Finding the right ADHD therapist in Lisbon means looking for a professional who understands the specific executive function, emotional regulation, and focus challenges you face, often through a neurodiverse-affirming lens. The best fit is less about a specific clinic and more about the practitioner’s qualifications, their approach (like CBT or coaching), and whether they resonate with your personal experience as an expat or local. This involves checking their credentials with the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) and finding someone who aligns with your needs.
This guide ranks Lisbon’s ADHD support options based on their specializations, the variety of therapeutic approaches offered, and their experience with the international community. We analyzed qualifications, client reviews, and the accessibility of services (both online and in-person) to create this list, focusing on practitioners who offer culturally sensitive and evidence-based care for adults with ADHD in Lisbon.
Drª Paula Santos (Psiworks)
Drª Paula Santos is a neuropsychologist who stands out for her deep specialization in adult ADHD assessment and intervention. Working out of Psiworks in Lisbon, her approach is clinical and diagnostic, which is crucial for anyone seeking an official diagnosis to access accommodations or medication management pathways in Portugal. She combines neuropsychological evaluation with therapeutic strategies tailored to the cognitive profile of ADHD.
- Best for: Individuals seeking a formal ADHD diagnosis or neuropsychological assessment.
- Watch out for: Her focus is more on assessment and diagnosis than long-term behavioral coaching.
Emanuelle Fehr Vieira De Paula
Based in Lisbon, Emanuelle Fehr Vieira De Paula is a Clinical Psychologist with a dedicated focus on ADHD. Her practice is built around creating a supportive therapeutic relationship to explore the emotional and psychological impacts of living with ADHD. This can be particularly helpful for those dealing with co-occurring anxiety or depression, which are common with ADHD. She works to help clients understand their neurotype and develop coping mechanisms that fit their life.
- Best for: Individuals needing therapy that addresses the emotional and psychological side of ADHD.
- Watch out for: May be less focused on purely practical skills-based coaching.
Shira Ram, LCSW
Shira Ram is a Lisbon-based therapist specializing in ADHD, particularly within the context of her work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her background often means she takes a holistic view, considering environmental and social factors that affect an individual’s well-being. This perspective is invaluable for expats or those navigating complex life transitions while also managing ADHD symptoms. Her office is in São Domingos de Rana, making her a good option for those in the greater Lisbon area.
- Best for: Expats and individuals who want a therapist that considers social and environmental contexts.
- Watch out for: Her location is slightly outside the city center, which might be a commute for some.
ADHD Coaching with Journey Lightly
As an alternative or supplement to therapy, specialized ADHD coaching focuses on practical, real-world skills and strategies. Journey Lightly provides neurodiverse-affirming coaching for clients in Lisbon and across Europe. Our approach, delivered online by Amalia Sirica, is designed to help you build systems for executive dysfunction, manage hyperfocus, and navigate the world without masking. It’s collaborative and goal-oriented, focusing on building sustainable habits. Our ADHD coaching sessions start from 60€.
- Best for: Adults seeking practical, online coaching to build executive function skills.
- Watch out for: This is a coaching service, not clinical therapy for diagnosis or medication management.
The goal isn’t to ‘fix’ a deficit. It’s to understand your unique brain wiring and build a life that works with it, not against it.
Drs. Enikö Hajas Psychotherapy for Expats in Portugal
Drs. Enikö Hajas runs a practice specifically geared towards the expat community in Lisbon, which is a significant advantage for international residents. While not exclusively an ADHD clinic, the practice addresses issues commonly faced by neurodivergent individuals in a foreign country, such as adaptation stress, anxiety, and identity issues. Understanding the cultural context of being an expat is a key part of their therapeutic model, making it a strong choice for those new to Portugal.
- Best for: Expats and international residents dealing with life transitions alongside their ADHD.
- Watch out for: ADHD may be one of several specializations rather than the sole focus.
Siobhán Sheil
Siobhán Sheil is another therapist in Lisbon who has a strong connection with the expat community. Her work often involves helping clients navigate the personal and professional challenges of living abroad. For someone with ADHD, this can mean addressing how executive function challenges are amplified by the stress of cultural adaptation, language barriers, and building a new social network. Her approach tends to be integrative, drawing from different modalities to suit the client.
- Best for: English-speaking expats seeking a therapist who understands the international experience.
