---
title: "Psychiatrist or Psychologist for ADHD? Who to See First"
heading: "Psychiatrist or Psychologist for ADHD?"
url: https://drvohras.com/guides/psychiatrist-or-psychologist-for-adhd
language: en-IN
author: "Dr Vohra's"
updated: 2026-10-21
license: "Page text: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)."
---

# Psychiatrist or Psychologist for ADHD?

This is the markdown version of https://drvohras.com/guides/psychiatrist-or-psychologist-for-adhd, a page of Dr Vohra's, a psychiatry and psychology clinic in New Delhi. It is information, not medical advice; the clinic's contact details are at the end.

For ADHD, see a psychiatrist first if you want a diagnosis that can lead to medication, because only a medical doctor can prescribe. A clinical psychologist can also assess ADHD and is the right person for skills-based therapy, coaching, and school or workplace strategies. At Dr Vohra's the two work together: the psychiatrist (Dr. Aditya Vohra for ADHD) confirms the diagnosis and manages medication; psychologists deliver the therapy and parent or school guidance.

Dr Vohra's · Updated 21 October 2026

## What each professional does

A psychiatrist (MBBS, MD or DNB in Psychiatry) diagnoses ADHD, rules out look-alikes (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, learning disability), prescribes and monitors medication, and treats co-occurring conditions. A clinical psychologist (MPhil or PhD, RCI-registered) does structured psychological assessment, including cognitive and attention testing where useful, and provides CBT, coaching, parent training and school liaison. Neither needs a referral from the other.

## Children and teenagers

Start with a child psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist experienced with children; the assessment uses parent and teacher rating scales, school reports and observation. If medication is being considered, the psychiatrist is needed; the first stimulant prescription must be in person under Indian telemedicine rules.

## Adults

Adults often reach a psychologist first for procrastination or anxiety and are then referred for ADHD assessment. Where symptoms date to childhood and affect work and relationships, a psychiatric assessment is worthwhile because medication, if appropriate, changes things quickly.

## Frequently asked questions

- **Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD in India?**: A clinical psychologist can assess and give a psychological diagnosis; medication requires a psychiatrist.
- **Do I need both?**: Many people do best with both: medication from a psychiatrist and skills work with a psychologist. Dr Vohra's provides both in one clinic.
- **How do I book at Dr Vohra's?**: Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. In person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online across India.
- **What if this is an emergency?**: Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (24x7, free) or 112. Dr Vohra's is not an emergency service.

## Book a consultation

Call [+91 99992 49223](tel:+919999249223), email [help@drvohras.com](mailto:help@drvohras.com), or visit us at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008. Online consultations are available across India in English and Hindi.

[Explore Clinical Care](https://drvohras.com/clinical)[Take the Stressometer](https://drvohras.com/screening)

## Sources

- [NIMH: ADHD](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd)

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS [14416](tel:14416), KIRAN [1800-599-0019](tel:18005990019) or Emergency services [112](tel:112). Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. Dr Vohra's is not a crisis or emergency service.