Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of adults and young adults, profoundly impacting their focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. For many in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and across the greater East Tennessee region, navigating the challenges of ADHD can make daily life feel chaotic and unmanageable, from academic and professional demands to personal relationships.
At Harmony Oaks Recovery Center in Chattanooga, we understand the unique complexities of ADHD. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and specialized treatment that empowers individuals to develop effective strategies, enhance their executive functioning, and thrive in their lives.
Our mission is to offer a safe, structured, and accredited environment where healing is not just possible, but a reality for every member of our community.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD frequently continues into adulthood, presenting with different nuances that can be just as, or even more, challenging.
Core Symptoms We Treat
The symptoms of ADHD can be varied and often misunderstood, manifesting in the following ways:
- Inattention: Individuals primarily struggle with focus, organization, and task completion. This can manifest as chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty sustaining attention during lengthy tasks. A common experience is “time-blindness,” where a person struggles to accurately perceive and manage time, leading to chronic lateness.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: This is characterized by excessive energy, restlessness, and fidgeting. Impulsivity can lead to making hasty decisions without considering consequences, interrupting others, or engaging in risky behaviors like impulsive spending or substance use.
- Emotional Dysregulation: This is a significant, often overlooked, symptom of ADHD. Individuals may experience heightened irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing frustration.
The Overlap with Other Conditions
ADHD frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. It’s common for individuals with ADHD to also struggle with:
- Anxiety Disorders: The constant struggle to focus and manage daily life can lead to significant anxiety and worry.
- Depression: Feelings of shame, failure, or a lack of motivation can often lead to depression.
- Trauma: There is a strong link between ADHD symptoms and a history of trauma, which can impact brain development and emotional regulation.
- Substance Use Disorders: Individuals with ADHD may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms, creating a complex dual diagnosis.
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that addresses all co-occurring conditions.
Why Specialized ADHD Treatment is Needed in Tennessee
ADHD is a complex condition that requires a specialized and highly structured treatment approach. While general mental health services exist, finding a program that truly understands the nuances of ADHD can be challenging in Tennessee, which consistently faces mental health resource shortages.
- The Need for Structured Programs: Standard outpatient therapy is often insufficient for managing the intense inattention and emotional dysregulation associated with ADHD. Patients need a higher level of structured support and skills-building that is often found in residential or intensive outpatient settings.
- Shortage of ADHD Specialists: Finding clinicians who specialize in adult ADHD and have expertise in both therapeutic strategies and medication management can be difficult in Tennessee, as over 3.2 million Tennesseans live in counties lacking adequate mental health services. A program with a dedicated team of ADHD-aware clinicians is essential for effective care.
- Access in East Tennessee: Harmony Oaks Recovery Center is dedicated to filling this gap, providing essential support right in your community.
Our Treatment Approach for ADHD
At Harmony Oaks Recovery Center, our approach to ADHD treatment is comprehensive, evidence-based, and focused on providing the specialized tools needed for lasting stability and success.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Our therapeutic approach is grounded in scientifically proven methods that provide effective relief from ADHD symptoms:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This highly effective therapy helps you develop strategies to improve focus, organization, and task completion. It also helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may have developed due to past struggles with ADHD.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT teaches crucial skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s a key component for individuals with ADHD who struggle with managing intense emotions and impulsive behaviors.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the strong link between ADHD symptoms and a history of trauma, our treatment approach is fundamentally trauma-informed. We utilize specialized therapies like EMDR to help you safely process and heal from distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact and allowing you to develop a healthier sense of self.
Medication Management
Medication is often a valuable tool in ADHD treatment. Our psychiatric team provides expert evaluation and medication management, focusing on:
- Stimulants: Medications like Adderall and Vyvanse are commonly prescribed and can significantly improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
- Non-Stimulants: For those who don’t respond well to stimulants or prefer alternatives, we explore non-stimulant medications that can also be effective in managing ADHD symptoms.
- Careful Monitoring: Our team closely monitors medication to ensure efficacy and minimize side effects, integrating pharmacology responsibly into your treatment plan.