- Watch out for: Verify her specific experience level with adult ADHD if you need highly specialized support.
Integrative and Arts-Based Approaches
For some, traditional talk therapy isn’t the most effective route. Practitioners like Sara Gomes da Silva, an Integrative Psychotherapist and Art Therapist in Lisbon, offer alternatives. Art therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD, allowing for non-verbal expression and processing of emotions. This can help bypass the executive function-heavy demands of talk therapy and tap into a different way of thinking and feeling. It’s an excellent option for those who are more creative or find it difficult to articulate their experiences verbally.
- Best for: Creative individuals or those who have found talk therapy to be limiting.
- Watch out for: Less focus on structured, CBT-style skill-building for executive functions.
Comparison of ADHD Support in Lisbon
| Provider/Type | Best For | Primary Approach | Location Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drª Paula Santos | Formal Diagnosis | Neuropsychological Assessment | Lisbon |
| Emanuelle F. V. De Paula | Emotional/Psychological Support | Clinical Psychology | Lisbon |
| Shira Ram, LCSW | Expats, Holistic View | Social Work & Therapy | Greater Lisbon Area |
| Journey Lightly | Practical Skills Coaching | ADHD Coaching (Online) | Lisbon & Europe |
| Drs. Enikö Hajas | Expats & Life Transitions | Psychotherapy | Lisbon |
| Siobhán Sheil | Expats seeking integration | Integrative Therapy | Lisbon |
| Sara Gomes da Silva | Creative Expression | Art Therapy, Integrative | Lisbon |
FAQ
How much does ADHD therapy cost in Lisbon?
The cost of private ADHD therapy in Lisbon can vary significantly. You might expect to pay anywhere from €50 to over €150 per session, depending on the therapist’s qualifications and specialization. For example, our ADHD coaching at Journey Lightly starts from 60€ per session. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees, and it’s always worth inquiring. Public options exist through the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), but wait times can be long and access to specialized ADHD care is limited.
Do I need an official diagnosis to get ADHD therapy in Lisbon?
You do not need an official diagnosis to seek therapy or coaching for ADHD-related challenges. Many professionals, especially coaches, work with clients based on their self-identified symptoms like executive dysfunction or emotional dysregulation. However, if you want to explore medication, an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist or qualified neuropsychologist, like those registered with the Ordem dos Médicos, is required.
What is the difference between ADHD therapy and ADHD coaching?
Therapy, often conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist, delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of ADHD. It can help address co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression and heal past trauma related to being neurodivergent. ADHD coaching, as offered by Journey Lightly, is more action-oriented and focuses on building practical skills. A coach helps you create systems and strategies to manage executive function challenges in your daily life.
Can I find English-speaking ADHD therapists in Lisbon?
Yes, Lisbon has a growing number of English-speaking therapists to serve its large international community. Many practitioners, including those listed above like Siobhán Sheil and Drs. Enikö Hajas, specifically cater to expats. Directories like the International Therapist Directory are a good resource. When you contact a potential therapist, simply confirm they offer sessions in English.
What qualifications should I look for in an ADHD specialist?
Look for professionals registered with the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) for psychologists or the Ordem dos Médicos for psychiatrists. Relevant titles include Psicólogo Clínico (Clinical Psychologist), Neuropsicólogo (Neuropsychologist), or Psiquiatra (Psychiatrist). For coaching, look for certifications from reputable ADHD coaching organizations. Most importantly, look for a neurodiverse-affirming approach, which respects ADHD as a difference in brain wiring rather than a deficit to be cured.
Are online ADHD therapy and coaching effective?
Yes, for many people, online therapy and coaching are just as effective as in-person sessions, and sometimes more so. The convenience can be a major benefit for individuals with ADHD, reducing the executive function load of commuting and scheduling. A 2022 study on telepsychology found high rates of patient satisfaction. It allows you to access specialists, like our Europe-wide coaching services, regardless of your specific location in Lisbon.
What does ‘neurodiverse-affirming’ mean in therapy?
Neurodiverse-affirming therapy means the practitioner views neurological differences like ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD as natural variations of the human brain, not as disorders to be fixed. This approach, which we practice at Journey Lightly, focuses on building self-acceptance, identifying strengths, and developing strategies that work with your neurotype. It rejects the idea of forcing neurodivergent individuals to conform to neurotypical standards.
