Disparities in Adult ADHD Care Delivery Among U.S. Telepsychology Providers

Abstract

Objective:

At least a third of U.S. adults with ADHD do not access recommended treatments (medication or cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]), and those receiving treatment face barriers (e.g., inconsistent availability of medication). We investigated systemic inequities in CBT access for adults with ADHD versus psychiatric diagnoses with similar prevalence.

Method:

We accessed and extracted publicly available listings from the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) provider directory (N = 12,898) in April 2025.

Results:

Only 26.4% of PSYPACT providers explicitly offer any services for adult ADHD. They were nearly three times more likely to treat adult depression (69.2%) and anxiety (74.0%). CBT for adult ADHD was offered by just 21.3% of providers.

Conclusion:

U.S. psychologists are chief CBT providers for adult mental disorders; however, they systemically underserve adults with ADHD. Contributors to this inequity must be identified to advance adult ADHD care, as untreated ADHD is a costly public health burden.

Keywords

adult ADHD treatment cognitive behavioral therapy treatment disparities

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