In the shadowy corners of Britain's mental health landscape, a rapidly growing industry operates with virtually no oversight, making bold claims while charging clients hundreds of pounds for services that lack any formal regulation. Welcome to the world of ADHD coaching.
The Wild West of Mental Health Support
Across the UK, individuals seeking support for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are turning to coaches who promise life-changing results. Yet our investigation reveals an alarming reality: anyone can call themselves an ADHD coach, regardless of qualifications or experience.
"It's the Wild West out there," says Dr. Alison Jones, a clinical psychologist specialising in neurodiversity. "Vulnerable people are spending significant money on services that may be delivered by well-meaning but completely unqualified individuals."
Premium Prices for Unproven Methods
The financial stakes are substantial. Coaches are charging anywhere from £60 to over £200 per hour, with some packages running into thousands of pounds. Many operate outside traditional healthcare pathways, meaning clients pay out-of-pocket for services that NHS guidelines don't recognise as evidence-based treatment.
- Hourly rates ranging from £60-£200+
- Package deals costing £1,000-£5,000
- No requirement for formal qualifications
- Absence of regulatory oversight
Desperate Patients, Big Promises
With NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessments stretching to years in some areas, desperate individuals are turning to private solutions. Coaches often market themselves as providing the missing link between diagnosis and effective daily management.
One client, Sarah Thompson, shared her experience: "I paid £1,800 for a coaching package after being told it would 'transform my life.' What I got was basic advice I could have found online for free."
The Qualification Crisis
Unlike clinical psychologists or psychiatrists, ADHD coaches require no specific qualifications. While some complete training courses, these vary widely in quality and duration. There's no mandatory accreditation body ensuring minimum standards.
- No mandatory qualifications required
- Training courses range from weeks to months
- Multiple accreditation bodies with varying standards
- No central register of qualified practitioners
Calls for Regulation Grow Louder
Mental health charities and professional bodies are increasingly concerned about the situation. The ADHD Foundation has called for urgent action to protect vulnerable consumers.
"We're seeing more people coming to us after negative experiences with unqualified coaches," says a spokesperson. "Proper regulation is essential to ensure people get the safe, effective support they need."
As the demand for ADHD support continues to grow, the question remains: how long will this multi-million pound industry continue to operate in the shadows before proper safeguards are put in place?
