Therapy For Children With ADHD
I’m a PhD clinical psychologist helping youth ages 3 – 19 and their families manage ADHD.
As Featured In
Is your child or teen struggling with focus, staying organized, or keeping their emotions in check? Are you feeling uncertain about how to support them, or worried about the impact of ADHD on their confidence, academic performance, or relationships?
Maybe you’re frustrated that it feels like you’ve tried so many things to help, but nothing seems to really make a difference.
Know that you’re not alone. Parenting a child with ADHD is tough, and it’s normal to feel mixed emotions.
ADHD affects not just your child, but your entire family.
I Help Your Child:
- Improve focus and organization
- Manage impulsivity & emotions
- Strengthen family communication and relationships
- Build confidence and resilience
For parents, I focus on how to best support and accommodate your kids, as well as how to advocate for them at school.
I also believe it’s important to work closely with teachers, doctors, and other specialists to make sure your child gets the best possible care.
What to Expect in ADHD Therapy With Me:
When you begin therapy with me, the first step is an initial consultation where we discuss your child’s history, your concerns, and any previous interventions or diagnoses.
If your child already has an ADHD diagnosis, we’ll start by understanding how ADHD manifests in their daily life.
If there isn’t a diagnosis yet, I can assess your child and determine if an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate.
How I Work with Parents:
I believe in starting therapy by working with you, the parent(s), to ensure you are equipped and supported.
We’ll cover psychoeducation about ADHD, giving you a solid understanding of what it is and how it affects your child’s behavior, academic performance, and social interactions.
I’ll provide you with practical strategies to help accommodate your child’s needs at home and school, and we’ll discuss how to advocate effectively on their behalf, whether it’s about exploring medication options or securing support at school.
My ADHD Therapy for Your Child:
Children’s ADHD Therapy focuses on helping them understand their emotions and develop coping strategies tailored to their age and needs. With younger children, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to teach them how to recognize and manage their feelings, which can reduce impulsivity and build confidence.
These sessions are interactive, ensuring that your child feels comfortable and enjoys the process of learning these new skills.
Teen ADHD Therapy shifts to fostering independence and navigating increasing responsibility. I incorporate CBT and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help them navigate the challenges of procrastination, academic pressures, and social dynamics. With teens, there’s generally less direct involvement from parents in sessions, as the focus is on empowering them to manage their ADHD and its impact on their daily lives.
My ADHD Approach Is Supportive and Yields Results
Sessions with me are:
- Family-Centered: I believe in involving the whole family in therapy to improve communication and support at home.
- Warm and Practical: I bring a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy, using techniques like CBT that really work for kids with ADHD.
- Engaging and Fun: I make therapy interactive and age-appropriate, so your child feels comfortable and engaged while learning new skills.
About Dr. Ashley Castro
I provide virtual and in-person therapy for kids and their families in New York City.
For over eight years, I’ve been dedicated to helping young people navigate the challenges of ADHD, providing them and their families with the tools and support they need.
My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), refined through years of clinical experience and specialized training.
Together, we’ll work to understand the unique challenges your child faces and develop practical strategies to help them thrive at home, in school, and in their relationships.
Credentials
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Wesleyan University
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University
- Predoctoral Internship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Certified PCIT therapist
Professional Experience:
- Practice focusing on children, teens, and families since 2016
- Developed and led a program to increase access to evidence-based treatments for low-income youth of color at Columbia/NYP
- Taught third year medical students at Columbia University about ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
- Co-founder and Executive Director of Healwise (formerly Therapy4thePeople), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to mental healthcare for underserved communities
Affiliations:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA Division 53)
- PCIT International
- Representative to Council for the CBT Division of the New York State Psychological Association
Interested in therapy for child ADHD?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the button below.