ADHD Treatment for Children and Adults

Evidence-based treatment for adhd in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Understanding ADHD in Rural West Virginia

Comprehensive ADHD evaluation and treatment for children, teens, and adults. Medication management, behavioral therapy, and parent coaching to improve focus, organization, and daily functioning.

At Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, we've been providing evidence-based care for adhd in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties since 1968. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), we understand the unique challenges facing rural Appalachian communities—economic hardship, limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health care in small towns.

Our integrated care model means you don't need to drive hours to see a psychiatrist in Charleston or coordinate between multiple providers across different systems. Your therapist, psychiatrist, case manager, and peer support specialist work as one team, sharing information and adjusting your treatment plan together. This coordination—rare in rural healthcare—leads to better outcomes and fewer gaps in care.

Why Local, Integrated Care Matters

In Southern West Virginia, the nearest psychiatric hospital may be 90 minutes away. The nearest trauma specialist might only accept private insurance. And if you're in crisis at 10 PM on a Saturday, your options are often limited to an emergency room that isn't equipped for mental health emergencies.

We're different. Our 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit is staffed by local clinicians who know our community. When you call our crisis line, you're not routed to a national call center—you're speaking with someone who understands what it means to live in Princeton, Mullens, or Rockview. And because we're a CCBHC, we will not turn you away due to inability to pay. If you need help, we provide it—regardless of insurance status.

Our Treatment Approach for ADHD

Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where we learn about your symptoms, medical history, current stressors, and goals. We don't use cookie-cutter treatment plans. What works for someone in a large city with robust family support may not work for someone in rural Appalachia managing chronic pain, unemployment, or caring for aging parents while working two jobs.

Your treatment plan may include individual therapy, medication management with our psychiatrists, group therapy, peer support from someone who's been through similar challenges, and case management to help with practical barriers like transportation, insurance navigation, or connecting to other community resources. If you need more intensive support, we offer residential treatment programs and can coordinate with primary care, schools, courts, or other providers.

What to Expect: Your First Visit

1. Scheduling & Walk-Ins

Call +1-304-425-9541 to schedule an appointment, or walk in during office hours at any of our six locations. If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 Crisis Line at +1-800-615-0122.

2. Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes)

A licensed clinician will meet with you to understand what you're experiencing, how long symptoms have been present, what's helped or hasn't helped in the past, and what your goals are. We'll ask about medical history, medications, family history, and current stressors. This isn't an interrogation—it's a conversation to help us understand how to best support you.

What to bring: Photo ID, insurance card (if you have one), list of current medications, and any questions you want to ask. If you don't have insurance, we'll discuss sliding-scale fees and help you apply for coverage if eligible.

3. Treatment Planning

Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might include weekly therapy sessions, a psychiatric evaluation for medication, group therapy, or connection to peer support. We'll explain what each service involves, how often you'll be seen, and what the goals are. You're part of the decision-making process—this is your treatment, and your input matters.

4. Ongoing Care & Coordination

Your care team meets regularly to discuss your progress and adjust treatment as needed. If you're also seeing a primary care doctor, we can coordinate with them (with your permission). If you need help with transportation, housing, or other practical barriers, our case managers can connect you to community resources. Recovery isn't linear, and we're here for the long haul.

Common Signs & Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, professional help is available:

Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
Easily distracted
Forgetfulness and losing things
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Impulsive behavior
Difficulty completing tasks
Problems with organization
Interrupting others frequently

Need immediate help?

If you're in crisis, call our 24/7 crisis line:

+1-800-615-0122

Treatment Options

Our comprehensive approach to treating adhd includes:

Comprehensive ADHD assessment

Stimulant and non-stimulant medications

Behavioral therapy and coaching

Parent training and education

School collaboration and IEP support

Organizational skills training

Related Services

Adult Mental Health Services Telehealth Options Crisis Stabilization

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication Management School-Based Services

Getting Started

Request Services First Visit Guide Insurance & Payment

Why Choose SHCMHC for ADHD Treatment?

58 Years of Experience

Trusted mental health care since 1968

Expert Team

Licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors

6 Convenient Locations

Serving Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ADHD diagnosed — is there a specific test?

There's no single definitive test. ADHD diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes clinical interviews with you (and parents, for children), rating scales completed by you and/or teachers or family members, review of developmental and academic history, and ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The process is thorough because accuracy matters — both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis have real consequences. Our evaluators take the time to get it right.

Can adults have ADHD?

Yes. ADHD is a lifelong neurological condition. Many adults who were never diagnosed as children — especially women, whose symptoms are often more subtle — first seek evaluation in adulthood when demands on focus and organization increase. Adult ADHD often looks different from childhood ADHD: less obvious hyperactivity, more internal restlessness, chronic underachievement, difficulty with deadlines and organization, and relationship strain. If you've always wondered why certain things feel harder for you than for others, an evaluation is worth considering.

Is ADHD medication safe?

Stimulant medications for ADHD (like Adderall or Ritalin) have been used for decades and have a strong safety record when prescribed and monitored appropriately. Non-stimulant options like Strattera or Intuniv are also available for people who can't tolerate stimulants. Like all medications, ADHD medications have potential side effects that your prescriber will discuss with you. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor for side effects and adjust dosing as needed.

My child was just diagnosed with ADHD — what services are available?

We offer behavioral therapy, parent coaching, and school collaboration services for children with ADHD. This includes working with schools on 504 Plans or IEPs, helping parents learn behavior management strategies, and providing individual therapy to help your child build coping and organizational skills. Medication may also be recommended depending on severity. We serve children through our Children's Outpatient and School-Based programs.

Do I need a referral to get an ADHD evaluation?

No referral is required to contact us. You can call us directly at any of our locations to schedule an initial assessment. If you have insurance, it's worth checking whether they require a referral from a primary care provider — some plans do. Our intake staff can help you navigate that process. If you're uninsured, we can discuss sliding-scale fee options.