Finding a therapist who understands and supports your neurodivergence can be challenging. The right therapist can support neurodivergent individuals in building coping skills, improve emotional regulation skills, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals find it challenging to connect with a therapist who truly “gets it”—someone who sees their strengths, understands their challenges, and offers support without trying to force them into a neurotypical mold.
This guide will walk you through the process of finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, ensuring that your needs, preferences, and comfort are prioritized every step of the way.
Neurodivergence and Mental Health
Every neurodivergent person has their own unique strengths and challenges, but one common struggle is navigating a world that isn’t always accommodating. Neurodivergence refers to people who learn and think differently from neurotypical people. This may include people with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia or other differences. People who are neurodivergent may experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Unique life stressors like masking, sensory overload, and difficulties with executive functioning can make accessing the right support even more important.
Research highlights the connection between neurodivergence and mental health:
- Up to 78% of children with Autism were also found to have at least one co-occurring mental health condition.
- Many people with ADHD experience “ADHD Plus” which is a term for people with ADHD who also have another diagnosis. This includes 47% of people with depression and 53% of people with anxiety. Other conditions include learning disabilities, mood disorders, and sleep disorders.
- Learners with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression, as they spend the majority of their day in school, struggling with tasks that impact their self-concept and comparing themselves to peers.
The Importance of Neuroaffirming Care
Historically, the traditional medical model has viewed neurodivergence as something to be “fixed” or changed. The neurodiversity paradigm shifts this perspective, seeing neurodivergence as a natural variation of the human condition. A core belief aligned with this approach is that a person is limited by environmental barriers, failing to meet their needs, not their own neurology. This is why it’s important to find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who understands and respects your differences in learning and thinking.
How to Find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist: Step-By-Step
Finding the right therapist can be a challenge for anyone. It’s important to take thoughtful steps to make sure that the therapist you choose will provide the support that works best for you.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Preferences
Before you start looking for a therapist, take time to identify your needs and what you would like to get out of therapy. Different therapy approaches may work better for you, depending on your goals. Research some of the following topics to help you feel the most prepared to find someone who will fit your needs:
- Format: Would you prefer therapy in-person, online, or hybrid?
- Location: How far are you willing to travel?
- Specialization: What does the therapist specialize in? Usually, their focus will be listed, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, work/life balance stressors, life transitions, substance use, etc.
- Modality: In addition to being neurodiversity-affirming, what approaches can you envision yourself taking part in? Research different approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or whatever approach is listed to compare and contrast.
- Experience: Does the professional explicitly list neurodiversity as a population they have experience working with? Do they mention using a strengths-based approach with their clients?
Step 2: Do Your Research!
Now that you have an idea of what you need, start researching clinics and therapists that match those preferences. Look at their biographies, which typically include information about their credentials, experience, and the types of therapy they offer. After narrowing down your options, you can identify how many different professionals you can choose from.
Here, you will find information that can help you quickly identify which professional has experience working with neurodiverse clients or if they are neurodiverse themselves. You can also determine if their approaches align with your treatment expectations and comfort.
Step 3: Inquire Before Committing
Many therapists offer free consultations, which is a great opportunity to ask more pointed questions and determine if the therapist feels like a good fit. It may help to brainstorm a list of questions to ask at the consultation ahead of time so that you remember to cover everything that’s important to you.
Step 4: Ongoing Assessment of Accessibility
When choosing a therapist, it’s important to assess whether their space and approach truly support your neurodivergent needs. Consider whether they offer flexible scheduling and options for attending sessions in-person, online, or by phone and intake forms that allow you to communicate in a way that feels the most natural. Pay attention to lighting, noise levels, and the availability of regulation tools (e.g., fidgets). The environment should feel safe and accommodating.
Step 5: Evaluate Compatibility
After a few sessions with your therapist, check in with yourself about how compatible you feel with your therapist. Do they understand your needs and make you feel comfortable? Do you leave the sessions feeling better than you did when you arrived? If you feel like something is not fully aligned with your needs, trust your instincts and advocate for your needs with your therapist. Always remember that you have the right to switch therapists if the fit does not feel right. Your mental health is what matters most!
Step 6: Advocate for Your Needs
Open communication is key to maintaining a positive working relationship with your therapist. Your therapist might suggest strategies that differ from your preferences. If something is not working well for you, be upfront about it. Your therapist is there to support you, and being clear about your preferences will help them do just that.
Additional Tips for Success
Search, Don’t Settle
Finding the right therapist can take time, but you deserve someone who truly understands and supports your neurodivergent needs. Settling for a therapist that doesn’t fit your needs can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for growth. Keep searching until you find someone who supports, understands, and supports you.
Importance of Accessibility
True accessibility goes beyond the visible symbols of inclusion; it requires an ongoing commitment to adapting spaces, policies, and practices to meet the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals. For example, individuals with executive dysfunction may struggle with planning and juggling tasks, which could lead to missed communication and appointments with the provider. Autistic individuals may require concrete and direct communication and, without it, may experience more miscommunication. An accessible therapist will actively work to meet these needs and ensure that you are supported in all aspects of therapy.
Coaching…or Counseling?
As a neurodivergent individual, you may benefit from counseling, coaching, or a mix of both. This depends on your unique needs. Counseling helps with emotional well-being, trauma-related experiences, and mental health support, while coaching focuses on building skills like organization, time management, and goal-setting.
Some people need emotional support, while others will need practical strategies to implement in their day-to-day life. Many people who are neurodiverse may benefit from a combination of both emotional and executive functioning support. Take time to consider what kind of support will make the most difference in reaching your goals.
Click here for our full write-up on coaching vs. counseling.
Additional Tools and Resources
Life Skills Advocate offers resources to help neurodivergent individuals find the right support, including guides on self-advocacy, executive functioning, and navigating therapy in general. If you’re looking for a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, options that align with our core values are listed on our Neurodivergent-friendly Tools & Resources page. Psychology Today also has a search feature to find therapists in your area or online.
TL;DR – (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Choosing the right therapist is essential for neurodivergent individuals. A good therapist can help you build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and navigate life’s challenges confidently.
First, clarify your therapy preferences: Do you want sessions in-person, online, or a mix? Identify the therapist’s specialization to ensure it matches your needs.
Next, research therapist biographies to verify their experience aligns with your expectations. Take advantage of initial consultations to ask important questions.
Additionally, check if the therapist provides flexible scheduling and comfortable session environments. If the therapist doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to explore other options.
Ultimately, the right therapist will actively listen and support your personal goals. Take the time you need to find this supportive match.
For assistance starting your search, explore Life Skill Advocate’s neurodiversity-affirming providers, or visit Psychology Today’s directory or ndtherapists.com.
Life Skills Advocate also offers free consultations to determine if coaching is right for you.
Further Reading
- Autism Research Institute (2021) – Autism and Co-occurring Conditions in Children
- CHADD (2019) – Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Are Common
- Child Mind Institute (2024) – Learning Disabilities and Depression
- Embrace Autism (2019) – The neurodiversity paradigm
- Medbridge (2022) – Neurodiversity: A Changing Paradigm
- Neurodivergent Insights (2024) – Neurodivergent Affirming Practice: Helping Your Clients Accept Their Authentic Selves
- Psychology Today (2025) – Find a Therapist
- Life Skills Advocate (2023) – Coaching vs. Therapy? Which One Do I Need?
- Life Skills Advocate (2025) – Neurodivergent-Friendly Tools and Resources
- Life Skills Advocate (2024) – Practicing Real-World Self-Advocacy: A Guide for Neurodivergent Individuals