Daily Structure and Therapeutic Milieu
A consistent and predictable daily routine is crucial for individuals with ADHD. Our programs provide a structured environment with daily therapeutic check-ins, group therapy sessions, psychoeducation, and peer support. This structure, along with our calming and restorative setting, helps to regulate a dysregulated nervous system, reduce chaos, and build healthy habits that support long-term stability.
Levels of Care for ADHD at Harmony Oaks
Harmony Oaks Recovery Center offers a comprehensive continuum of mental health care, ensuring that individuals with ADHD receive the right level of support at every stage of their healing journey.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This intensive day program offers structured, full-day treatment with continued psychiatric supervision, while allowing clients to live off-site. It’s a key step-down option from residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Provides a flexible step-down option for those transitioning back into life, work, or school. Clients engage in therapeutic sessions 3–5 days per week, supporting their reintegration while maintaining robust clinical support.
All levels include psychiatric care, individual therapy, and group support: Ensuring a consistent and integrated approach to your healing, regardless of the intensity of the program.
Most Insurance Accepted
As a member of the Harmony Recovery Group family of treatment programs, we are able to work with many private insurance plans.
Local Resources and Community Support
Recovery from ADHD is a long-term journey that often extends beyond formal treatment. We believe in the power of community and a robust support network. At Harmony Oaks Recovery Center, our team works with you from day one to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that connects you to vital resources in the Chattanooga and East Tennessee area. We coordinate with local therapists and psychiatric prescribers to ensure continuity of care, and we provide referrals to:
- Community-based mental health services: For long-term counseling and support groups.
- Peer support networks: Connecting you with others who have lived experience with ADHD.
- Local advocacy groups: Organizations focused on ADHD and other mental health conditions in Tennessee.
- Housing and vocational resources: For support with practical needs during and after treatment.
Our goal is to ensure you have a strong, integrated support system in place, empowering you to maintain stability and continue building a fulfilling life.
Get Help for ADHD Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with the challenges of ADHD, Harmony Oaks Recovery Center in Chattanooga, TN, is here to provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you need. Our specialized programs use CBT and DBT to help you find stability, enhance your focus, and build a life worth living.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 for a confidential, no-obligation mental health assessment. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options.
Take the courageous first step toward lasting healing. Call Harmony Oaks Recovery Center confidentially at (423) 708-4961.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Treatment
Is ADHD a treatable condition?
Yes, ADHD is a highly treatable condition. With the right therapeutic approach, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), individuals can learn to manage their emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and build a more stable sense of self and healthier relationships. Our specialized programs are designed to help you achieve lasting stability and lead a fulfilling life.
What is the role of medication in ADHD treatment?
Medication is often used in ADHD treatment to manage co-occurring symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. It is not typically prescribed as a standalone treatment for ADHD itself. Our psychiatric team provides expert evaluation and medication management, always integrating it with therapeutic support to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach.
How long does ADHD treatment at Harmony Oaks Recovery Center take?
The duration of treatment for ADHD varies significantly based on individual needs and the level of care. Intensive programs like our Residential or PHP can last several weeks to months, providing the foundational skills needed for stability. This is followed by a seamless transition to our IOP and outpatient programs for ongoing support, as recovery from ADHD is a long-term journey.
Do you treat ADHD and substance use disorders together?
Yes, Harmony Oaks Recovery Center specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. It is common for ADHD to co-occur with substance use disorders, as individuals may use substances to cope with their intense emotions. Our integrated approach ensures that both conditions are addressed simultaneously and holistically for the most effective and lasting recovery.
What kind of support is available for families of individuals with ADHD?
ADHD can be challenging for both the individual and their family. We offer family counseling and education to help family members understand the disorder, improve communication, and learn healthy ways to support their loved one. Our goal is to promote healing dynamics within the family and build a stronger support system.
Take the courageous first step toward lasting stability today.
Harmony Oaks Recovery Center
Find Wellness with our Expert Help
You deserve to become your best self. With decades of combined experience in mental health treatment, we are uniquely equipped to help you overcome a substance use disorder or manage any mental health condition.
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