ADHD Therapies in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting many children and teens in the Grand Rapids area. Kids with ADHD often have trouble concentrating, staying organized, and may be impulsive or overactive. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, but ADHD affects all genders and backgrounds.

In West Michigan, families can access ADHD evaluation and treatment through major health systems such as Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as private pediatric and mental health practices.

Effective ADHD treatment in Grand Rapids is highly individualized. A plan may include:

  • Medication
  • Educational support and school-based interventions
  • Behavioral management strategies
  • Psychological counseling
  • Family education and support
  • Coordination with local resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Schools

Medication for ADHD

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. In Grand Rapids, pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and family doctors frequently prescribe:

  • Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta)
  • Dexamphetamine / Dextroamphetamine
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

These medications affect levels of dopamine, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) involved in attention, motivation, and impulse control. By increasing dopamine in certain brain pathways, stimulants can:

  • Improve concentration and focus
  • Reduce hyperactive behavior
  • Decrease impulsivity

Not every child responds the same way. One child may do better on methylphenidate, while another responds better to dexamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine.

Short-Acting vs Long-Acting Stimulants

Doctors in Grand Rapids may prescribe:

  • Short-acting (immediate-release, IR) stimulants

    • Last about 3–4 hours
    • Examples: Ritalin IR, Dexamphetamine IR
    • Often taken 2–3 times per day

  • Long-acting (extended-release) stimulants

    • Designed to last through the school day or longer
    • Examples:
      • Ritalin LA (about 6–8 hours)
      • Concerta (about 10–12 hours)
      • Vyvanse (often 12+ hours)

Long-acting medications are often convenient for school-aged children in Grand Rapids, especially during busy days with classes, homework, and after-school activities.

Dosing and Medication Adjustments

Any changes to ADHD medications should be supervised by the prescribing clinician.

Typical steps include:

  • Starting with a low dose
  • Gradually increasing the dose over 3–4 weeks
  • Using half tablets or lower doses when needed
  • Monitoring attention, behavior, appetite, sleep, and mood

If there is no meaningful improvement after a careful trial (usually 3–4 weeks), the doctor may:

  • Stop that medication
  • Try a different stimulant (for example, switching from methylphenidate to dexamphetamine)
  • Consider a non-stimulant medication if needed

As children in Grand Rapids grow, their medication dose may need to be adjusted. Regular follow-up visits are important to keep treatment safe and effective.

Side Effects of Stimulant Medications

Common Short-Term Side Effects

Short-term side effects can include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Poor weight gain or mild weight loss
  • Difficulty falling asleep (delayed sleep onset)
  • Headaches
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry mouth

Less common side effects:

  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Irritability, nervousness, or mood changes
  • Worsening or new tics (repeated, involuntary movements or sounds)
  • Rarely, hallucinations or psychotic symptoms (seeing or hearing things that are not there, severe changes in thinking)

Because West Michigan winters can limit outdoor activity, decreased appetite and weight changes should be watched closely. Your child’s provider may:

  • Monitor height, weight, and blood pressure at each visit
  • Adjust the dose
  • Change the timing of medication
  • Switch to a different medication if side effects are problematic

Contact your Grand Rapids healthcare provider promptly if you notice severe mood changes, chest pain, or unusual thoughts or behaviors.

Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD

When stimulants are not effective or cause significant side effects, doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications, such as:

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • Guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv)
  • Clonidine (sometimes used for ADHD symptoms or sleep problems)

These medications may be especially helpful for children who also have:

  • Anxiety
  • Tics or Tourette syndrome
  • Significant sleep problems
  • Intolerable stimulant side effects

Dosing and side effects should always be reviewed with a Grand Rapids pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or family doctor.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Care in Grand Rapids

Children taking ADHD medication should have regular follow-up visits—typically at least every 6 months, and more often when starting or changing medications.

These check-ups usually include:

  • A review of ADHD symptoms at home and school
  • Input from parents, teachers, and sometimes school counselors
  • Monitoring of height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
  • Discussion of side effects, sleep, appetite, and mood
  • Adjustments to medication dose or timing if needed
  • Review of co-occurring issues such as:
    • Sleep difficulties (sometimes treated with melatonin or clonidine)
    • Anxiety or depression (may be treated with SSRIs or counseling)

Many families in Grand Rapids coordinate care between:

  • Their primary care provider (pediatrician or family doctor)
  • A child psychologist or psychiatrist
  • School staff, such as special education teachers or school psychologists

Non-Medication Therapies for ADHD

Medication is only one part of ADHD treatment. Research shows that combining medication with behavioral and educational interventions often leads to better outcomes.

In Grand Rapids, non-medication ADHD therapies may be available through:

  • Hospital-based behavioral health programs (Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Private counseling practices
  • School-based counseling and special education services
  • Community mental health resources

Educational Interventions

Schools in the Grand Rapids area, including Grand Rapids Public Schools and surrounding districts, can provide supports such as:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans
  • Preferential seating in the classroom
  • Extra time for tests or assignments
  • Breaks for movement
  • Organizational support (planners, checklists, visual schedules)

Parents can work with school staff to request an evaluation and create a plan tailored to their child’s needs.

