Not all ADHD coaches are the same. ADHD coaching is a relatively young field, and the quality and approach varies significantly between practitioners. Here is what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find the right fit in Perth or online across Australia.
Not all ADHD coaches are the same, and finding the right fit makes a significant difference to outcomes. ADHD coaching is a relatively young field, and the quality and approach varies significantly between practitioners. Knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and where to search will help you find a coach who is genuinely qualified and a good match for your needs.
What Is an ADHD Coach?
An ADHD coach is a professional who works with people with ADHD (or ADHD traits) to develop practical strategies for managing executive function challenges: things like time management, task initiation, organisation, and follow-through.
ADHD coaching is not therapy. It does not explore the past or address emotional wounds. It is practical, skills-based, and action-oriented. A good ADHD coach will help you build systems that work for your specific brain, provide accountability, and support you in developing the habits that make daily life more manageable.
What Qualifications Should an ADHD Coach Have?
ADHD coaching is not a regulated profession in Australia, which means anyone can call themselves an ADHD coach. This makes qualifications and professional memberships particularly important.
Look for:
Certification from a recognised coaching body. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most widely recognised professional body for coaches globally. ICF-certified coaches have completed accredited training and are bound by a professional code of ethics.
Specific ADHD coaching training. General coaching training does not cover the specific knowledge required to work effectively with ADHD. Look for coaches who have completed specific ADHD coaching training, such as the programmes offered by the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA) or the ADHD Coaches Organisation (ACO).
Membership of the AADPA. The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) is Australia's peak professional body for ADHD practitioners. Membership requires demonstrated qualifications and adherence to professional standards. The AADPA directory is a good starting point for finding qualified coaches in Australia.
Teaching or education background. For coaches working with students, a background in education is a significant advantage. It means the coach understands how schools work, what teachers expect, and how to bridge the gap between home and school.
What Questions Should You Ask a Potential Coach?
Before committing to a coaching relationship, ask:
- What training and qualifications do you have in ADHD coaching specifically?
- Are you a member of the AADPA or the ICF?
- What experience do you have working with people in my situation (adult, student, workplace)?
- What does a typical coaching engagement look like?
- How do you measure progress?
- What happens if the approach is not working?
A good coach will answer these questions clearly and without defensiveness. They will also ask you questions about your situation and goals, rather than immediately pitching their services.
Where Do You Find ADHD Coaches in Perth?
The AADPA directory (aadpa.com.au) lists ADHD-informed professionals across Australia. You can filter by location and specialty.
The ICF directory (coachingfederation.org) lists ICF-certified coaches globally. You can search by location and specialty.
The AADPA directory lists ADHD-informed professionals across Australia, including coaches in Western Australia.
Word of mouth. If you know other people with ADHD in Perth, ask who they have worked with and what their experience was.
Is Online or In-Person Coaching Better?
Most ADHD coaching is now available online, and many people find online coaching as effective as in-person coaching. Online coaching offers greater flexibility, access to coaches who are not geographically local, and the ability to have sessions from home.
In-person coaching may be preferable if you find it easier to build rapport face-to-face, or if you have significant difficulties with technology. Sessions at Focus Collective are available online Australia wide, or in-person in Perth.
A Coaching Example
A pattern I often see is someone who has worked with a general life coach without getting the results they were hoping for. The previous coaching was not unhelpful, but it did not address the specific executive function challenges that were causing the most difficulty. The coaching work focuses on ADHD-specific strategies for time management and task initiation, which address the underlying executive function challenges rather than general goal-setting.
Key takeaways
- ADHD coaching is not a regulated profession in Australia, so qualifications and professional memberships matter significantly.
- Look for coaches with specific ADHD training, ICF certification, and AADPA membership.
- The AADPA directory is the best starting point for finding qualified ADHD coaches in Australia.
- Online coaching is as effective as in-person coaching for most people and offers greater flexibility.
- A free initial consultation is a good way to assess whether a coach is the right fit before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ADHD coaching cost in Perth? Costs vary depending on the coach's qualifications and experience. If you are employed and have an ADHD diagnosis, you may be eligible for the JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund. You pay for each session and then claim the cost back, up to $1,770 per year. You can apply by calling 1800 464 800 without telling your employer. See our post on JobAccess ADHD coaching in WA for the full process.
Do I need a diagnosis to work with an ADHD coach? No. Many coaches work with people who suspect ADHD or are in the assessment pipeline. Coaching can be useful regardless of diagnostic status.
How long does a coaching engagement typically last? Most coaching engagements run three to six months, with weekly or fortnightly sessions. Some people continue beyond this, particularly if they are working on multiple areas of their life.
What is the difference between an ADHD coach and a psychologist? A psychologist is a registered health professional who can diagnose, assess, and treat mental health conditions. An ADHD coach is not a health professional and does not diagnose or treat. Coaching is practical and skills-based; psychology is clinical and therapeutic. Many people benefit from both, working with a psychologist on the emotional dimensions of ADHD and a coach on the practical ones.
Related posts: What to Expect in an ADHD Coaching Session (Perth and WA) | ADHD Coaching vs Therapy: What Is the Difference? | JobAccess ADHD Coaching in WA
Find out more: ADHD coaching for adults | Book a free 15-minute chat
Last reviewed: October 2026
Written by Sophie Berry
Registered teacher (25+ years in education) and certified ADHD coach, Focus Collective, Perth WA.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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