Photo of Psychological Services Center @ CIIS, Psychologist in 94109, CA
Psychological Services Center @ CIIS
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Are you experiencing a life transition, job change, or relationship break up? Perhaps you are feeling lonely or disconnected from the world around you. Having a professional to talk to during such times can be a great relief. PSC is a community mental health clinic providing psychotherapy to the San Francisco Bay Area community since 1997. We train California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Clinical Psychology (PsyD) doctoral students. Our aim is to provide competent, compassionate, and affordable therapy to clients facing a diverse range of issues.
Are you experiencing a life transition, job change, or relationship break up? Perhaps you are feeling lonely or disconnected from the world around you. Having a professional to talk to during such times can be a great relief. PSC is a community mental health clinic providing psychotherapy to the San Francisco Bay Area community since 1997. We train California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Clinical Psychology (PsyD) doctoral students. Our aim is to provide competent, compassionate, and affordable therapy to clients facing a diverse range of issues.
(415) 237-2520 View (415) 237-2520
Photo of Tonya Dowding, Psychologist in 94109, CA
Tonya Dowding
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
I find it effective to combine behavioral solutions with depth work. Since the unconscious ripples into all aspects of life, I have found that relational therapy addressing unconscious motives can help with most psychological difficulties. In addition to working with individuals, couples & families, I am adjunct faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies where I teach in the Masters in Counseling Psychology Department and Psychological Services Clinic.
I find it effective to combine behavioral solutions with depth work. Since the unconscious ripples into all aspects of life, I have found that relational therapy addressing unconscious motives can help with most psychological difficulties. In addition to working with individuals, couples & families, I am adjunct faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies where I teach in the Masters in Counseling Psychology Department and Psychological Services Clinic.
(628) 333-6616 View (628) 333-6616
ADHD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for ADHD?

You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.

How does treatment for ADHD work?

Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.

Are there specific medications for ADHD?

Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.

How long does treatment for ADHD take?

It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.