About Us Our Impact A Different Approach to ADHD

Loud and proud

A Different Approach to ADHD

How Ryan — and his family — moved from stigma and self-doubt to celebration.

Ryan’s Story

Ryan’s parents first began to wonder if he had ADHD when he was in first grade. From the moment he woke up, he had boundless energy and a hard time focusing. It felt nearly impossible to get through the day, and his parents worried about how Ryan was doing in the classroom. It wasn’t long before he started exhibiting symptoms of anxiety, too, which is common in kids with ADHD.

“In school, it was hard to focus and pay attention… I was randomly moving around, and it was hard to stay still.”

– Ryan, Child Mind Institute Patient

More Than Medication

Ryan’s family received referrals to specialists who recommended medication, but a prescription felt like it was only one piece of the full puzzle. His parents wanted tools and tactics for their whole family to manage Ryan’s symptoms and support each other.

The Missing Piece

At the Child Mind Institute, Ryan’s family found that missing piece. Not only was Ryan getting the individualized support he needed, but the weekly sessions his parents attended allowed them to talk to someone who understood what they were going through. They had found a community where the goal wasn’t just to help Ryan succeed in school, but also to equip them with the tools to manage life beyond the classroom.

“It’s very easy when you have a child like this to feel like you’re failing them or you’re not doing a good job … So when you come to a place like this, and you’re given these resources, you [realize], I’m not a bad parent.”

– Ryan’s Mom

From Shame to Superpower

With the support of Dr. William Benson, Ryan’s therapist, and the rest of their team, Ryan’s parents felt seen and heard. They weren’t failing, and neither was Ryan — they just needed what Ryan’s dad calls a framework to understand and support each other.

Today, Ryan thinks of his ADHD and anxiety as part of who he is, but not something that defines him. “It can sometimes be a superpower, if you use it correctly,” says Ryan. “It’s not really something you should be ashamed about.”

Support Children's Mental Health

We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your support helps ensure no child struggles alone. Donate today to help more kids and families get the care they need.

Donate Now

About Your Donation

About the Child Mind Institute

Millions of children – as many as 1 in 5 – struggle with mental health or learning challenges. Fully 70% of U.S. counties do not have a single child and adolescent psychiatrist. Due to stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to care, the average time between onset of symptoms and any treatment at all is over 8 years. Our children deserve better.

That’s why the Child Mind Institute was created.

We’re dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.

Together, we truly can transform children’s lives.

Donation Match

To find out if your employer will match your donation and for other enquiries, please contact our development team via phone 646.779.1779 or email developmentinfo@childmind.org.

Donate Now

Donation Information

Child Mind Institute is a tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 80-0478843) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Every donation made to the Child Mind Institute is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We do not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.

Donor Privacy Policy

We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by the Child Mind Institute, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.

The Child Mind Institute comprises a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Child Mind Institute, Inc., and two clinical programs, Child Mind Medical Practice, PLLC and Child Mind Medical Practice, PC. Donations to the Child Mind Institute are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Child Mind Institute does not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Upon request, a copy of our latest annual report can be obtained by contacting the Child Mind Institute at Attention: Development Office, 215 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022 or by contacting the Charities Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

More Ways to Support Children's Mental Health

Explore more ways you can support the Child Mind Institute and our mission to transform children’s mental health. From donations by check to giving through your employer, we offer a variety of giving options to fit your preference.

Learn More

More Ways the Child Mind Institute is Transforming Lives

How a Landmark Study is Giving Families Answers

The Child Mind Institute's Healthy Brain Network gave a mother the answers she needed to help her daughter.

Helping Teachers Help Our Kids

The Child Mind Institute is giving teachers tools and resources to support their students in the most helpful and effective way possible.

Together, Maria and Janine are Showing Up for Students

Our School and Community Programs team is providing direct care for high-need students and empowering educators and school counselors.

Our Impact

See how we're transforming the lives of children and families – at home, in school, online, and wherever we’re needed most.