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Multimodal Care

An Important Update about the Penn Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program

Dr. J. Russell Ramsay, founding clinical director, retired from the University of Pennsylvania in June, 2023. This change precipitated the transition of the comprehensive Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, which has long been regarded as the gold standard in adult ADHD care, to a smaller set of offerings under the rubric of our Outpatient Psychiatry Center (OPC).

Dr. Shazia Savul and a team of psychiatry residents continue to provide evaluations for ADHD and offer medication management through our ADHD General Adult Psychiatry (ADHD-GAP) Clinic and Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic (OPC).

Lisa Joy Tuttle, MA, BCC, still offers coaching and psychoeducation through her popular Mindful Self-Management^(R)executive skills group coaching program.

Since Dr. Ramsay's departure, ADHD-focused cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is no longer an option, however generic CBT and supportive psychotherapy may be requested by calling 215-746-6701. When you speak with our call center representative, please specify your interest in addressing adult ADHD.

Individuals who would like to pursue ADHD-focused CBT in the Philadelphia area are advised to inquire with Lauren Truskey, PsyD, at Diversified Psychological Services (https://diversifiedpsych.com) and Avery Ducey, PsyD, at PeaceTree Counseling and Consulting (www.Peacetreecc.com). Drs. Truskey and Ducey were both trained under the supervision of Dr. Ramsay at the Penn Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program.

Dr. Ramsay can be contacted at cbt4adhd.com.

Multimodal Care

Because ADHD affects each person differently, what works best for most patients is a combination of approaches custom tailored to individual needs, including the following:

Education - An individual diagnosed with ADHD should become knowledgeable about its effects. We answer patients' questions and direct them to publications and websites with scientifically sound information. Part of ADHD management involves developing a personalized understanding of the effects of ADHD on one's day-to-day life.
Medications - Many individuals experience improvements in their symptoms from medications, particularly stimulants. We may prescribe other medications if the stimulants are inappropriate, ineffective, or if there are additional problems that could respond to a combination of medications. Of course, the decision of whether to pursue medications, ruling out any contraindications, and then deciding on an appropriate treatment regimen is a collaborative decision between the physician and patient.
Supportive Psychotherapy - Although ADHD is conceptualized as neurobiological in nature, living with its effects can create many accompanying problems, such as depressed mood, anxiety, or substance abuse. While medications may improve ADHD symptoms, many persons have problems changing chronic behavior patterns such as those related to procrastination and poor time management. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on changing specific thinking and behavior patterns may be an important part of treatment for those with ADHD.
Coaching and Group Programs - Individual executive skills coaching and the Mindful Self-Management^® group coaching program provide a specific focus on many of the essential strategies and mindsets emphasized in individual CBT, with the group program offering the benefit of learning in a community of other adults seeking the same skills. (See the Coaching and Group Programs sections of this site.)
Other Approaches - Depending on a person's unique circumstances, we will provide outside referrals for support services such as academic support services, vocational counseling, coaching, and/or participation in a support group.

Adult ADHD services are conducted by senior clinical staff or by advanced clinicians-in-training closely supervised by senior clinical staff.

Our founders Drs. Rostain and Ramsay have published widely on their treatment approach in books, professional articles, and case studies, and articles written for lay publications. Refer to the Who We Are section of this site for some articles and videos by Drs. Rostain and Ramsay.