Behavior Modification and Parent Training

Behavior modification focuses on changing behavior through consistent rewards and consequences. Research shows it works best when:

  • The child helps set goals and rewards
  • Parents and teachers use the same strategies at home and school
  • Positive reinforcement is emphasized

Effective behavior strategies include:

  • Clear, simple rules (e.g., “Use indoor voice,” “Raise your hand before speaking”)
  • Immediate, specific praise for good behavior
  • Reward systems (stickers, points, small privileges)
  • Consistent consequences for breaking rules (such as brief, calm time-outs)

Why Punishment Alone Does Not Work

Approaches that rely only on punishment—yelling, shaming, or harsh discipline—are usually not effective for ADHD and can increase:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem

The key is to reward and reinforce positive behavior much more often than punishing negative behavior.

Many Grand Rapids providers offer parent training programs that teach:

  • How to set realistic expectations
  • How to use time-out and other consequences effectively
  • How to balance rewards and limits
  • How to stay calm and consistent even during stressful moments

Cognitive Therapy and Anger Management

Cognitive therapy helps children develop better “thinking skills,” such as:

  • Problem-solving
  • Planning ahead
  • Self-control
  • Managing frustration

Therapists may use:

  • Role-playing to practice how to handle tough situations
  • Step-by-step problem-solving, for example:
    1. “Stop.”
    2. “What is the problem?”
    3. “What are my choices?”
    4. “What is the best plan?”
    5. “How did it work?”

This can be especially helpful for impulsive children who get angry quickly—something that can be challenging during long indoor months in Michigan winters.

Anger management and emotional regulation training may include:

  • Recognizing early signs of frustration (tight muscles, fast breathing)
  • Using coping skills (deep breathing, counting, taking a break)
  • Practicing calming self-talk (“I can handle this,” “I can try again”)
  • Learning relaxation techniques and stress management skills

Social Skills Training

Children with ADHD in Grand Rapids may struggle with friendships if they:

  • Interrupt others
  • Have trouble taking turns
  • Act aggressively or impulsively
  • Miss social cues

Social skills training can teach children how to:

  • Start and maintain a conversation
  • Take turns and share
  • Play cooperatively
  • Read body language and facial expressions
  • Maintain appropriate eye contact
  • Listen actively

Role-playing is often used to practice real-life situations, such as:

  • Joining a game at recess
  • Handling teasing or mild bullying
  • Asking to play or study together

Improving social skills can boost self-esteem and reduce isolation—important for kids during both the busy school year and less structured summer months in West Michigan.

Family Counseling and Support

ADHD affects the whole family. Family counseling in Grand Rapids can help:

  • Parents, siblings, and caregivers understand ADHD is a brain-based condition—not “bad parenting”
  • Family members learn how their reactions can either increase or decrease problem behaviors
  • Reduce household stress, conflict, and “expressed emotion”
  • Address any patterns of aggression or violence and create safer routines

Family counseling often focuses on:

  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving as a family
  • Setting consistent rules and routines
  • Anger management for both parents and children

Local support options may include:

  • ADHD-focused therapists and family counselors
  • Parent support groups (often through clinics, churches, or community centers)
  • Online and local resources coordinated through the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health programs

Reading reputable books about ADHD and connecting with other parents can also be very helpful.

Diet, Supplements, and Alternative Therapies

Some families in Grand Rapids consider diet changes or supplements for ADHD. Current research shows:

  • A small number of children may have mild improvement with specific dietary changes, but diet alone is not recommended as routine treatment.
  • Large doses of vitamins or “mega-vitamin” therapy are not supported by strong evidence and can be unsafe.
  • Some people believe food allergies or sensitivities cause ADHD; however, this is not proven for most children.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) have received attention because some children with ADHD appear to have lower omega-3 levels. Studies show:

  • Increasing omega-3 intake may modestly improve behavior and attention in some children
  • Results are mixed; not all studies show benefits

If you are considering dietary changes or supplements:

  • Talk with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before changing your child’s diet or starting supplements.
  • Be cautious with unproven “natural” or alternative therapies advertised online or in the community.

Local ADHD Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

Families in the Grand Rapids area can seek help for ADHD from:

  • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
    • Often the first step for evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management
  • Pediatric neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists
    • Available through Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and private practices
  • School-based services
    • School psychologists, counselors, and special education teams
  • Kent County Health Department & local public health programs
    • May provide information on community mental health resources and support
  • Community mental health centers and private counselors
    • Offer therapy, parent training, and social skills groups

Ask your provider for referrals to ADHD specialists and local parent support networks.

Key Points About ADHD Therapies in Grand Rapids

  • ADHD treatment should be tailored to each child, considering symptoms, age, school needs, and family situation.
  • Stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine) are the most commonly used medications and can quickly improve ADHD symptoms.
  • Medication alone is often not enough; combining it with behavioral therapy, educational support, and family counseling usually leads to better long-term outcomes.
  • The main short-term side effects of stimulant medications are decreased appetite and poor weight gain, along with possible sleep and mood changes.
  • Children on ADHD medication should have regular check-ups (at least every six months) to review behavior, growth, side effects, and overall progress.
  • Grand Rapids families have access to a wide range of ADHD resources through local hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are concerned that your child may have ADHD, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or family doctor. Early evaluation and a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan can make a significant difference in your child’s success at home, at school, and in the community.