How to Become a Certified ADHD Coach in the UK

Becoming a certified ADHD coach in the UK involves specialized training, certification, and practical experience to help individuals with ADHD manage their challenges effectively. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about ADHD coaching from training to certification, marketing, and growing your coaching business.

What is ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching is a specialized form of life coaching designed to help individuals with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develop strategies for focus, time management, organization, and emotional regulation.

If you are considering a career in ADHD coaching, it is essential to start by assessing your passion for working with neurodivergent individuals. For many ADHD coaches, their passion is driven by personal experiences, whether they have ADHD themselves or know someone who does.

How Do You Know ADHD Coaching Is Right for You?

Here’s what Amy Cocksedge, an ADHD UK Ambassador, has to say about her experience with ADHD:

“I was diagnosed with ADHD aged 23. During school, I felt like I was having to work ten times harder than everyone else, and I couldn’t understand why. In driving lessons, I struggled to notice street signs because I was so preoccupied with focusing on the road. I never really felt like I belonged either, I felt like I had to mask who I really am.

Since my diagnosis I feel like I’ve found the missing piece of my identity, and it’s helped my self esteem so much. I want to advocate for people with ADHD, to help them reach support, and to help them focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses, I want to help make a positive difference”.

Not everyone’s passion for ADHD coaching stems from personal experience like Amy’s and that’s perfectly okay! If you’re wondering whether this path is right for you, take a moment to reflect on these key questions:

• Are you naturally patient and non judgmental when others struggle with focus, organization, or time management?

• Do you enjoy listening to people's challenges and helping them find solutions? OR

• Do you find fulfillment in helping individuals with ADHD unlock their full potential?

You are on the right path if you answered yes to any of the above questions. This is because ADHD coaching provides tailored strategies to help clients manage symptoms, improve productivity, and enhance their overall quality of life; all of which requires you to have the traits highlighted in the assessment questions above to successfully Coach ADHD individuals.

Now that you have assessed your passion, let's walk through the step by step guide to becoming an ADHD Coach in the UK.

Step-by-Step Guide to ADHD Coaching Success in the UK

Step 1: Get ADHD Coaching Training

While having a passion for ADHD is essential in becoming an ADHD Coach in the UK, enrolling in an ADHD course will help you gain structured knowledge and practical skills for working with clients. This help to build the client's trust in your credibility and effectiveness to proffering solutions. There are a number of paid and free courses on ADHD. If this is a career path for you, you may want to consider enrolling for one or more of the courses. Here are a list of top courses for you:

Top ADHD Coaching Courses (Paid & Free)

Paid ADHD Coaching Courses:

1. ADHD Works Coaching Program – A comprehensive, structured program for aspiring ADHD coaches.

2. Centre of Excellence ADHD Coaching Diploma – Covers key coaching models, goal-setting, and strategies for daily management.

3. International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACTcenter) – The only ICF-accredited ADHD Life Coaching program.

Free ADHD Coaching Courses:

1. ADHD Awareness Course (Centre of Excellence) – A beginner-friendly course covering ADHD basics.

2. Understanding ADHD (Open University) – A great introduction to ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

3. Gold Mind Academy ADHD Coaching – A free, structured self study ADHD coaching course.

Step 2: Get Certified

Organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC) offer recognized certificates, which are highly recommended for proving your credibility as an ADHD coach. Most clients trust certified ADHD coaches, so investing in certification is crucial for career success.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

This is where you build a strong portfolio as an ADHD coach. You may struggle with having a vast client base when all you have to show for your expertise is the formal training and certification you’ve acquired. While certification is valuable, clients are more likely to trust and recommend you if you have proven experience. To do this, you may want to consider volunteering with ADHD organizations and offer free coaching to community groups supporting ADHD individuals. You can also look into joining ADHD support groups and engage with communities like ADHD UK to understand real life challenges and Provide free coaching sessions to gain testimonials and case studies for future clients.

Step 4: Create a Professional Coaching Website

This is where you network with potential clients and attract new clients!. This stage can be pretty exciting as it holds you out as a professional ADHD specialist by showcasing your expertise in a digital storefront. Setting up a professional coaching website is not rocket science. You can set up your coaching website easily by following the steps below:

Setting Up A Professional Coaching Website (Easily!)

• Use Minipod

While there are many website builders available, Minipod offers a sleek ready made coaching website that is not just mobile responsive, but is also fully integrated with bookings and payment. Unlike generic website builders like Wix or WordPress, which require multiple plugins for booking, payments, and client management, Minipod is an all-in-one coaching solution. It eliminates the need for third-party integrations, making it simpler and more efficient for ADHD coaches. By setting up your Professional Coaching Website with Minipod, you will be getting:

• Instant, Ready-to-Use Coaching Website – No web design experience required.

• Built-in Booking & Scheduling System – Clients can book sessions directly on your site without needing external tools.

• Seamless Payment Integration – Accept payments instantly without setting up separate payment gateways.

• Client Management Features – Track sessions, manage client notes, and send reminders. All within one platform!

Step 5: Market Your ADHD Coaching Business

Marketing, if done rightly, can help you attract potential clients. For Effective marketing best practices, you can build a strong social Media Presence by sharing ADHD tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. You may also want to consider leveraging guest blogging & podcasts as well as contributing to ADHD related platforms like ADDitude Magazine.

Step 6: Continue Professional Development

Just as the world is constantly evolving, so is ADHD coaching. You'll need to be ever learning to be both correct and current in your coaching practice to succeed as an ADHD Coach in the UK. To do this, you have to stay updated by keeping up with the latest research and best practices in ADHD coaching. Follow publications like ADHD Foundation, attend conferences and Join events like the ADHD Coaches Organization Annual Conference. Also, take advanced courses specialize in areas like ADHD coaching for Students of ADHD and executive function skills.

Here is a quick reason as to why continuous learning matters: Let’s consider the tweet below

“According to the NHS ADHD Guidelines psychiatrists need 13 years of training to diagnose ADHD, yet some ADHD coaches claim expertise after a 4-week course”

This disparity raises skepticism among individuals seeking qualified ADHD support, and clients often demand proof of credibility. While you don’t need 13 years of training to coach ADHD individuals, you need to keep refining your coaching skills to stand out and reassure potential clients of your expertise in ADHD coaching.

Start Your ADHD Coaching Career Today!

Becoming a certified ADHD coach in the UK is an impactful and rewarding career whether driven by passion or personal experience. By following the six steps above, you are on your way to becoming a successful ADHD coach in the UK.

FAQs About ADHD Coaching in the UK

Q1: How long does it take to become an ADHD coach?

Most ADHD coaching programs take between 6-12 months, depending on the training level.

Q2: How much do ADHD coaches earn in the UK?

ADHD coaches in the UK typically earn between £40-£150 per hour, depending on their experience and management.

Q3: Do I need a medical background to become an ADHD coach?

No. ADHD coaches are not medical professionals but trained specialists who help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and time management.

Q4: What’s the difference between an ADHD coach and a therapist?

Therapists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions while ADHD coaches help clients with practical strategies to improve focus, time management, and productivity.

Q5: Can I become an ADHD coach if I have ADHD?

Yes! Many successful ADHD coaches have ADHD themselves, making them relatable and effective in coaching clients with similar experiences.