricenp.com/mental-health-resources)

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